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. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17] 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? [18] And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (ESV)
Over the past few weeks here in Canada, many hundreds of Christian believers have seen their houses of worship destroyed by fire and acts of vandalism. Rex Murphy in his writing on this ongoing situation asked this question: “If 10 or 20 holy places from any other major religion had been attacked, and in a matter of just a few weeks, what would have been the reaction from governments and the news media?. There would have been a storm on all fronts. Reassurances from the politicians. Visits to the various sites. Relentless questions from the media. Sermons from all altars. Grave condemnations of these horrible “hate crimes.” You would be hearing the familiar line “this is not who we are” from sad-eyed leaders. But in the past few weeks, there has very little of any of this. Strange.” (https://nationalpost.com/opinion/rex-murphy-why-is-it-ok-to-harm-christian-places-of-worship-in-canada)
But Peter said that this should not be strange to you. These fiery trials are here to strengthen you. There are not something strange but what we are to expect in sharing Christ’s sufferings. We are to expect to be treated as Christ was treated. Our response should not be to retaliate with acts of vengeance, threats or general complaining. Believers in Christ can trust the Father and know that our faithful perseverance and living out the truth of the Gospel will glorify God and be a powerful testimony that God will use to draw others to Him.
Through these writings of 1 Peter God is preparing us and strengthening us. As we are finishing up chapter 4 and heading into the final chapter of 1 Peter, Peter thus far has talked about hope, faith, the love of Christ, His word, submission and suffering. Part of the responsibility of a pastor is to prepare the saints of God for difficulty. I am sending you out as Christ does: into a world of indifference, skepticism and hostility. This series has been designed to prepare you for action. When we understand our times, respond in faith and not fear, God will use our loving, bold testimony to draw others to Himself.
To endure the present hostility, as well as what might come in the future, believers need to heed this God’s instruction to remain faithful in times of difficulty. 1 Peter 4:12-19 prepares us to 1) Expect suffering (1 Peter 4:12), 2) Exult in suffering (1 Peter 4:13-14), 3) Evaluate suffering (1 Peter 4:15-18), and 4) Entrust suffering to God (1 Peter 4:19).
In order to withstand the forthcoming trials by fire, we must:
1) Expect Suffering (1 Peter 4:12)
1 Peter 4:12 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. (ESV)
Peter is writing to those who he and the Godhead care so much about. He addressed them as “Beloved” (agapetos, cf. 2:11) a common pastoral word conveying tenderness, compassion, affection, and care (cf. 1 Cor. 4:14; 1 Thess. 2:8). Such love provides a sweet pillow for believers’ weary souls to rest on in the midst of trials and persecutions. Severe suffering can tempt believers to doubt God’s love. Thus, the apostle sought to reassure his readers of his and God’s unfailing love. Therefore, even with anxieties and troubles believers in Christ are beloved and belong to a fellowship whose members are knit together by love. (Kelly, J. N. D. (1969). The Epistles of Peter and of Jude (p. 184). London: Continuum.)
Not expecting to be so hatefully persecuted, the believers to whom Peter wrote were understandably surprised, troubled, and confused by their suffering. Perhaps they expected life to be full of blessing, benefits, and divine protection. However, believers’ expectation for suffering is bound up in the words of Jesus, who told the apostles, John 15:18 [18]"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. (ESV).Paul admonished Timothy 2 Timothy 3:12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (ESV) and we know of the apostle John’s warning, 1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. (ESV). Believers are warned to expect difficulty, that is why Peter here in 1 Peter 4:12 tells us “do not be surprised”. To be surprised (zenizo), means “to be surprised or astonished” by the novelty of something. We should expect that the gospel of Christ will be offensive to many and will produce persecution. As saints are obedient to God’s Word and effective in proclaiming the gospel, animosity from unbelievers is inevitable. Whether it is hostility toward their exclusive message, their efforts to evangelize, or their godly lifestyle. The idea that normal life should always be harmonious and free from suffering, despite universal suffering and death, remains a lingering echo of life in Eden as God created it before the fall. It is also a longing for the time when there will be no more tears, suffering, pain, and death (Rev. 21:4) (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 286). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.).
