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.

There is no question that Christians will suffer.  Suffering is always the result of sin.  It is not always the result of our own sin, but all suffering can be traced back to someone’s sin.  If there were not sin, there would not be suffering.  We will suffer because of the sins of others, and we will suffer because of our own sins.  The former is a source of joy and blessing while the later results in shame and judgment.  It is important to evaluate the source of our suffering.

DON’T BE SURPRISED BY SUFFERING: Believers who live in a world dominated by unbelievers should not be surprised when those unbelievers persecute them.  Too often, Christians expect unbelievers to act like believers or believers act like unbelievers.  Our response to persecution and suffering is important.  When believers respond to suffering with surprise, anger, bitterness, depression, fear, hopelessness, or unbelief; it undermines our testimony.  That is how unbelievers respond to suffering.  Rather, Christians should rejoice at the opportunity to participate in suffering for the sake of Christ and be identified with His sufferings.  As strange as it might sound to rejoice in sufferings, it is our reality because we know that Christ is going to return in glory and all the injustices of the world will be made right.  We rejoice because we understand that just as we are identified with Christ in suffering; we will be identified with Christ in glory.  It is a blessing to be able to face the insults of unbelievers in the power of the Spirit of God and with the promises of the glory of God laid out before us.

DON’T BE DESERVING OF SUFFERING: Not all sufferings identify us with Christ’s sufferings.  Even in a fallen world people suffer justly for crimes such as murder and robbery or simply for doing evil or being a meddler in the affairs of others.  Criminals and “jerks” should be punished and corrected in accordance with their actions.  This should not be confused as identification with the sufferings of Christ.  When a believer suffers because of their own sin; they should be ashamed.  Only when we suffer unjustly for righteousness sake, can we claim identification with Christ in His sufferings and glory.  These are the things we need to be discerning and judging within the church.  Believers should examine themselves and one another to discern if the sufferings we face are brought on by the sinfulness of unbelievers or by the sin of the professing believer.  We must ask God for wisdom in judging these things because the former should cause us to comfort while the latter call for us to confront.  We need to know whether to bless them with assurance or to call them to repentance.  No believer or church is capable of judging these things perfectly, but Christ will.  We can rest assured that both suffering and sinning believers will be judged and rewarded by Christ perfectly.  We can also be assured that unbelievers will face absolutely just judgement and eternal condemnation.  In light of these truths, we should simply trust the Lord in the face of suffering, be assured of His faithfulness and persist in doing the right things no matter the cost.

APPLICATION: Be prepared to face suffering.  Don’t expect unbelievers to act like believers.  Focus on the glory that awaits all who have trusted Christ and rejoice that we get to be identified with Him.  Don’t allow yourself to be influenced by unbelievers to the point that you begin to act like them.  Faithfully and humbly discipline other believers who sin by calling them to repentance.  Gratefully accept the discipline of other believers and repent.  Trust in the Lord’s coming and perfect judgment and just keep on living in obedience.