Suffer as a Christian
Thesis: To teach the hearer though times may change, people are basically the same, and likewise are their reactions when they come in contact with biblical Christians, and the pure gospel of Jesus Christ.
Text: 1 Pet 4:12-19
1Pe 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.
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
1Pe 4:14 If you are insulted (reproached) for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
1Pe 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
1Pe 4:17 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?
1Pe 4:18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
1Pe 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Introduction,
1 Peter is in a section of the Bible where it is grouped up with other like epistles that are known as the “general epistles,” the others in this category would be James, 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John and Jude, the reason these are called “general epistles” is for the fact that they are addressed to churches (assemblies, house congregations) “generally” instead of a particular congregation or individual.
The human penman is the apostle Peter (1:1), yet we know all Scripture is inspired of God (2 Tim 3:16), as selected individuals were borne along, driven by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 2:21).
Peter was a fisherman by occupation, he lived in Capernaum, a town on the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee which is in the northern section of Palestine, he was in the fishing business with his brother Andrew, who were partners with James and John, the sons of Zebedee, all 4 of which left their secular trade to follow Christ.
Peter was a married man (Mt 8:14), his wife was also a Christian and accompanied him on some of his travels (1 Cor 9:5), he was also an elder of the church (1 Pet 5:1).
This epistle was penned at about AD 65, a year after Nero burned Rome and placed the blame on Christians (a false flag event), soon following that a severe persecution came about on the church, sending thousands to their death, some as torches to light the orgies in Nero’s gardens, others were fed to wild beasts at the coliseums in order to entertain the peoples of that day, others were tortured, crucified, beheaded, or made to suffer any other kind of death that the pagan mind could invent. The same type of things are taking place today across the world, it has been said that is that Christian persecutions are now collectively higher than they have ever been, even in the 1st century.
Yet we need to remember, that except for a very short period when the church was first established (Acts 2:47), persecutions have always been part of the life of a Christian, only when the church apostatizes does this persecution ease up (one of Satan’s many devices; 2 Cor 2:11), and those that attempted to draw the erring church back to the truth, and remain faithful to God’s word, were many times killed for their expression of love.
This is the “occasion” or the “purpose” of this letter, to urge Christians to be steadfast, persevere in the face of these 1st century persecutions, to confirm to them that they were following that narrow yet difficult way that leads to life (Mt 7:14), and to give these suffering saints hope in the midst of this great suffering (1 Pet 1:3-4) . . .
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
Therefore with this background established, we will go through this section of Scripture, and see how this applies to the faithful Christian today who is almost always under fire from one source or another.
We will break this passage down into 3 basic sections, and look at . . .
1) The “sureness” of persecutions to the faithful (v 12-14)
2) The “purpose” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 15-18)
3) The “goal” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 19)
I. THE “SURENESS” OF THE PERSECUTIONS TO THE FAITHFUL (1 Pet 4:12-14)
A. (v 12)
1Pe 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.
Throughout this epistle Peter has been discussing suffering for the cause of Christ (“to seek and save that which was lost” Luke 19:10), here he brings forth what Christians are to expect for righteousness’ sake.
1. He tells the readers that they should not think it unusual that they were in the midst of fiery trials, in fact, strife and persecutions are the common outgrown of the Christian life (look at 2 Tim 3:12; John 15:18-21) . . .
2Ti 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Joh 15:18 "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me (Jesus) before it hated you.
Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Joh 15:21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
a. This would take place even between family members (Mt 10:34-36) . . .
Mat 10:34 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Mat 10:36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.
b. This just illustrates how far people have gone from God, like the ugly duckling that is hated by his siblings, the odd colored member of a wolf pack is attacked by the others, or the child with some unusual feature such as looks or clothing is rejected and bullied by his peers.
c. In like manner sinful people are highly resentful of the godly lives of the followers of Christ, I refer to this as “the Cain and Able syndrome” (1 John 3:12).
1Jn 3:12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. . .
d. . . . And deep down he knew it, Jesus said this to his unbelieving brother concerning “why” the world hates those that imitate Christ (John 7:7) . . .
Joh 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.
e. And when we in like manner state that the things going on in this world are indeed evil (abortion, sodomy, lesbianism, transgenderism, same sex marriage, divorce and remarriage, money-loving, etc.) we also will be hated by those in and of the world (1 John 2:15-17) . . .
