Sharing in Christ’s Suffering and Glory (Part 3) | Resources
Passage:
“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.“ 1 Peter 4:15–19
Devotional:
Peter reminds these exiled Christians that suffering was a present reality. In doing so, he distinguishes between two kinds of suffering. The first is suffering that results from the just punishment of sin. For the unrepentant unbeliever, this punishment will last into eternity. The believer may also experience just suffering but for the ultimate purpose of fatherly discipline and restoration.
The second kind of suffering that one may endure is unjust suffering. Peter describes this suffering as being unique to the believer. Rather than being the just punishment of sin, this suffering stems from the injustice of man. This is what these early believers were being called to endure at the hands of unbelievers. Instead of being discouraged by this prospect, Peter flips the idea of unjust suffering on its head and announces that this is a cause for joy, a way to proudly glorify the name of God!
Looking more closely, we can see that it is because we are Christians that we are called to suffer well. Simply reading the word Christian in our New Testament brings joy into the heart of the believer, knowing that this is who we are. Surprisingly, this word is only used three times. Luke tells us that it was in Antioch where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Agrippa later used the word as he declared to Paul that “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). The last time this word is used is here in verse 16, as Peter proudly identifies the covenant community of believers as Christians.
If you suffer, do so as a Christian while entrusting your soul to your faithful Creator (4:19)!
by Taylor Camp
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: 1 Sam. 28:1; Cor. 9; Ezek. 7; Ps. 45
Monday: 1 Sam. 29-30; 1 Cor. 10; Ezek. 8; Ps. 46-47
Tuesday: 1 Sam. 31; 1 Cor. 11; Ezek. 9; Ps. 48
Wednesday: 2 Sam. 1; 1 Cor. 12; Ezek. 10; Ps. 49
Thursday: 2 Sam. 2; 1 Cor. 13; Ezek. 11; Ps. 50
Friday: 2 Sam. 3; 1 Cor. 14; Ezek. 12; Ps. 51
Saturday: 2 Sam. 4-5; 1 Cor. 15; Ezek. 13; Ps. 52-54
Memory Verse:
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:19
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
What type of suffering do the criminals mentioned in verse 15 face? Why do you think Peter mentioned these specific crimes?
What type of suffering might Christians face? Share examples that you know of.
What would it look like to obey verse 16 when suffering comes? How do we glorify God in the midst of suffering as one of His followers?
Verse 19 is a beautiful command to those who suffer. How would someone who has entrusted their soul to a faithful creator live or act?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?