Faithful believers should expect the opposition to come in the form of a “fiery trial/ordeal” (purosis) which portrays figuratively a painful experience of persecution, it is also used of a furnace melting down metal to purge it of impurities (cf. Ps. 66:10; Prov. 17:3;). Peter has already explained this concept in the first chapter: 1 Peter 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV). With an allusion to the smelter’s fire, Peter intimates that gold is refined by fire so the believer’s faith is tested/refined and proved genuine through suffering. Peter is saying that the persecution is the Lord refining His temple—His people . It is important to note that not all of the difficulties of life are necessarily fiery trials. There are some difficulties that are simply a part of human life and almost everybody experiences them. Unfortunately, there are some difficulties that we bring on ourselves because of disobedience and sin (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 424). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.).
• God wants to separate true faith from pretense, and He uses the instrument of suffering to accomplish His purpose. In the trial experienced over the past year and a half, God has given a wake up call to believers. When the battle has begun, the solders either take up the armour of God to wage war against the flesh and forces of darkness or flee and hide.
Please turn to Romans 5
Mistreatment comes upon believers to their test them, proving the genuineness of their faith (cf. Job 23:10; Rom. 5:3; 2 Cor. 1:10; 2 Tim. 3:11; James 1:3–12). Suffering for righteousness’ sake not only refines, but, even before that, reveals whether people are truly believers. Suffering, like a furnace, physically, first of all shows you what you really trust in; secondly, it shows you the invalid nature, the inadequacy of those things you trust in; and thirdly, it also teaches you to really trust in God. (Keller, T. J. (2013). The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive. New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church.)
Paul explains to the Romans and to believers today how difficulties are designed by God to strengthen believers:
Romans 5:1–5. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV).
• The people of God rejoice not only in future glory but in present trials and sufferings, not because trials are pleasant but because they produce a step-by-step transformation that makes believers more like Christ. (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2165). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.).
Back in 1 Peter 4:12, we see that believers are not to be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. The description that these trials “were happening” (sumbainontos) refers to the belief that they are happening “to fall by chance”. Christians are to understand that experiences of unjust suffering for Christ are not accidental, but inevitable because the message of sin, salvation, and judgment offends. In addition, these incidents occur by God’s design and reveal whether professing believers’ faith is truly regenerate (cf. Job 5:17; Prov. 3:11–12; Heb. 12:5–11; Rev. 3:19). When trouble comes, don’t be surprised, he writes. It’s normal. God will help you through it. (Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (p. 123). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.)
Poem: An Unknown author expressed this concept in a Poem called: “In the Crucible”: “Out from the mine and the darkness, Out from the damp and the mold, Out from the fiery furnace, Cometh each grain of gold. Crushed into atoms and leveled Down to the humblest dust With never a heart to pity, With never a hand to trust. Molten and hammered and beaten Seemeth it ne’er to be done. Oh, for such fiery trial, What hath the poor gold done? Oh, ’twere a mercy to leave it Down in the damp and the mold. If this is the glory of living, Then better to be dross than gold. Under the press and the roller, Into the jaws of the mint, Stamped with the emblem of freedom, With never a flaw or a dint. Oh, what a joy, the refining, Out of the damp and the mold. And stamped with the glorious image, Oh, beautiful coin of gold!” (Unknown author as cited in McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Peter) (electronic ed., Vol. 54, p. 91). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.)
