In our first talk in this series we did a quick survey of Peter’s letter and showed that its main theme is suffering now but future glory. Today’s passage summarises all his teaching so far on this important theme.
Let’s read the passage together
1 Peter 4:12-19
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.
Six points:
1: Christians should not be surprised if they suffer
12 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.
2: Suffering can be God’s will
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
3: The suffering Peter is talking about is suffering for being a Christian, not suffering for doing wrong
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
4: As Christians we should rejoice when suffering for Christ
Because we are sharing in his sufferings
And will share in his glory.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
NB
Rejoice now… rejoice in the future
Glory now 14… glory in the future 13
5: Suffering for Christ should be seen as a blessing
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
6: Suffering for Christ is nothing compared with the suffering of those who reject the gospel
17 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?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”