The Epistles of Peter Jude Lesson 11 Suffering
- Slides: 6
The Epistles of Peter & Jude Lesson 11: Suffering to the Glory of God (1 Peter 4: 12 -19) “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. ” -- 1 Peter 4: 16
Suffering to the Glory of God -- The Fiery Trial (1 Peter 4: 12 -13) • “Do not think it strange!” – Don’t “be shocked” (Thayer) that you must endure fiery trial! (cf. 1: 6 -7; James 1: 2, 10; 2 Tim. 3: 12) • The word translated “fiery trial” (πυρω σει puro sei) occurs only here and in Revelation 18: 9 &18. • “Rejoice!” – You get to partake of Christ’s sufferings! (Colossians 1: 24; Philippians 1: 29) – When He returns you will be very glad you did! (Matthew 5: 11 -12)
Suffering to the Glory of God -- Reproached for His Name (1 Peter 4: 14) • The blessings of being reproached. – It demonstrates that the spirit of God rests upon you. – Although those who reproach are blaspheming, you are glorifying God by enduring it. (Matthew 5: 44 -48; 1 Corinthians 4: 12)
Suffering to the Glory of God -- Suffering for the right reason (1 Peter 4: 15 -16) • Let none of you suffer as… – a murderer – a thief – an evildoer – A busybody in other people's matters (1 Thessalonians 4: 11) • But don’t be ashamed to suffer as a Christian! – Glorify God by it and through it! (Acts 5: 41)
Suffering to the Glory of God The vindication of God’s judgment (1 Peter 4: 17 -18) • God judges His people and will justly reward us for suffering faithfully in this life (2 Thessalonians 1: 4 -5; Revelation 2: 10; Phil. 1: 28; Psalm 7: 8 -11) • Through such suffering the righteous are scarcely saved – That is, we are saved with difficulty, hardly, not easily (Thayer) [compare Acts 14: 18 & 27: 7] • The “ungodly and sinner” who are faithless and untested have no hope of escaping God’s judgment (2 Cor. 5: 10)
Suffering to the Glory of God • Therefore… – Since suffering strengthens us. – Since it allows us to suffer with Christ. – Since it holds the promise of heaven. – Since it glorifies our Heavenly Father. – Since it proves that God’s judgments are just. “Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. ” -- 1 Peter 4: 19