In order to withstand the forthcoming trials by fire, we must:
2) Exult in Suffering (1 Peter 4:13-14)
1 Peter 4:13-14 [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (ESV)
Please turn to Luke 6
Believers are to rejoice insofar as they share Christ’s sufferings. Insofar/To the degree is a generous way to translate katho (“as,” “according to which”) and thus to show that Christians’ eternal reward is proportionate to their earthly suffering (cf. Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:16–18; Heb. 11:26; 2 John 8; Rev. 2:10). This does not mean that the believer should enjoy suffering per se, but undeserved suffering because of Christian faith is evidence of future eschatological deliverance, which will bring the ultimate joy a human being can experience (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 287). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.)
Righteous suffering reveals faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself noted this relationship between suffering and reward, saying:
Luke 6:22-23 [22]"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! [23] Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (ESV)
• Whenever enemies hate, exclude, revile, or spurn Christians (cf. note on Matt. 5:11–12), the response should be to rejoice (Acts 5:41; 16:25; 21:13ff.), because their reward is great in heaven. (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 1963). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.)
Peter further encourages the endurance of those who are persecuted back in 1 Peter 4:13, by stating that they share Christ’s sufferings. That is not in any redemptive sense; neither does it refer only to spiritual union with Him, as Paul describes in Romans 6. But it refers to believers experiencing the same kind of sufferings He endured—suffering for what is right. R. C. H. Lenski rightly elaborates the meaning of Peter’s expression: “We fellowship Christ’s sufferings when we suffer for his name’s sake, when the hatred that struck him strikes us because of him. Never is there a thought of fellowshiping in the expiation of Christ’s suffering, our suffering also being expiatory. In Matt. 5:12 persecution places us in the company of the persecuted prophets (high exaltation indeed); here it places us in the company of Christ himself, into an even greater communion or [koinonia]. Christ’s atoning sacrifice is complete and our participation in His suffering has nothing to do with that sacrifice. However, Christ identifies with his people and when they suffer for his cause, he suffers. When they teach and preach the gospel, when they witness for Jesus, and when they encounter affliction for His sake, they participate in the sufferings of Christ (Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Epistles of Peter and the Epistle of Jude (Vol. 16, p. 174). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House).
To the degree that believers suffer unjustly, they should, as their Lord did, rejoice/keep on rejoicing, a sentiment completely unacceptable to those who have no hope of heavenly reward. (The Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John and St. Jude [reprint; Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1966], 203).
• This all presupposes that we are out, willing to put our physical neck on the line, proclaiming the exclusive case for Christ. When we fail to proclaim this then we embrace Satan’s false comfort of a “personal faith”. I know what I believe and that just fine. We sinfully cling to God’s sovereignty by saying: God will find some way to save those who need saving, but I at least know that I am saved. This kind of selfishness or fear shows faith in Christ to be nothing of consequence. When we are willing to look foolish and suffer reproach for the name of Christ, and respond with kindness, we show the supernatural transforming power of Christ. Faith in Him at that point is shown to be real and life changing.
In 1 Peter 4:13, the indication of the time when Christ’s glory is revealed refers to Christ’s return. The Lord resumed the full exercise of His glory after He ascended to heaven, but He has not yet revealed it on earth for everyone to see (cf. Matt. 24:30; Phil. 2:9–11; Rev. 19:11–16). (Peter, James, and John did get a preview of that glory when they witnessed Christ’s transfiguration [Mark 9:2–3; cf. 2 Peter 1:16–18].) When Christ returns, believers will rejoice (chairo) and be glad/rejoice with exultation (agalliao), and do so in proportion to their share in His sufferings in this life. Those who share His sufferings will also share His glory (5:1; cf. Matt. 20:20–23). The saints’ suffering for righteousness proves them, refines them, and earns for them “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17) so that the greater their suffering the stronger their hope, and the richer their joy (cf. 2 Cor. 4:16–18; James 1:2). Therefore, the reason for rejoicing in suffering: rejoicing in cosuffering with Jesus at this time will result in their rejoicing at the second coming of Christ as well. (Mangum, D. (Ed.). (2020). Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament (1 Pe 4:12–19). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)
In 1 Peter 4:14 the name of Christ is the cause of evil hatred directed toward believers (Matt. 10:22; 24:9). In Peter’s sermon before the Sanhedrin, he asserted, Acts 4:12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (ESV). It is not the name “Christ” that offends the ungodly, but rather who He is and what He said and did that causes hostility from them. Jesus forewarned the disciples of this type of persecution (Matt. 5:11; John 15:2), and it came to pass from the earliest days (Acts 5:41; 9:16; 21:13; James 5:10; 3 John 7; Rev. 2:3). (Hillyer, N. (2011). 1 and 2 Peter, Jude (p. 131). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.)
