SUFFERING FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN 

1 Peter 4:12-19 / Keywords 4:13

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

 

Suffering for Being a Christian

4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Footnotes

a. 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)

1. Christians may become surprised when fiery ordeals appear in their lives. They may ask: Why am I suffering so much when I believe in Christ? The problems could be health issues, financial issues, family issues, etc. But Peter says in v. 13, “But rejoice as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ.”

 

2. How can we rejoice when we are suffering? The rest of v.13 tells us: “So that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Our suffering will not end in misery, failure, or shame. Rather, through suffering, the glory of Jesus will be revealed. Peter further goes on to say: We are blessed if we are insulted because of the name of Christ. If we suffer as a Christian, we should praise God since we are bearing his name.

 

3. This is our glorious life of glorious suffering. We sometimes despair because, while bearing the name of Christ, we may be insulted and outcasted in our job, our school, or even our community. But if we bear Jesus’ name to the end, we are blessed, and the glory of Jesus will be revealed through our lives.

 

Prayer Lord, help us to rejoice in your suffering while waiting for your glorious return!

One Word Help us rejoice in our suffering