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires (lust) of the flesh and the desires (lust) of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its (lusts) desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
2. Hardships and persecutions were essential for the Lord’s church in the 1st century, it made it strong, in order that it would endure, faithful-wise and time-wise.
a. Also without opposition today, our faith is likely not to be strong; struggle develops strength, in our physical bodies, and in our spirits, consider the advice that Christ gave to the church at Laodicea in order to rid themselves of their lukewarm-ness (turn to Rev 3:18-19).
Rev 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
Rev 3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
b. Christ basically is telling the church at Laodicea to repent from their lackadaisical approach to the Faith, which made them spiritually naked, to be zealous in the work of the Lord, which would bring about the fire of persecutions, which figuratively would come from Him, and as they did such they would be able to better see the kingdom of God with the eye of faith because they would be active in it, and in this manner they would be spiritually rich, clothed with the white garments of holiness.
3. The “proving” (testing) spoken of in our verse (back in 1 Pet 4:12) is that of the process of “refining” as with precious metals, the ore is tossed in a red hot crucible (melting pot) for the purpose of separating the dross (waste, impurities) from the precious metal, God allows these persecutions for one’s spiritual growth (Ja 1:2-4; Job 23:10; Ps 66:10) . . .
Jas 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Jas 1:3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Jas 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
Psa 66:10 For you, O God, have tested (proved) us; you have tried us as silver is tried.
a. In like manner when we today are persecuted for living godly lives that seem strange to those who are of the world, or if we are ridiculed or the source of other’s anger for speaking the truth of the gospel, we are made stronger in our faith, and brings us to a point that we are less likely to be overcome by sin, seeing that our focus is against sin, it is put in its proper perspective, and is therefore made less appealing, and easier to sidestep these snares of Satan, as affirmed earlier in this chapter (1 Pet 4:1-2).
1Pe 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh (because of the gospel) has ceased from sin (it is easier to abstain from that which you fight against),
1Pe 4:2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions (lusts) but for the will of God . (Our focus is now on the spirit, which endures, instead of the flesh, which is perishing).
B. (v 13)
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
When a Christian suffers because of God’s Truth, and doing His will, he is partaking of the same kind of painful ordeals that the Lord endured.
1. Of course our sufferings are not as severe as His, we probably are not going to be crucified, yet we do endure agonizing trails, as He did.
a. Evil people hated Him because He exposed their sinful conduct and religious error by His teachings, and by His pure life, the same should be true with us today.
2. Also He suffered inwardly when followers of Jehovah God rejected the truth of the gospel (Mt 23:37), we also have inward trials because we know the terror of the Lord (2 Cor 5:10-11) that awaits those who are not acting like Christians as God has ordained (Mt 22:11-14).
b. Yet, with this in view we ought to REJOICE! For He has said (Mt 5:10-12a) . . .
Mat 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Mat 5:12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven,
c. These sufferings should have us rejoicing now, because they are signs/tokens of the Judgment/rewards to be given on the Judgment day at Christ’s 2nd coming at the end of time (look at 2 Thess 1:4-10).
2Th 1:4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
2Th 1:5 This is evidence (a manifest token; (ASV) of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—
2Th 1:6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
2Th 1:7 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
2Th 1:8 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.
2Th 1:9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction (punishment; Mt 25:46), away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
2Th 1:10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
C. (v 14)
1Pe 4:14 If you are (reproached) insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The word translated “if” in the beginning of this verse is “ei” is not always describing a “conditional clause,” sometimes it means “since” or “foreasmuch” and probably does here also, seeing that Peter already affirmed that fiery trial which “comes” or “cometh” (present participle) v 12, denoting “was presently coming upon them.”
Since (or “if”) they are “reproached” (which denotes a verbal assault; i.e. “insulted”) for their loyalty to Christ’s authority, His Kingship, they are “blessed,” they are “fortunate”(makarios), but this fortune will not be fully realized until the heavenly rewards are meted out on the Last Day (Ja 5:11).
Jam 5:11 Behold, we call them blessed that endured: you have heard of the patience (endurance; perseverance) of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful.
a. Paul looked forward to this reward when he was nearing his death (2 Tim 4:7-8).