• It is human nature to want to be liked. But when that comes before proclaiming the exclusivity of faith in Christ; we desire to be liked by the world, more than loved by Christ and lifting His name up High. We just need to remember, that we did not invent this. Our job is just to proclaim the only way of salvation. When people find offense, suggest they take it up with the author. We can explain it and put it into perspective, but ultimately God must change their hearts, illuminate their minds and savingly draw them unto Himself.
That animosity is summed up in the word insulted/reviled (oneidizo), meaning “to denounce,” or “to heap insults upon.”. Yet Christians are more blessed for such suffering, not only for the eternal reward they will receive but for the present blessing, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on them. It is not merely because of suffering that the Holy Spirit will rest on believers, as when He came on and departed from an Old Testament prophet, but rather that He, already being in believers permanently (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19–20; 12:13), gives them supernatural relief in the midst of their suffering. Because the Spirit is God, divine glory defines His nature (cf. Pss. 93:1; 104:1; 138:5). Rests (from the present tense of anapauo) means “to give relief, refreshment, intermission from toil” (cf. Matt. 11:28–29; Mark 6:31), and describes one of His ministries. “Refreshment” comes on those believers who suffer for the sake of the Savior and the gospel. The Spirit gives them grace by imparting endurance, and understanding. This is the same description when God was described as being present, like in the burning bush or on the Old Covenant tabernacle or Temple (Exodus 40:34-35). Suffering for Christ leads to glory and tastes of glory; it also gives glory to God…Satan’s accusations against God and Job were proven false; God was vindicated. Christians are given an understanding not granted to Job; all the more are they to glorify God in the midst of suffering for Christ’s sake. Paul and Silas sang praises in the prison at Philippi; Peter glorified the name of Jesus before the very rulers who had delivered the Saviour to Pilate; through the centuries Christians have defied their persecutors to praise the Lord. Armando Valladares, for twenty-two years a prisoner of Castro’s regime in Cuba, tells of how he came to a living trust in Christ: ‘Those cries of the executed patriots—“Long live Christ the King! Down with Communism!” had wakened me to a new life … The cries became such a potent and stirring symbol that by 1963 the men condemned to death were gagged before being carried down to be shot. The jailers feared those shouts.’ (Clowney, E. P. (1988). The message of 1 Peter: the way of the cross (p. 192). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
In order to withstand the forthcoming trials by fire, we must:
3) Evaluate Suffering (1 Peter 4:15-18)
1 Peter 4:15-18 [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [17] 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? [18] And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (ESV)
Not all suffering brings Holy Spirit relief. Trouble stemming from lawless actions obviously does not constitute suffering for righteousness. If any believer is a murderer, or thief (capital crimes in the ancient world), he or she has no right to complain about being punished, nor any right to expect the Spirit’s graces. The same applies if any should suffer as an evildoer (kakopoios), a more general term that encompasses all crimes without exception (cf. 2:14; 3 John 11). Anyone who commits crimes like murder or theft can expect to pay the penalty—nothing unjust about that. Let any suffering faced by Christians be for the right reason: their loyalty to God in faithfully following Jesus Christ (Hillyer, N. (2011). 1 and 2 Peter, Jude (p. 132). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.).
