Title: “Surviving Your Suffering”
Text:
I Peter 4:12-16 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 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. 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. 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. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”
Thesis Statement:
Emerging from the myriad problems and hardships in life with an increased faith is possible for the Christian only when he or she understands the overriding plan of God and purpose He has for all who are committed to Him in sincerity.
Introduction:
It is a simple fact that no one is immune from pain and suffering in this life. Whether we are rich or poor, educated or unlearned, popular or almost unnoticed, there will be a certain amount of pain that we must deal with as we live out life for Christ while on this earth. Not all Christians suffer to the same degree as others do, but all experience pain and hardship to some extent. It is also true that both Christians and unbelievers will experience hardship of some sort. A wise man once observed that life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it. I believe that sentiment is very true. Warren Wiersbe has noted that our attitude directly determines our altitude!
We should remember that the entire epistle of First Peter was written to early first century Christians who were beginning to enduring great trials because of their faith; indeed, the whole book deals either directly or indirectly with this single theme. The Apostle has already mentioned suffering near the opening of his letter:
I Peter 1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more
precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto
praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
Up to this point, Peter has had many things to say about responding to suffering, especially that which is brought about through the hostilities and resentments of others around us. In the middle of chapter four, Peter begins to give a list of ways believers in Christ can respond to such hostilities. Since Christians are presently living near the consummation of human history (evidenced by the imminence of the Lord’s return), he exhorted his readers to be alert and watch as they pray (4:7). He also encouraged them to love each other to the very limit (the literal meaning of the Greek word translated “fervent”) because such love has a redemptive value. This love was also to be extended in the church through acts of hospitality toward each other “without complaining” (4:9). Next, Peter instructed his suffering readers to continue in their spiritual growth through the proper exercise and regulation of their spiritual gifts (4:10-11). Obeying all of these injunctions would help these early Christians keep their trials and pain in a proper, heavenly perspective. These commands are also brought to bear upon us today as we are called to suffer in the name of our Lord. In light of this information, Peter is challenging us to keep three important facts in mind as they pertain to sanctified suffering. First of all, he is reminding us that:
1. Suffering is Guaranteed by God (v. 12)
It is important for us all to understand that Peter is not referring here to the ordinary trials and inconveniences that we are all too familiar with. All of us here experience these every day in many ways. Many sincere Christians face a host of problems that are the natural result of living in the world. Facing unexpected expenses (if the car suddenly breaks down), the stress of meeting important deadlines, coping with sicknesses and even surgery, getting stuck in a traffic jam on the way to work, having an argument with a spouse, or not being able to find the remote control for the television set are all ordinary trials. Although these examples do create temporary stress and hardship to a certain extent, they cannot rightly be classified as the type of trial Peter is alluding to here in verse twelve. Peter is talking about fiery trials; these are extremely intense, prolonged, and may even threaten our very lives.
Understanding some of the historical and cultural background behind Peter’s expressions here may be helpful to us at this point. In the Apostle’s day, the Christian faith had been tolerated to some extent by the Roman Empire but this was rapidly giving way to outright hostility. The Christians then were considered to be adherents to an aberrant variation of Judaism and they were beginning to experience severe persecution from the Roman government. The infamous ruler Nero would soon begin to level great hostilities against the followers of Jesus Christ, primarily for political reasons. Rome had recently experienced the ravages of a great fire that destroyed a significant portion of that city and threatened the continuation of both religious and social life. In an effort to bolster his popularity and appease the anger of the people, Nero conveniently pinned the blame for the disaster on the Christians living in and around the Roman Empire. Thousands of Christians were brutally tortured, murdered, and burned at the stake as a result. As a result, Peter’s reference to fire in this verse would have been particularly poignant and would have been understood clearly by his original hearers.
Fire is an important symbol in Scripture, particularly in the Old Testament. It consumed the sacrifices that were presented to God (Lev. 3:10; I Kings 18) and spoke of His nearness to His people. It reminds us of the holiness and awesome purity of God as well. God judged the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by raining fire upon them (Gen. 19:24). God led the wandering Hebrews by a manifestation of divine fire at night (Exo. 13:21). The characteristics of fire are also applicable to Peter’s reference here. Fire is a powerful purifying agent, and it also is used to test and strengthen materials that are placed in it. Fire also consumes almost anything and is quite destructive. In short, it is a tremendous source of power.