2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
When Christ comes again and brings the Christian’s heavenly hope, “then” that glorious goal will be fully realized (Col 3:4).
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall you also with him be manifested in glory.
a. Most people in and of the world think it strange that faithful Christians don’t indulge in many of what they would consider “normal activities,” because the mature child of God can readily recognize the sinful snares that Satan has laid in many of these seemingly normal activities, and chooses not to expose themselves to things that would only help bring about their eternal demise, thus this brings about the “evil speaking” as seen in verses 3-4 of this chapter . . . we need to recognize that there are things that need to be laid aside that are not sinful in themselves, yet they may prevent us from successfully accomplishing the Christian race (Heb 12:1) . . .
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
But there is a sense in which the spirit of glory rests on us “now” while we do God’s will, it puts others’ attention towards us, noticing us, so they would be without excuse on That day, and in extreme cases, like Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (Mt 17:2) and Stephen (Acts 6:15), we might even actually glow (Mt 17:2; Acts 6:15; 7:55-60) . . .
Mat 17:2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.
Act 6:15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. . .
Act 7:55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Act 7:56 And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
Act 7:57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
Act 7:58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
Act 7:59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Act 7:60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Also the Spirit of God rests upon those who are led by the Spirit doing God’s will, when we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit (Rom 8:14) through the means of that sword, then the Spirit of God dwells in us (Rom 8:9a).
In the KJV this portion is contained at the end of this verse . . .
“on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”
a. Therefore when these verbal reproaches are dished out by others to the Christian, it is as if they are speaking evil of Christ, whether they do it directly or not, God/Christ/Holy Spirit and His church are inseparable, Scripture plainly teaches this (Mt 25; Acts 9), and when we endure said reproaches without reacting sinfully we are glorifying God, doing His will, His way as seen in 1 Pet 2:20b-21. . .
1Pe 2:20b if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
1Pe 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
b. Therefore when we look at these first few verses, it easy to see “the sureness of persecutions to the faithful” in this world, which will come upon those who live according to the gospel of Christ (Rom 1:16), that new and living way (Heb 10:20).
II. THE “PURPOSE” OF THE PERSECUTIONS TO THE FAITHFUL (1 Pet 4:15-18).
A. (v 15)
1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
There are struggles that we must all endure because we live in an imperfect world, the same struggles are faced by everyone, because the general origin of these struggles are sin (Rom 3:23).
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
1. Because of sin, ours and others’, we are all subject to accidents and diseases (Luke 13:1-5).
Luk 13:1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Luk 13:2 And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?
Luk 13:3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Luk 13:4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?
Luk 13:5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
a. Because of sin, ours and others’, we all grow old and suffer the infirmities brought on through age, the returning to the dust process (2 Cor 4:16) . . .
2Co 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
b. And because of sin, ours and others’, we will all experience physical death (Rom 6:23; Heb 9:27)
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Heb 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
c. Yet God sees the physical death of the saint as precious (Ps 116:15), but the death of the unforgiven sinner as something He takes no pleasure in (Ezek 18:23), He and all that believe that the bible is God’s word, knows the ultimate outcome of both (Mt 25:46)
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.
d. Yet the one who is transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2), through belief, study and application of the living and active word, that sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17), ought to be able to use these common struggles as a means of increasing our spiritual strength in the realms of patience, faith, endurance and so on.
2. But there is no advantage to the soul for suffering for some crime or sinful activity, and the person who partakes in such ought to hang his head low in shame.
a. Yet that is not the case today, our society, our media, this world, promotes and applauds sins that 50 years ago, would of only be spoken of in secret and even then, one would not feel comfortable doing such, (sodomy, lesbianism, adultery, marital relations between the unmarried, sexually provocative dress and talk, immodesty, nudity, abortion, gambling, the occult, reveling, etc.).
b. There is such a lack of righteousness and goodness in our society (even among so called “Christians”), one can only wonder if the Lord won’t be coming real soon (for perhaps not enough are coming to repentance; 2 Pet 3:9).
B. (v 16)
1Pe 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that (this) name.
But to suffer as a Christian, while being obedient to Christ is right, it must not be something that shames us.
