1 Peter, chapter 4:
Does it shake your theology, or give you encouragement? God’s Word has a way of doing both.
“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose,”
“because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
“... In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;”
“...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.”
“... but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”
“... Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
We are to arm ourselves with the same purpose, or mind, as Christ, who suffered in the flesh? Yes.
We should expect to be maligned, or spoken evil of, for not pursuing our lusts in the same way as unbelievers? Yes.
We should not be surprised when fiery ordeals, or trials, come upon us? Perhaps we should even expect them? For our testing? Yes.
We should rejoice to share in the sufferings of Christ? We are blessed when we are reviled, or reproached, for the name of Christ? Yes.
We are not to be ashamed for suffering as a Christian, or Christ-follower? Yes.
It is possible to suffer according to the will of God? Yes.
If you match this passage with others in the New Testament, you will see these truths corroborated.
If you believe that it is never God’s will that one of His followers should suffer, or that one who is truly living by faith or according to His will should always be able to avoid suffering and should only ever experience fulfillment and prosperity, then your theology needs some shaking. Of course, it is never without purpose, nor does He take pleasure from the suffering itself.
If you are experiencing suffering for following Him, or just through the trials of life, and feel ashamed, hurt, or like you have failed somehow, be encouraged. Our Master suffered, and we who are being conformed to His image should expect no less.
Grace and peace to you all.
Note: Bible verses quoted from the NASB (New American Standard Bible).
Does it shake your theology, or give you encouragement? God’s Word has a way of doing both.
“Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose,”
“because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
“... In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;”
“...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.”
“... but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”
“... Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
We are to arm ourselves with the same purpose, or mind, as Christ, who suffered in the flesh? Yes.
We should expect to be maligned, or spoken evil of, for not pursuing our lusts in the same way as unbelievers? Yes.
We should not be surprised when fiery ordeals, or trials, come upon us? Perhaps we should even expect them? For our testing? Yes.
We should rejoice to share in the sufferings of Christ? We are blessed when we are reviled, or reproached, for the name of Christ? Yes.
We are not to be ashamed for suffering as a Christian, or Christ-follower? Yes.
It is possible to suffer according to the will of God? Yes.
If you match this passage with others in the New Testament, you will see these truths corroborated.
If you believe that it is never God’s will that one of His followers should suffer, or that one who is truly living by faith or according to His will should always be able to avoid suffering and should only ever experience fulfillment and prosperity, then your theology needs some shaking. Of course, it is never without purpose, nor does He take pleasure from the suffering itself.
If you are experiencing suffering for following Him, or just through the trials of life, and feel ashamed, hurt, or like you have failed somehow, be encouraged. Our Master suffered, and we who are being conformed to His image should expect no less.
Grace and peace to you all.
Note: Bible verses quoted from the NASB (New American Standard Bible).
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