In this verse, Peter urges his hearers to not be surprised when intense trials and suffering come their way. The Greek word translated strange (xenivzw) in this passage literally means “shocked” or “astonished.” Many Christians today do seem to be taken back when difficult circumstances and situations prevail. Many Christian groups are advocating a pain-free life if enough faith is placed in God. This theology is aberrant and it not supported by the clear statements of Scripture. Peter’s declaration here is a direct contradiction to this mindset. As I prepared for this message, I was reminded about the unexpected nature of these types of trials and testings. Our family had a “fiery” trial recently as we drove to church for the Wednesday night service. As we approached the church parking lot, our neighbor called my wife on her cell phone and said she saw smoke coming from the back of our house. As I turned the car around and headed home I prayed silently and said “Lord, I am preaching on the fiery trials of life, so please don’t let there be a fire at my house!” Fortunately, there was no fire but our air conditioner had decided to burn out during the middle of June!
Peter intimates here that it is abnormal to not experience trials and tests of our faith. Having a painless life is both impossible and undesirable. Many people try in vain to escape from suffering and pain through the use of alcohol and drugs or through other dangerous and unwise practices. Others deny that pain and suffering even exists (like Christian Scientists); still others try to place the blame for their misfortune upon others. Facing our situation with the help of God is the only realistic and acceptable response to suffering and pain. Just knowing that trials will come to us during the course of life prevents us from “falling apart” with unnecessary worry and despair. Our Lord reminds us that we will be persecuted because He was as well (John 15:20). Indeed, if we live godly lives we can expect it to come eventually (2 Tim. 3:12). Seneca once remarked that “Fire tries gold, misery tries brave men.” I believe that statement is only partially true. If the truth be known, all of God’s children will be tried and tested in some way. Peter says that we should not be surprised when suffering comes since it is guaranteed by God. He also tells us that Suffering is Graced by Glory:
2. Suffering is Graced by Glory (v. 13-14)
Suffering for Jesus Christ makes pain profitable for us in may ways. In verse thirteen, Peter declares that suffering is blessed with the glory of God only to the extent that we suffer for Him. As he gave his own personal testimony to the transforming power of God, the Apostle Paul said he wanted to know the “fellowship of his suffering” (Phil. 3:10). Paul had clearly learned the lesson that Peter has for us today.
Too many Christians seem to base their responses to pain and suffering solely upon emotions and feelings. During the midst of intense pain, on one feels like rejoicing! The response Peter calls for is based upon a volitional choice alone and not upon personal feelings. James gives us some insight into this aspect of suffering when he says “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations” (James 1:2). The Greek word rendered “count” in this vers means “consider” or “reckon.” It has to do with making a mental evaluation and not an emotional response! The early church faced fierce persecution but they responded with rejoicing because they had been considered worthy to suffer for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:41).
Our suffering is graced by God’s glory for many important reasons. First of all, it is because He goes with us through our pain. We should remember that God never sends us anywhere--He goes with us through every event in life. He was with the three Hebrew children as they endured a literal fiery furnace (Dan. 3) and He was present with Paul as he faced the hostility of unsympathetic rulers (2 Tim. 5). Secondly, suffering for Jesus Christ is also graced because the “spirit of glory and of God” rests upon us. The glory of God is also where His presence is. Since God is especially near us as we suffer for Him, His glory is there as well. Going through severe pain is hard; going through it all alone is even harder! Knowing God is there with us gives us peace, joy, and the strength we will need to endure whatever may come. When Stephen was falsely accused and was taken before the council just before he was stoned, the people saw the glory of God resting upon him. As they saw his face, it was likened unto that of an angel (Acts 6:15). Polycarp was able to face a martyr’s death at the age of eighty-six because of God’s glory. When the aged man was given one last chance to renounce his faith, he replied “For eighty-six years I have served Him and He never did me any injury. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?” The glory of God rested upon him and helped him through his fiery trial! Some scholars believe this is also a reference to the Shekinah glory of God. This is the glory that dwelt in the tabernacle and then later in the Temple.