The surprising inclusion of the term rendered (troublesome) meddler (allotriepiskopos), used only here in the New Testament, and at first seemingly minor in comparison to Peter’s previous terms, shows that all sins, not just crimes, forfeit the Holy Spirit’s comfort and rest. The word literally means, “one who meddles in things alien to his calling,” “an agitator,” spy (Phillips), informer (JB), revolutionary (Moffatt), embezzler or “troublemaker.” Paul’s exhortations to the Thessalonians illustrate the word’s meaning: 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, (ESV). 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 [11] For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. [12] Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (ESV). Christians are never to be troublemakers or agitators in society or in their places of work (cf. 1 Tim. 2:1–3; Titus 3:1–5). They may confront the sins in the lives of other believers, help administer church discipline, challenge unbelievers with the gospel, and exhort fellow saints to greater levels of godliness; but regarding others’ private matters that do not concern them, believers should never intrude inappropriately. More specifically, Peter was referring to political activism and civil agitation—disruptive or illegal activity that interferes with the smooth functioning of society and government. Such activity would compel the authorities to mete out punishment (Rom. 13:2–4). It is wrong for believers to view that punishment as persecution for their faith. If they step outside the faith and bring trouble, hostility, resentment, or persecution on themselves, they have no more right to expect Holy Spirit relief than if they were murderers. Meddlers interfere, usurping roles not properly theirs. They might even scheme to gain influence outside their sphere. They nose into matters that are not their proper concern and offer unwanted opinions. (Doriani, D. M. (2014). 1 Peter. (R. D. Phillips, P. G. Ryken, & D. M. Doriani, Eds.) (p. 195). Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing.)
• One of the hardest challenges over the last year and a half has been to balance God’s direct calling of faithfulness and an examination of governmental regulations that directly impact the functioning of ministry. Perhaps the simplest guiding principle has been from Christ in Matthew 22:18: render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (ESV). God has called us to pray for our leaders, be faithful citizens, not be revolutionaries and obey all lawful directives insofar as they don’t directly necessitate disobeying God. The distinction that Peter makes in 1 Peter, is that sometimes, like the disciples in Acts 4 & 5, must obey God rather than man, and face the consequences.
That is why Peter mentions in verse 16: “If anyone suffers as a Christian” he knew that his suffering qualifies for Holy Spirit blessing. A Christian should not feel ashamed (aischuno, “dishonored”), but rather because of this benediction of supernatural comfort a believer is to glorify God in that/this name (Christian). First-century believers referred to one another, such as “brethren” (Acts 1:15–16; 6:3; 9:30; 12:17; 15:13), “saints” (Acts 9:13; Rom. 8:27; 15:25; 1 Cor. 16:1), and those of “the Way” (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). Ironically, however, Christian was not a name first assumed by believers themselves; instead, because it was originally a derisive designation given them by the world, it was associated with hatred and persecution (cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28). It has become, and should remain, the dominant and beloved name by which believers are known—those who belong to Christ. Peter is instructing his readers to live in such a way that the only “crime” against the state or society for which they are guilty is their Christian faith… If you suffer for being a Christian (???st?a???, Christianos, 4:16)—for living in word and deed consistently with the gospel of Jesus Christ—then do not be ashamed if society rejects and reviles you, whether through social ostracism or official prosecution (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 290). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.).
To glorify God in this context means to praise Him for the privilege and honor of suffering for that/this name, because of all He has done, is doing, and will forever do for His saints. Not only does this kind of suffering produce joy over heavenly reward and the blessing of God, it also purifies the church. Here Peter’s thought returns to the Malachi 3:1–3 imagery. The Lord will purge His temple, His people. It is time (kairos), designating a decisive, crucial moment—in this context, the season—for judgment to begin. The Greek for judgment is krima and refers to a judicial process that renders a decision on someone’s sin. The word identifies a matter for adjudication (cf. 1 Cor. 6:7) and is used especially for divine judgment (cf. Rom. 2:5; 5:16 11:33). Believers are going to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Peter) (electronic ed., Vol. 54, p. 93). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.)