1. We see too many in the church, living as though they are of the world, partaking of the lusts of the world, the vain glory of the world (1 John 2:16), with the world (2 Cor 6:16-18), and enjoying it.
a. Many Christians today are repulsed when one speaks of the errors that are propagated by the religions of men, they become fearful to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15), thinking it might lose them a convert.
b. Therefore they present the gospel in a soft-soap sort of approach that only ends up in a bunch of un-converted people who just got wet, actually the situation is way out of hand, there are a whole lot of unholy people that think they are going to a holy heaven, which is just not going to happen, for it is written (1 Pet 1:15; Heb 12:14)…
1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the (lusts) passions of your former ignorance,
1Pe 1:15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
Heb 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
c. They love the world, and the things of the world, why would a person want to go to a place (heaven) completely foreign to their mindset and desires (1 John 2:15-17, Ja 4:4).
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (but rather the love of Satan is indwelling them)
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world—the (lust) desires of the flesh and the (lust) desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its (lusts) desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Jas 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
d. This is no new problem, it was going on even in Paul’s day (look at Phili 3:18-20).
Php 3:18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk (live) as enemies of the cross of Christ (he is speaking about Christians in this context).
Php 3:19 Their end is destruction (perdition), their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Php 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
2. We are not to be ashamed of the gospel (Rom 1:16), or of Jesus (Lk 9:26) . . .
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Luk 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
a. Nor are we to be ashamed of being called “Christians” The word “Christian” (Gr. Christianos) literally means “Christ owned by” or “one owned by Christ,” and it denotes one who follows/imitates Christ, in fact this is commanded of us (look at Luke 9:23; 1 Cor 11:1; 1 John 2:6)
Luk 9:23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily (put himself to death daily) and follow me.
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
1Jn 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk (live) in the same way in which he walked (lived).
b. Now this imitating is speaking of all aspects of His life, not just the ones that don’t offend others, or are opposed to what we think, sin must be exposed, righteousness must be commended . . .
c. Religious error is to be a constantly held up as that which will cause the ones who teach it and follow that teaching to fall in the pit, which is merely a figure of speech meaning it will send them to Gehenna Hell (Mt 15:12-14).
Mat 15:12 Then the disciples came and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?"
Mat 15:13 He answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit."
d. And we must show compassion to the downtrodden of all aspects of life, while at the same time holding forth that word of truth (Phili 1:15-16) which is able to save their souls (Ja 1:21).
e. Expecting to suffer for these attributes as Christ and His disciples did, but knowing that we are in fact lifting God and Christ up for all to see and marvel at (Mt 5:13-16).
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
C. (v 17)
1Pe 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the house(hold) of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
“The house(hold) of God” here refers to the church, the ekklesia, the called out ones, those who are “born again” (Jn 3:3) into God’s family, as seen in (1 Tim 3:14-15) . . .
1Ti 3:14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,
1Ti 3:15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the house(hold) of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress (ground) of the truth.
1. “Judgment” in this verse refers to the persecutions of the context.
a. The meaning is “if the family of God, those who enjoy the special providence of God, have to endure these harsh trials, what will be the result of those who reject the gospel, and are dishing out these persecutions.”
b. Seeing that this is not speaking of the final judgment, but of temporal persecutions.
c. Surely God’s immutable (unchanging) law will come into play (Gal 6:7).
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
d. They plant troubles on others; they likewise will have troubles, probably worse than those of the Christian.
e. And these have no hope of the eternal reward, as does the Christian, to sustain them through hardships (1 Pet 1:3-4).
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
f. Christ is the firstfruits, the forerunner (Heb 6:20) of those to enter into heaven, resurrected never to die again (Rev 1:18), we who endure faithfully in this life will follow Him at His 2nd coming (turn to 1 Cor 15:19-23).
1Co 15:19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
1Co 15:20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1Co 15:21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
g. Therefore it is imperative that we be waiting and looking for His coming in the prescribed manner (look at 2 Pet 3:9-14) . . .
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be (burnt up) exposed.
2Pe 3:11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 (looking) waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are (looking) waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are (looking) waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
h. Working out our salvation through the power of God (Phili 2:12-13), bringing holiness to completion (2 Cor 7:1), without which no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14).