Thirdly, suffering for Jesus Christ is also graced by glory because God expands our ministry through it. Spiritual maturity and usefulness are enhanced through the unlikely agents of suffering and pain. Looking back at my own life, I am convinced that my spiritual growth was accelerated through the enduring of pain and hardship for the cause of Christ. There was relatively little growth in my own spiritual life when things were going well for me. It is a fact that pain prepares us for greater service for God. Anyone who has experienced the death of a parent, for example, can easily sympathize with and minister to those who have felt the same pain and loss. I recall the story of a small eight-year-old boy who lost part of his right arm in a tragic accident at his home. As he recuperated from his surgery he became increasingly withdrawn and depressed. The boy’s father tried to encourage his son on many occasions but was utterly unsuccessful. One day as the boy was lying on his bed in his room, his father announced “Son, the new pastor of our church is here and he would like to meet you.” The boy showed no interest even after the pastor walked into the room. The boy’s interest was immediately aroused when he looked up and saw that the pastor had also lost his right arm in an accident. The kind pastor said “Son, I know exactly how you are feeling right now!” We need to remember that our ministry to others is enhanced through suffering and hardship. This is one reason why Peter said earlier that suffering was “More precious than that of gold that perisheth” (I Peter 1:7).
Fourthly, suffering because of our testimony for Jesus Christ leads to God’s glory because it causes us to trust in Him even more. We never really know just how strong our faith is until it is tested. Dr. Adrian Rogers has said that “A faith not worth testing is a faith that is not worth trusting.” As our faith is increased we are more likely to hear the Lord speaking to us through painful circumstances. C. S. Lewis once remarked that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Certainly God is calling us to simply trust Him more and not worry or be anxious about the future. As we go through unpleasant situations in our Christian lives, our faith deepens even more because we can remember how God brought us through past pains. As we commit the guarding of our souls to him (4:19) we are expressing our explicit trust in His loving care.
A fifth reason why suffering results in glory is that we are caused to see sin for what it really is. As God allows us to suffer and be tested through a variety of painful circumstances, He does so in order to purge His church of sin. This is what Peter meant when he stated that “..judgment must begin at the house of God..” (4:17). To reinforce this truth, Peter also poses a question for us to consider: if God so allows His beloved church to undergo painful tests of faith, how shall those people suffer who have not placed their faith in Christ? (4:71b-18). This tremendous insight would enable Peter’s hearers to appreciate the grace of God even more, especially when they are being allowed to suffer.
A sixth reason our suffering is filled by God’s glory is because it causes us to yearn and long for our heavenly home. Experiencing severe pain helps us remember that life is very short and that there is a better life awaiting us in the future. The fragile ties we have to this present live are made even more fragile as we experience trials and tests. According to Scripture, we are already seated with Him in heavenly places in a spiritual sense right now (Eph. 2:6), but one day we will be with Him physically, never to be separated from Him (John 14:1-3).
