Advice For Suffering Christians (preaching resource for 5/17/26, Easter 7)
This post exegetes 1Peter 4:12-19; 5:5-14, providing context for the Epistles reading on 5/17/26, the 7th Sunday in the season of Easter. Insights are drawn from commentary by Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and by David Wheaton ("New Bible Commentary").
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| "The Christian Martyrs Last Prayer" by Gerome (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) |
Introduction
In chapters four and five of 1 Peter, the apostle continutes offering encouragement to Christians who are facing persecution. In chapter four, Peter gives four specific instructions to follow when persecution arrives. These instructions are helpful for all of us: They help us pray for persecuted Christians in our day; and help us face the suffering that accompanies faithfully following Jesus in our world.
1. Expect suffering
1 Peter 4:12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
Following Jesus will often bring about “painful trial”—a phrase which is more appropriately translated “fiery ordeal.” In Scripture, fire often symbolizes God’s refining presence. And this is the case here where Peter talks about God’s use of fiery trials as part of a refining process in a believer’s life (see also 1Pet 1:7). The trials that Peter has in mind here are not the typical difficulties in life that most everyone experiences. Rather he is addressing the persecution that comes upon those who are faithful to Jesus.
Jesus warned his disciples to expect persecution from the world (John 15:17–16:4). But he also encouraged them with a promise: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has overcome Satan, death and sin—those things that dominate a world living in darkness (John 12:23–33; Gal 6:14).
So when persecution comes, Peter says not to be surprised and not to think it strange. The fiery trial is not just something “happening” to us in some arbitrary way. Rather be reassured in knowing that God is in control, and that he is using the trial to advance his plan in your life—a plan always for your ultimate good (Rom 8:28).
2. Rejoice in suffering
1 Peter 4:13–14
But rejoice…(v. 13a)
“Be constantly rejoicing” is the literal translation. But constantly rejoicing in what? In suffering! Really? Yes—for along with suffering in following Jesus come four distinct blessings:
a. Participation with Christ (v. 13a)
…rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ…
It is an honor and a privilege to suffer with Christ and be treated by the world the way it treated him. This “fellowship of sharing in his sufferings” is a gift from God (Phil 3:10). And so we rejoice when this privilege comes our way, as did the apostles who “left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41).
Do not fear persecution if and when it comes, Jesus is right there with you! You share in his suffering!
b. Future glory (v. 13)
…so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
“Suffering” and “glory” are woven together in the fabric of Peter’s letter. A pleasure-seeking world believes that the absence of suffering means glory. But the outlook of a Jesus follower is different. The trial of our faith in following Jesus today is the assurance of our glory tomorrow when Jesus returns (1Pet 1:7–8).
Now it’s important to note that God is not going to replace our suffering with glory; rather he is going to transform our suffering into glory. Jesus made this point with an illustration of a woman giving birth (John 16:20–22). The pain of childbirth was transformed into joy by the birth of the baby. In similar fashion, Paul’s debilitating “thorn in the flesh” became for him power and glory (2Cor 12:7–10). The cross that gave Jesus shame and pain brought him power and glory. And so it is with us as we suffer to follow Jesus. Our sufferings will one day be transformed into glory, and in this we are “overjoyed” (see Rom 8:17; 2Tim 3:11).
c. Opportunity to glorify Jesus’ name (v. 14a)
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ…
When we suffer to follow Jesus, we are suffering for “the name of Christ” (see also John 15:21). Jesus’ name is our authority; and it’s a name that Satan hates. Every time we are reproached for that name, we have an opportunity to bring glory to that name. The world may speak against Jesus’ name, but we may speak and live in such a way that his name is honored and thus glorified. Certainly it is a privilege to bear the name of Jesus as a “Christian” (1Pet 4:16) and to suffer for his name’s sake (Acts 5:41).
d. The Spirit’s ministry to us (v. 14)
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.The ministry of the Holy Spirit—“the Spirit of glory and of God”—“rests” upon those who suffer to follow Jesus. This verse can also be translated “for the presence of the glory, even the Spirit, rests on you.” There may be here an allusion to the Shekinah glory of God that dwelt in the tabernacle and temple. When the people stoned Stephen, he saw Jesus in heaven and experienced God’s glory (Acts 6:15; 7:54–60). This is the “inexpressible and glorious joy” that Peter wrote about in 1Pet 1:8. Peter’s point is that suffering Christians do not have to wait for heaven in order to experience God’s glory. Through the Spirit’s ministry to them in their suffering, they experience that glory now. This explains how martyrs could sing praises to God while burning at the stake, and how persecuted Christians can go to prison and death with joy.