In 1 Peter 4:17, Peter deals with divine correction on believers, which is the decision God renders on their sin, which includes chastening and leads to cleansing (cf. 5:9–10) of the household of God, but not eternal condemnation (Rom. 8:1).1 Corinthians 11:32 [32]But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. (ESV). The reference here to “Household” is Peter’s reference to the church; other New Testament verses also make that meaning plain (cf. 2:5; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6; 10:21). Therefore, believers will have to give account of the response they have made to the privilege of knowing God and his grace: “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required” (Luke 12:48 RSV). The judgment that begins at the household of God will mean a refining of God’s people (Mal. 3:3). No purifying process can ever be painless, but believers can take heart from the knowledge that all that they suffer has an end, a goal: it is for their ultimate good in the purposes of God (Rom. 8:18). (Hillyer, N. (2011). 1 and 2 Peter, Jude (p. 133). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.)
Peter poses the comparative question, if [correction] begins with [believers] first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? The answer is plain: judgment concludes with Christ’s final condemnation of the ungodly at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11–15; cf. Matt. 7:21–23; 25:44–46). Though God chastens His own people now, His future judgment of the lost will be infinitely more devastating (cf. Dan. 12:2; Matt. 13:41–42, 49–50; 22:11–14; 25:41; Mark 9:44–49; Luke 13:23–28; 16:23–24; Rev. 14:10–11). It is infinitely better for people to endure suffering with joy now as believers being purified for effective testimony and eternal glory than to later bear eternal torment as unbelievers (cf. Luke 16:19–31). Therefore, “those who do not obey the gospel of God “ are those who reject the gospel and persecute its followers. God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). To refuse to do so, is to reject a divine order which will initiate a divine judgment which is too terrible to contemplate (Rev. 20:10–15) (Cleave, D. (1999). 1 Peter (p. 139). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.).
In 1 Peter 4:18 Peter reinforces that point for his readers with a quotation from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testment, rendering of Proverbs 11:31, And "If the righteous are scarcely saved/with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?". Scarcely saved/With difficulty is the adverb molis (related to molos, “toil”), which means “hardly” or “scarcely” (see uses in Acts 14:18; 27:7, 8, 16) and reveals the difficulty with which believers are brought to final salvation through the fires of unjust suffering, divine purging, and God-ordained discipline: Hebrews 12:7-8 [7] It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? [8] If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (ESV). The believer must not expect the road to ultimate full salvation to be uneventfully smooth and easy. Spiritual adversaries will see to that, quite apart from the common ills to which anyone living in this world may be subject (Hillyer, N. (2011). 1 and 2 Peter, Jude (pp. 133–134). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.).
Please turn to 2 Thessalonians 1
If it was with excruciating difficulty that Christ gave Himself to redeem sinners, and with painful difficulty that the redeemed endure to their final glory, does anyone think the ungodly and the sinner, who has lived his life without suffering for righteousness’ sake (because they are unrighteous), will simply die and go out of existence or be given a place in heaven because God is nothing but loving and forgiving? That is a foolish thought. Peter is saying the ungodly’s eternal suffering, compared to the godly’s temporal suffering, is far greater. Therefore, a Christian should never be tempted to seek vengeance for themselves, even if they have been harshly persecuted. We are in the privileged position we enjoy, only by the grace of God, and this promise of the consuming flames reserved for the unrighteous should rather be a spur to each believer to use every opportunity while there is time, to share the good news through our lives and with our lips. (Cleave, D. (1999). 1 Peter (p. 140). Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus Publications.)