D. (v 18)
1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? (ASV)
1Pe 4:18 And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
Certainly not in heaven, now this verse does speak of the Final Judgment.
1. The word translated “scarcely” here in “molis” and it denotes “that which is accomplished only with great difficulty,” it does not suggest doubt as to the outcome, even though apostasy surely is possible, but that is not what this is speaking of.
a. This is speaking of that straightened, difficult way know as the Faith, the Way, Christianity (look at Mt 7:13-14).
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
b. This (Mt 7:13-14) is one of the many parts of the gospel that people want to change because it seems too hard for the alien sinner, thus we have the thousands of denominations.
c. But the Lord clearly and plainly tells us we “must” continue to “do” (“doeth” present active participle) the Father’s will, or else (look at Mt 7:21-23) . . .
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who keeps saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will get into the kingdom from heaven, but only the person who keeps doing (present active participle) the will of my Father in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name, drove out demons in your name, and performed many miracles in your name, didn't we?'
Mat 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Get away (depart) from me, you who practice evil!'" (lit. “practice lawlessness”). (ISV)
2. The ungodly and the sinner here (back 1 Pet 4:18) “where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?” Are one in the same person, the definite article (the) used once in the Greek text indicates that these are the same person.
a. The sinner is an ungodly person, and the ungodly person is a sinner.
b. The word “ungodly” denotes simply one that is not following the true religion of God.
c. Not one who is guilty of heinous crimes, this could refer to any little old lady down the street who is not a true/biblical Christian.
d. Let us keep in mind, that there is but one plan set forth in the Bible, it is not open for changes via someone’s interpretation, there is but one Faith (Eph 4:5).
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.
e. All have sinned (Rom 3:23), and those that do not believe and obey the gospel as set forth in the God’s word, cannot be forgiven, thus they stay sinners, whether they believe it in their own minds or not, as it is written (1 John 5:13).
1Jn 5:13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
f. The Bible/God’s word will be the standard all people will be judged by on the Last Day, not one’s own beliefs (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12).
Joh 12:48 He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Rom 2:16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books (of the bible) were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books (of the bible), according to their works.
g. The Lord states plainly that these 2 groups (the righteous and the sinner, are separated, by the gospel through their words and deeds in this life; (see 2 Cor 6:15-18).
2Co 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
2Co 6:16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
2Co 6:18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."
h. And these 2 groups will also be “permanently” separated on that Day of days in the next life (Mt 25:32-34, 41, 46).
Mat 25:32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
Mat 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Mat 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mat 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
i. This is where the sinner, those without the true religion of God, the Faith, the Way, the Gospel, will “appear.”
j. And because of this Day, which has been set in God’s appointment book (Acts 17:31), coupled with God’s desire to have individuals saved from the eternal fire (1 Tim 2:4).
k. Is “the purpose of persecutions to the faithful” in order that they may learn to walk faithfully in this world and inherit eternal life in the next, so they might hears those longed for words (Mt 25:21) . . .
Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: you hast been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things; enter into the joy of your lord.
III. THE “GOAL” (“END RESULT”) OF THE PERSECUTIONS TO THE FAITHFUL (1 Pet 4:19)
A. (v 19)
1Pe 4:19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
“Therefore” here denotes the conclusion, the aim, the goal of the message being brought forth.
1. Those that suffer as Christians, because they are Christians, because they live like Christ are to realize that they are suffering according to God’s will, which refines and builds their spiritual characters.
a. Consider what is written about Christ in (look at Heb 5:7-9) . . .
Heb 5:7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his (godly fear) reverence.
Heb 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
b. Those that suffer for the gospel’s sake because they are living a life of doing good as did Christ (Acts 10:38), are in like manner being perfected by these sufferings, through these things they learn to commit their souls, their spirits unto God, they trust in Him, as did the Lord (look at 1 Pet 2:23).
1Pe 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
c. In this context Jesus continued trusting in God, this was ongoing, during His life, like the servant in the context was supposed to continue to endure unjust acts from their masters while doing good, not evil, this was good in the sight of God. Why? Because they were able to practice crying out to God, to make it automatic, when trouble came upon them, so that at the end of their lives, they and we will not curse God and die, as Job’s wife stated (Job 2:9), but rather imitate Christ in and through death, being faithful unto death (Lk 23:46). . .