3. Examine your life
1 Peter 4:15–18
The furnace of persecution and suffering often gives us light by which to examine our lives. God uses fiery trials to refine his people. Indeed, one day a fiery judgment will overtake the whole world (2Pet 3:7–16). Meanwhile, God is judging (lovingly shaping and refining) “the family of God”, the church (v. 17). Knowing that God uses trials in this way, their presence causes us to ask three questions of ourselves:
a. Why am I suffering? (v. 15)
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
Not all suffering is a “fiery trial” from the Lord. If a Christian breaks the law and gets into trouble, or becomes a meddler in other people’s lives, then they ought to suffer! To be a Christian is not a shield from the normal consequences of our misdeeds.
b. Am I ashamed, or glorifying Jesus? (v. 16)
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Jesus is never ashamed of us (Heb 2:11)—though perhaps we give him cause to be. Perhaps Peter had in mind here his own shameful denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54–62). On the cross Jesus took upon himself our shame and reproach (Heb 12:2). Surely we can bear reproach for him and not be ashamed to be his follower.
“Not be ashamed” is negative, while “praise God” is positive. It takes both for a balanced witness. If we seek to praise God with our actions and words, then we will not be ashamed of Jesus’ name. It was this determination not to be ashamed that encouraged Paul when he went to Rome facing martyrdom (Rom 1:16), when he then suffered there (Phil 1:20–21), and when he went to his death (2Tim 1:12).
c. Am I positively influencing nonbelievers? (vv. 17–18)
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
Peter’s point seems to be this: If God sends “fiery trials” to purify Jesus-followers, and it is thus “hard for the righteous to be saved,” what will be the eventual fate of nonbelievers “who do not obey the gospel of God” and are “the ungodly and the sinner”? Peter is expressing a heart of love and concern for nonbelievers, not derision or a desire that they “fry in hell.”
Note here that in saying “it is hard for the righteous to be saved,” Peter is not implying that we are saved through our (hard) works, as though one earns salvation through suffering. Rather he is probably alluding here to Genesis 19:15–26 where God sought to rescue Lot from Sodom before the city was destroyed. God was able—but Lot was unwilling! Lot lingered, argued with the angels and finally had to be literally dragged out of the city! Lot was thus “saved as by fire” and everything he lived for went up in smoke. Thus his “salvation” was “hard” on him, but certainly no challenge to God and never in doubt. God saves us no matter what!
Peter is here calling upon those who are persecuted to look with loving concern upon their non-believing persecutors. In this way we follow Jesus who prayed concerning his persecutors, “Father forgive them.” Jesus tells us to join him in loving our enemies, and doing good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27). Times of persecution are opportunities for a loving witness to those who persecute us.
4. Commit yourself to God
1 Peter 4:19
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
When our suffering is in accordance with God’s will, we can confidently commit ourselves into God’s care and continue to do what is right. The word “commit” in Greek is a banking term meaning “to deposit for safekeeping” (see 2Tim 1:12). And when we deposit our life in God’s bank, we always receive eternal dividends on our investment. Here is encouragement in knowing how valuable we are to God. For Christ he created us; through Christ he redeemed us; and now, in Christ, our lives are guarded and protected. A life “deposited” with God, is a life kept secure by God and growing in value forever.
This commitment is not a single action but a constant attitude. “Be constantly committing” is the force of Peter’s admonition. How do we do this? By continuing “to do good.” As we return good for evil and do good even though we suffer for it, we are committing ourselves to God by remaining in his will. This commitment involves every area of our lives and every hour of our lives.
God uses “fiery trials” of various sorts to unite and purify his people—advancing his perfect will in and through their lives. And that will include providing a testimony to an unbelieving world so that they might come to know their faithful Creator who is their redeemer and friend. So be encouraged to know that we need not fear persecution and the suffering that comes with it. Our faithful Father-Creator will be right there with us and will victoriously see us through!