Finally, our suffering is an opportunity to experience God’s glory because it follows the pattern set for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. His attitude in suffering is one we would all do well to imitate as closely as possible. In glowing terms Peter described Christ’s attitude as He faced death on the cross for our sins:
I Peter 2.20-25 “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take
it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is
acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was
guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered,
he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own
self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto
righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but
are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”
Not only is suffering an unavoidable reality for the Christian, it is also graced by the glory of God as we suffer for our Lord’s sake. These truths are inspiring to the heart, but Peter mentions one last thing we should know about surviving our suffering–it should be guided by godliness:
3. Suffering is Guided by Godliness (v. 15-16)
Peter has assured us that suffering is guaranteed by God and graced by His glory. In the last two verses of our text he now tells us that suffering is also guided by godliness. Simply stated, we can suffer for both right and wrong reasons. Since suffering is assured, we should make sure we are experiencing it for the right reasons. It is a sad but simple fact that some types of suffering do not incur the blessing and grace of God. Some kinds of suffering are self-inflicted while other kinds are forced upon us by others. Many Christians suffer because they have made wrong choices in life; they may be unhappy or uncomfortable right now because God allows them to have the natural result of their unwise choices. Others may suffer because they are reaping what has been sown in the past (Gal. 5:5-6). Still others may experience pain because they are enduring the chastening and correction of God because of unconfessed sins (Heb. 12). None of these kinds of suffering qualifies as acceptable suffering, however. As he clarifies his point, Peter gives his own list of offences to avoid but it should be noted that it is by no means an all-inclusive list. In strong language, Peter cautions his hearers not to suffer in ways that invoke the anger of God. Murderers and thieves suffer severe penalties because they have violated the law. They are punished by the government in ways that are consistent with the severity of their offences. Peter’s point is that these people suffer justly because they deserve the punishment they receive. Christians should not suffer justly–they should suffer unjustly. Peter had pointed out this truth previously for us:
I Peter 2:19-20 “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
grief, suffering wrongfully [emphasis mine]. 20For what glory is it, if, when ye be
buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for
it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God”
Peter also admonishes his readers not to suffer as a “busybody” in other men’s affairs (v. 15). The compound Greek word used here refers to someone who interferes with or meddles in things that are of no concern to him. Such activity is disruptive and counterproductive and can easily provoke the anger of other people. Dr. John MacArthur has commented that this could possible be a reference to Christians who fanatically pursue social causes in an attempt to bring about justice. For example, we are all too familiar with those who call themselves Christians and who bomb abortion clinics. Others draw unhealthy attention to themselves as they seek to correct the evils of society and bring about justice through the use of loud words and even force. Such activity has the adverse effect of bringing reproach upon our Lord rather than justice or equity. Peter’s point here is that no Christian should ever suffer because he or she failed to exhibit the compassion and love of Jesus Christ to others.
In verse sixteen of our text, Peter summarizes his argument for suffering in a godly manner. Those who suffer because they are sincerely following Christ are called upon to rejoice and not be ashamed. Peter uses an interesting Greek word (aijscuvnomai) in order to encourage his readers to boldly face whatever kind of hostilities that come as a result of their testimony for Jesus Christ. The word rendered “ashamed” refers to a feeling or attitude that would prevent a person from doing a certain thing. Perhaps Peter remembered the time he was ashamed of our Lord and was afraid to be identified with Him (Matt. 26:69-76). He had learned this lesson the hard way but we do not have to if we heed this word and take it into our hearts. Because God’s glory rests upon us, we can boldly affirm our Lord with a rejoicing heart even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Conclusion:
The Apostle Peter has reminded us of three vitally important truths about suffering for Jesus Christ: it is guaranteed by God, graced by glory, and it should be guided by godliness. The world we live in sees suffering as something to be avoided at all costs. As Christians, we have a totally different perspective. For us, suffering is precious because it produces godly character and an awareness of the nearness of God. We can rejoice inwardly even through we may suffer outwardly because we have the assurance that God has an overriding beneficial purpose for it (Rom. 8:28). We should make sure that our faith is placed in Jesus Christ in order to claim the promises Peter has outlined for us today in this wonderful passage. Call upon Him today and He will give you the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). If you are suffering in some way today, I would encourage you to ask the Lord what the reason for it may be. If your pain is caused by sin and disobedience in your life, please confess it to Him now in order to be forgiven (I John 1:9). If you are suffering because of your witness for the Lord Jesus Christ, congratulations! You can rest assured that God is with you in a unique way. Keep standing for Him and use your suffering as a time of rejoicing.
Many years ago in Dublin, Ireland, a group of Christian women met regularly to study the Bible. They were puzzled by the meaning of Malachi 3:3 which states “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” They decided to visit a silversmith and learn what they could about the refining process. After he explained the process, one lady said “But sir, do you sit and watch while the refining is going on?” He replied, “Oh, yes indeed! I must sit with my eyes fixed on the sufrace of the silver, for if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver is sure to be damaged.” Then he added “I only know when the process is complete by seeing my own image on the silver.” This is what the Lord wants to see in you and me as He refines us through the fiery trials of life!
