Christian Suffering
There’s a lot of Christian suffering going on in the world, but there’s not a lot being said about it. We all suffer in different ways; some of us suffering unjustly, and others suffering due to our own actions. I mean, we can make things worse if we incorrectly respond to a wrong done to us. Sometimes we can prolong or shorten suffering, and sometimes we just have to go through something. If we must go through, we should allow it to make us better and not bitter. I Peter 4:12-19 addresses Christian suffering. Let’s break this passage down verse-by-verse in the King James Version.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
It shouldn’t surprise us or shock us when trials and troubles come, since we live in a fallen world and we all experience trials.
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Peter gives us specific instruction on the proper response to trials: rejoice. This is contrary to the world’s response, and we will see why in following verses.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
If we are reproached, we are to be happy about it. Why? Because it is an opportunity for God to be glorified. With the Spirit of glory and of God resting on us, living in us, and working through us, we cannot be defeated. With that kind of confidence, we can rejoice in the midst of trouble, and that response glorifies God.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
This verse points out that we should not suffer for wrong-doing, because we should be living upright lives.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
If we suffer as Christians, we are not to be ashamed. We should keep Romans 1:16 in mind, which says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.” Instead of shame, we should use suffering to glorify our God for Who He is and for His faithfulness to us in every situation of life. We can glorify Him because we know He is with us and will see us through.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
We judge ourselves to make sure we are right with God. If we maintain a good attitude and walk uprightly before God, He will deal with our persecutors.
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
God will be with us in suffering because we are His children, but the ungodly are the ones to be pitied since they have no hope without Christ.
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
If we suffer according to God’s will, or for doing His will, we must commit our souls and situations to Him, trusting that He is faithful and just. Faithful means we can rely on Him. Just means he makes unjust things right.
In these verse, we see three specific reasons for Christian suffering.
Reproached for the name of Christ (verse 14). The name of Jesus Christ riles up devils everywhere. Just naming the name of Christ will bring persecution. Mark 4 says persecution comes for the sake of the Word. Jesus is the Word, and the enemy hates Him.
Suffer as a Christian (verse 16). Simply because we are Christians persecution will arise. We should not be concerned when we are rejected for being Christians, because Jesus Himself was rejected. We should give glory to God that we are counted worthy to suffer for Jesus (Acts 5:40-42).
Suffer according to the will of God (verse 19). We will suffer persecution and hatred for doing God’s will. We will be hated for being and doing right. Your boss may want you to lie, but you tell the truth. Your righteous lifestyle may convict and anger those who live ungodly lifestyles. Your stand for the truth of God’s Word and refusing to compromise will bring hatred. ridicule, and rejection. They may mistreat you, but this is a form of suffering for Christ, and we should rejoice when it happens, because it means we are doing something right!
Whatever we may face, if we give it to God and see it for the opportunity to shine for Jesus that it really is, God will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. Our God is faithful, and our suffering is never in vain. He is just and He will make it right.
