Title: Suffering (1 Peter 4:12-19)
Contents
It is never easy to accept the sufferings of the world just because you are a Christian. Jeremiah had no choice but to plead with tears to preach the inexplicable gospel that only he could live as a Babylonian captive. Peter, who must teach that suffering is unavoidable, something that must be endured, and that active participation is the way to glory, is saying the same thing.
Suffering is not strange (verse 12). No one can escape the suffering expressed through fire trials. However, Christians must first acknowledge and accept it as an experience. Just as the cross of Jesus is a crown, we should rather enjoy participating in the sufferings of Jesus. David was able to oppose Saul, the subject of suffering, but it is a blessing to receive praise from all the people through patience and perseverance. Suffering does not bring glory, but accepting suffering with joy and giving thanks is to be a person who reveals that the Spirit of God rests upon it.
Suffering is a glorious thing (v. 16). It is a shame to suffer because of the Christian life, showing interest in what is not suitable, and participating in activities. However, there is no shame in the hardships we have to endure as Christians. We have to go out boldly with the self-esteem of the believer. The holy settling of the saved is the protagonist who not only goes beyond the standards of the world, but also accomplishes amazing things that the world cannot handle. Stephen, who was not ashamed of the gospel, became a martyr who was slain proudly with the glory of an angel's face in the midst of suffering.
Judgment begins with God's people (verse 17). When the judgment comes, if believers do not move forward with self-esteem and dignity, what about those who do not believe? The life of a believer who does good despite suffering according to God's will is a challenge for ungodly and evildoers. Accepting suffering is an active sacrifice, surrendering everything to a trusted God, no matter what. Those who suffer according to the will of God experience complete victory by entrusting their all to the Father.
I pray that you will become saints who will experience complete victory by accepting suffering as deserved, by spreading the gospel through a life that is not ashamed of suffering, and by entrusting yourself to the hands of the Father despite suffering.