Luk 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last (gave up His spirit; Jn 19:30).
d. God is faithful, and He is the Creator, He can always be trusted, He created through the power of His word, and He always keeps His word (Rom 3:4a; Heb 6:18; Tit 1:2)
Rom 3:4 . . . let God be found true, but every man a liar;
Heb 6:18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
e. Therefore it is “the goal of persecutions to the faithful” that we commit our souls, our spirits unto God, knowing that hardships and trials will come upon us in this sin darkened world because of our relationship with Him and His Son (John 17:3).
Joh 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
f. But in these persecutions, as we are drawing nigh to God through them, we are to act as pillars, upholding, living, teaching the Gospel, the Faith, the Way, despite the troubles that will come because of it, all the while holding in our hearts that heavenly hope (Tit 1:2), looking to the things above (Col 3:1-4, 1 Jn 3:2-3) . . .
Tit 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Col 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Col 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Conclusion,
1. First we looked at the “sureness” of persecutions to the faithful (v 12-14), the living, the speaking, the teaching, the preaching of the gospel exposes the inner emotions to all that hear it, it can turn one group into God lovers (as seen in Acts chapter 2 when 3,000 obeyed from the heart), and the other group into Christian (thus in reality Christ) haters, and maybe even killers (as seen in the account of Stephen in Acts 7, where he was killed basically for telling the religious leaders of that day that they were wrong and therefore lost).
2. Then we looked at the “purpose” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 15-18), they will come about, the very nature of being Christ-like and doing the things Christ did, will bring them about, but they are meant to refine, to purify the Christian into a life of living “for” the Faith, instead of falling “from” the Faith, the only means of being forgiven and having that hope of heaven.
3. And lastly we looked “goal” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 19), whatever persecutions come about because of living the Christian life, whether they be ridiculing, harassing, neglecting, inward struggles or even physical death, we are to put our trust in God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the truths and promises brought forth in the NT, the Gospel, and give our entire life (physically and spiritually) unto Him and His will, unto the life eternal.
4. Yet the first step towards all this is becoming one owned by Christ, a “Christian” not a Lutheran, one owned by Luther, nor a Baptist, nor a Catholic, but a “Christian” as the Bible teaches.
5. To become a member of one of these denominations you must believe and obey what they teach, then you become one of them, but to become a Christian, you must believe and obey the Gospel of Christ, then God adds you to His church (Acts 2:47).
6. To prove my point, just repeat what I am about to say to you, to any of these groups and they will deny one point or another, or maybe all of what I say, and probably verbally persecute you for it, this in itself ought to tell you something.
7. But it “is” the living word of the living God, not the musings of men, and “it” is the power of God to salvation (Rom 1:16)
One is to . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17) this how the Father plants the word, that seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11), within the good ground, that good, honest and open heart.
One is to . . .
Believe that Jesus died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and ascended into Heaven, and that we have a living hope of following Him (1 Cor 15:1-4; 23; 1 Pet 1:3-4), belief/faith is the crossover point (Jn 5:24) wherein one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15)
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
And one is not to stop there, but rather continue in the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15) . . .
One is to . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5), Repentance is a change of mind that results in a changed life, a life
that is likened unto Christ’s, Whom we follow/imitate (Jn 14:6; 1 Cor 11:1)
One is to . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ to others (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), if you are ashamed of Christ and His words, He will be ashamed of you on That Day (Luke 9:26), this is how God propagates His kingdom (Mt 28:19-20)
One is to . . .
Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), it is the point where one is to be dead to the practice of sin and alive unto God (Rom 6:1-11).
And finally one is to . . .
Live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), and “knowing” what being “holy” is, it means “separated”, “set-apart” “from” the ways of the world and “to” the Way of God (2 Cor 6:14-7:1), being renewed day by day, walking not as the world walks, but as God directs, in every aspect of one’s life.
Putting off that old person, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth,
Engraving, implanting God’s word and will deeper and deeper into our hearts with each passing day.
As the good ground, determined to follow God’s instructions, that difficult Way (Mt 7:14), whatever the cost may be (Rev 2:10), knowing it is worth all this and more (Rom 8:18).