Sharing God’s glory in difficult times
As Peter closes his letter in chapter five, he admonishes believers to be humble, watchful, and hope-filled. Each are attitudes possessed by Jesus. And, by God’s grace, we share in, we participate in, our Savior’s mind and heart—no matter what the circumstances. And as we do, we share in God’s glory and we display that glory for others to see.
1. Be humble
1 Peter 5:5–7
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.Here Peter admonishes believers to submit to God and to one another. In particular, younger believers are to submit to older ones—not only out of respect for their age, but also respect for their spiritual maturity. Of course, not every “senior saint” is a mature Christian. And this admonition does not mean that older members are to “run the church” to the exclusion of younger members. Sometimes a generation gap exists within the church, with older people resisting change, and younger ones resisting the older. Peter’s answer to this problem: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” Humility is the key—this is ancient wisdom which Peter is referencing from Proverbs 3:34.
Peter’s point is clear. We need to serve each other with humility—just like Jesus did when he washed his disciple’s feet. Now that’s the humility of a servant-leader! Being humbly submissive to one another flows from our submission to God. It takes God’s grace to submit to one another, and God gives us this grace as we humble ourselves before him.
Of course, the opposite of humble submission is pride. God opposes the proud because he hates pride (see Prov 6:16–17; 8:13). Pride destroys fellowship. It turned Lucifer into Satan and away from God (Isa 14:12–15). It stirred Eve, then Adam to take the forbidden fruit.
The antidote to pride is God’s grace, which we receive by yielding ourselves to him. The evidence of that grace is submission to one another. And such submission is an act of faith. After all, it can be dangerous to submit to others—they might take advantage of us! But we have nothing to fear if we trust God, and in faith submit to one another. “God’s mighty hand”—the same one that led Israel through the Red Sea and the wilderness, will direct us and he is able to direct the lives of others. So humility flows from trusting in God.
A key phrase in all of this is, “in due time” (1Pet 5:6b). God never exalts anyone until they are ready. First the cross—then the crown; first suffering—then glory. Consider Moses—he was under God’s hand for forty years before God sent him to deliver the Jews from Egypt. Consider Joseph—he was under God’s hand for at least thirteen years before God lifted him to the throne. God allows struggles that our pride might be replaced with patience (James 1:1–6) and humility. Here Peter echoes Jesus’ instructions: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
If we meet the conditions laid down in 1Pet. 5:5–6, we can confidently claim the wonderful promise of 1Pet 5:7, namely that God will lift from us our anxieties. One of the principal benefits of a submitted, trusting relationship with God is the privilege to “cast” all our burdens and anxieties on him. When circumstances are difficult, it’s easy to be anxious; but anxiety causes us to miss some of God’s blessings including the opportunity to be an effective witness to an unbelieving world. Let them see our calm in the midst of the storm—trusting in Jesus. Casting our cares upon him.
The command in 1Pet 5:7 to “cast ALL your anxiety” on God refers to past, present and future. We must not hand off our anxieties to God piecemeal (the Greek word translated “cast” means “hurl”). We must not hang on to the anxieties we think we can handle for ourselves. If we do, “little anxieties” become big ones. Each time a new anxiety arises, in faith remind the Lord (and ourselves) that we have already turned the burden over to him. Here Peter echoes Psalm 55: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you” (Psa 55:22a).
2. Be watchful
1 Peter 5:8–9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
One source of trouble and thus anxiety is our spiritual enemy, the devil. “Devil” means “slanderer” and he is also a deceiver (2Cor 11:3) and a devourer (1Pet 5:8b). The recipients of this letter had already experienced the devil’s attacks (1Pet 4:4, 14), and now they would meet him as a “lion” in persecution. Peter arms them with three practical instructions concerning the devil: respect him, recognize him and resist him.
a. Respect him
“Be self-controlled….” The devil is a serpent who can bite when least expected. He is a ruthless destroyer (Rev 9:11; Abaddon and Apollyon both mean “destruction”); and accuser (Rev 12:9–11). The devil has great power and intelligence and a host of demons assisting him (Eph 6:10ff). He is a formidable enemy and we must never ignore or underestimate his ability. We need not fear him; but we are to exercise self-control.
b. Recognize him
“Be…alert…” Because the devil is a subtle foe, we must be on guard. His strategy often involves counterfeiting what God does. According to the Parable of the Tares, where God plants true Christians, Satan plants counterfeits (Matt 13:24–30, 36–43). He would deceive us were it not for the Word and Spirit (1John 2:18–27). The better we know these, the keener our spiritual senses will be to detect satanic strategies including deception. We must “try the spirits” and distinguish the true from the false (1John 4:1–6).