In 2 Thessalonians 1, Paul draws the distinction between the earthly sufferings of the saints and the endless punishment of the lost. In dealing with Persecution, he says:
2 Thessalonians 1:5-9 [5]This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering-- [6]since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, [7]and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels [8]in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. [9] They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, (ESV)
• Here we see how the Thessalonians’ endurance and faith under persecution constitute evidence of the righteous judgment of God. Since God is granting them the grace to endure, He is clearly on their side and is working to make them worthy for entrance into the kingdom of God. Cf. Phil. 1:28, where the Philippian Christians’ fearless perseverance in persecution is a proof (Gk. endeixis, from the same root as endeigma) that they will be saved and their enemies (condemned) when Jesus returns. When Jesus comes again, unbelievers will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, a ruinous and unending judgment of separation from Jesus. (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2316). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.).
Poem: Annie Johnson Flint wrote: “This weighty burden thou dost bear, This heavy cross, It is a gift the Lord bestows, And not a loss; It is a trust that He commits Unto thy care, A precious lesson He has deigned With thee to share. Rejoice that He so honors thee And so esteems Of highest worth; the crown of thorns With Him to wear, And all the suffering of that crown With Him to bear, That by” and by His glory, too, With Him thou’lt share. (V. Raymond Edman, But God!, (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids; 1962), p. 131)
Finally, in order to withstand the forthcoming trials by fire, we must:
4) Entrust Suffering to God (1 Peter 4:19).
1 Peter 4:19 [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (ESV)
Therefore, draws the reader into the obvious duty they have in suffering. Those who suffer according to God’s will receive this encouragement concerning the difficulty of their righteous pain—it is God’s will (cf. 3:7; 5:10). Knowing that fact, believers rest their souls in God’s care and purpose. They “entrust” their souls (paratithemi) which is a banker’s term referring to a deposit for safe keeping. One would be properly concerned about the character and ability of the person given such a trust. Jesus used the same word on the cross when He committed His spirit to His Father (Luke 23:46). Believers are encouraged further to recall that the One to whom they give their souls is the faithful Creator. Only here in the New Testament is God called Creator. That is because it was generally understood that the Author of everything, the Designer of all that is, the One who sustains not only His material creation but achieves His purpose for it all, will bring to pass what He wills—only He is completely able and trustworthy in doing good/what is right. We seem to assume that God knows what he is doing when we are happy and well. But trouble and difficult times raise hard questions about our relationship with God and about His intent and character. It is harder to entrust our lives to God when we are suffering, and especially when that suffering is unjust and is the consequence of living obediently for him (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 295). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.)
Please turn to Psalm 31
God is faithful in Himself and to His own promises, believers’ souls are at rest in His power and purpose (cf. 1:3–5; John 10:27–30; 17:11–12, 15; Rom. 8:35–39; Eph. 1:13–14; Phil. 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:23–24; 2 Tim. 1:12; Jude 24–25).
The psalmist David walked the road that took him from anguish over his persecutors to assurance in his faithful Creator. Psalm 31 is a rich example of a believer entrusting themselves to God:
Psalm 31:1-5 TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID. 1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! 2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! 3 For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; 4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. (ESV)
• The opening words, exhibit dependence and trust (cf. 5:11; 16:1; 25:20); this is the kind of person who may seek God’s help. God’s righteousness here is his faithfulness to his promises; it is grounds for assurance, not for fear. The psalm recounts previous experiences of calling for help in time of trouble. God has shown himself a reliable deliverer; thus (those who trust the Lord) expect always to rejoice and be glad (v. 7). Jesus uses these words on the cross (Luke 23:46); he dies as the innocent sufferer, trusting in God (as the faithful believer can) for vindication) (Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 974). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.)
Suffering because one is a Christian, a Trial by Fire, is neither unexpected nor shameful, because the nexus of suffering and honor is embodied in Jesus Christ Himself. Suffering is an opportunity to glorify God and a badge of honor for the living stones in the house of God. Joy rather than surprise. Blessing rather than insult. Glory to God rather than shame. The Christian is called to enduring commitment to Christ’s gospel amid suffering caused by that very commitment. (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 296). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.)
(Format Note: Outline & some base commentary from MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2004). 1 Peter (p. 247). Chicago: Moody Publishers.)
