“First Peter 4:12-16”

Thursday, September 14, 2017

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”

---End of Scripture verses---

Peter tells us in chapter 1 verse 7 that the “genuineness” of our faith will be “tested by fire” so that it may “result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In verse 12 of today’s reading he reminds us that it should come as no surprise when we are confronted by a “fiery ordeal”. Since Satan could not harm Jesus he will turn up the heat on the Lord’s “beloved” every chance that he gets. The crucible of testing can either torch or temper our faith. It can kill us or make us stronger, the choice is ours to make. 

But we can take great comfort in knowing that our Father will never leave us to suffer alone in our times of affliction and need. If we make the effort to remain faithful to God during times of persecution He will make His grace and favor to shine down upon us. “The Spirit of glory and of God” rests upon us during the darkest hours of our struggles (verse 14). Beyond taking comfort, we can actually “rejoice” in the knowledge that when we suffer for righteousness we are walking in the steps of our Savior, God will imbue us with the strength to endure, and we will share in the glory of Christ at His final “revelation” (verse 13).

When we are “reviled for the name of Christ” we “are blessed”. Suffering for its own sake is not necessarily an occasion for honor or rejoicing. In fact we should be “ashamed” if we suffer as a “murder, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (verse 15). When we take a stance against Christ and everything that is holy and good, we deserve the pain and disgrace that we earn on earth and in eternity. “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, his is not to be ashamed” (verse 16). 

The name “Christian” is only mentioned three times in the New Testament, and most scholars believe it was originally used as a term of derision by the enemies of Christ and His cause. “This name” may either have been a divine designation or a term of derision, or maybe both. Whichever is the case, we should always wear the name “Christian” with confidence and dignity, and rejoice when we suffer for the name of the Holy One. 

Please read 1 Peter 4:17-19 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

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