1Peter 4: 12-19…Suffering as a Christian.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Comment: There are many things that cause us to suffer – illness, war, family breakdown etc. But in this passage Peter is talking about suffering as a Christian, because you are a Christian. And this is the experience of many around the world today. He emphatically states that Christians should not bring suffering upon themselves by being evil. To do that would dishonour the God they claim to serve.

Rather he says:

• Expect to be ‘on the outer’ for many of this world. They reject Jesus, they may well reject you.
• Rejoice that you can follow in the way of Jesus, and there will be future rejoicing also when Christ comes in His glory.
• Stand tall if you suffer as a Christian. Count it an honour to suffer for Jesus’ sake.
• The Judge will judge. Christians. although His children. will still be judged. If they are to be judged, what will, he asks, happen to those who reject Jesus. This latter group are depending on their own goodness before God and they aren’t good when seen in the light of God’s goodness. Christians are responsible but their badness is forgiven because of the Cross of Jesus. But now, as mentioned above, goodness is to be their goal.
• Trust God and get on with doing good, even if you suffer unjustly because you are a follower of Jesus.

Prayer: Your standards are high, O God, help me in Your provided strength aim high!