Suffering For Righteousness

Suffering for Righteousness

1 Peter 4: 12-16

Peter had spent considerable time in the preceding verses dealing with Christian character and conduct in the midst of a fallen world. He was well aware of the struggles and persecution many within the church faced. Although they were forced to deal with adversity, they were also expected to maintain their integrity before men, presenting a positive witness for Christ.

Our text today continues that thought, but Peter takes their responsibilities in a different direction. Most believers in that day dealt with opposition from the world, knowing all too well the difficulties of being a committed Christian in the midst of a pagan culture. Peter does not shy away from the truth, nor does he try to minimize the reality of their lives. He is very straightforward with the church. In fact, instead of trying to alter their focus, Peter dealt candidly with the sufferings they faced. He knew their suffering would likely continue, and he wanted to prepare them to endure even though they faced great opposition.

As with previous passages, it is difficult for us to genuinely relate to the plight of the early believers, but these principles remain true. Our world is rapidly changing, and we too must prepare for the difficulties that are sure to come. While we hate to admit it, the Lord often uses difficulties to strengthen our faith and reliance upon Him. The suffering we endure from time to time is actually beneficial in our Christian lives. As we consider the expectations for our lives, I want to discuss: Suffering for Righteousness.

I. Our Attitude in Suffering (12-14) – As Peter began to deal with the suffering believers faced, he addressed their attitude in the midst of suffering. Developing and maintaining a proper attitude in suffering would enable them to better navigate the difficulties they encountered. Consider:

A. The Reality (12) – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. Peter challenged the church in regard to their perception of trials and adversity. He urged them not to consider such difficulties as strange or unusual. No doubt, some would have felt as if they were being forced to deal with struggles that others had been able to avoid. Human nature tends to generate feelings of pity for ourselves in the midst of adversity, causing us to feel as if we have been treated unfairly, and even thinking we are forced to deal with issues no one else has had to endure. Peter assured them that these trials were not unusual, and they were not the first to encounter such difficulty. This was simply the reality of striving to live for the Lord in the midst of a wicked and perverted culture.

Peter revealed another reality regarding these trials. Not only were they not the first to face such adversity, there was actually purpose in these trials. God had allowed them to come into their lives in order to try their faith and strengthen their resolve. While our nature resists and despises trials, the Lord knows they are beneficial in our lives. Through them we realize our weakness and learn dependence upon the Lord. As we endure faithful, and the Lord sustains us in the midst of trials, our faith in Him grows. While trials are never enjoyable at the moment, once they are over, they almost always produce stronger Christians who are more mature in the faith. Trials will come into our lives; this is just a reality of our Christian journey.

B. The Rejoicing (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. The challenge for believers continues as Peter calls on them to not only embrace the reality of suffering, but also rejoice in the midst of their suffering. (I think you will agree that is often difficult to accomplish. I know that trials are beneficial, but I find it difficult to rejoice in the midst of them. However, that is expected of us. This is easier when we realize that God has not only allowed the trial, but is planning to use it in order to make us stronger in the faith.)

Peter also revealed an important aspect of our sufferings. As we suffer for our faith in Christ, we are partaking in His sufferings. Consider all that Christ suffered on our behalf. He was falsely accused, condemned to death, scourged, mocked, rejected, and crucified. All of this was done in submission to the Father’s will to provide redemption. As we embrace the suffering we encounter for the Christ, we are following His example, submitting to the will of God for our lives in an effort to serve and honor Him. While suffering is not enjoyable, it is a great honor and privilege to identify with the sufferings of our Lord.