c. Resist him
“Resist him, steadfast in your faith” (NRSV). Resisting the devil means standing against the desires of the flesh on the solid ground of faith—trusting belief in Jesus. We stand there clothed in Jesus’ own faith, and we are not destroyed. In Jesus, we resist the devil with weapons he provides, Scripture and prayer included (Eph 6:17–18) and with spiritual armor in which he clothes us (Eph 6:10-19). To stand in faith this way is to bow before God: “Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). And in our struggle to resist, we are not discouraged for we know we are not alone: “Your brothers throughout the world” are going through the same struggles.
3. Be hope-filled
1 Peter 5:10–14
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Peter closes with this positive note, reminding his readers that God knows what he is doing and is in complete control. No matter how difficult the fiery trials they face, as followers of Jesus there is always. Peter gives four reasons for a hope-filled attitude:
a. We have God’s grace
Our salvation is entirely about God’s grace (1Pet 1:10). He called us before we called on him (1Pet 1:2). Now that we have “tasted that the Lord is good” (gracious) (1Pet 2:3), we are not afraid of anything that he purposes for us. We trust him, knowing that his grace is manifold—extended to us in “various forms” (1Pet 4:10), meeting our various needs. As we submit to this gracious God, he gives us more and more grace. In fact, he is “the God of all grace” (1Pet 5:10) and in that grace we may stand with Jesus against all difficulty (1Pet 5:12). So be hope-filled!
b. We’re headed for glory
God has “called you to his eternal glory in Christ.” Peter has in mind here the wonderful inheritance that became ours through the new birth of humanity in Jesus (1Pet 1:4). Whatever begins with God’s grace always leads to God’s glory. If we depend on God’s grace when we suffer, that suffering will result in glory (1Pet 4:13–16). The road may be difficult, but it leads to glory, and that is all that really counts. So be hope-filled!
c. Suffering is short-lived
Our trials, no matter how long the duration may seem, are only “for a little while” (1Pet 1:6), but the glory that results will be forever. Paul shares the same thought in 2Cor 4:17—“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” So be hope-filled!
d. Trials equip us
The Greek word in 1Pet 5:10b translated “restore” means “equip.” It’s translated “mending nets” in Matthew 4:21. God uses several tools to equip and repair and thus restore us for life and service. Suffering is one of those tools. Our Savior equips us so we may participate actively and skillfully in his will and work (Heb 13:20–21). This equipping makes us strong, firm and steadfast:
1) Strong means “firmly fixed.” Our hearts are firmly fixed in Jesus (1Thes 3:13; James 5:8, 2Pet 1:12). In union with Jesus we will not be moved by persecution. So be hope-filled!
2) Firm means acting out of Jesus’ strength to meet the demands of life. What good is it to have our hearts established if our feet don’t follow? But in Jesus we do follow; no matter what! So be hope-filled!
3) Steadfast refers to the foundation upon which we stand firmly fixed and that foundation is none other than Jesus! The house in Jesus’ parable founded on the rock withstood the storm (Matt 7:24–27). A believer equipped by God, in Jesus, will “continue” faithful, “grounded and firm” (Col 1:23). So be hope-filled!
If we get our eyes off the steadfast strength of Jesus, our foundation, it’s easy to lose hope in times of suffering. But in and through Jesus, our suffering increases our hope: “Because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:3–4). God builds character and brightens hope as we trust in him, depending on his grace. The result is our sharing in God’s glory—his eternal relationship of love as Father, Son and Spirit into which humankind is adopted by grace. We have every reason to be hope-filled!
Conclusion
Peter concludes his epistle with a benediction invoking for us God’s amazing peace. He began with this in mind (1Pet 1:2), and now ends with these words: “Peace to all of you who are in Christ” (1Pet 5:14b). Peace is God’s gift of grace. It is ours at all times, but particularly in times of trouble. Down through the centuries, the church has experienced much trouble—sometimes horrible persecution—but through it all, by God’s grace, the church has endured. And that knowledge brings us hope in facing our own times of trial and difficulty. And so we conclude, thanking God for trials and for the grace, peace and hope he gives us to not only endure but to thrive. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.