This is a study primarily covering the piece of Scripture quoted below. For additional information and context, see the verses noted at the paragraph ends.
1 Peter 4:12-16
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." (NIV)
About Suffering
Sin, and therefore sickness and death, entered the world when Adam and Eve sinned. Every person is born with a sin nature and so no one is exempt from suffering. By being born into this world, each and every person is also born into a life touched with suffering. (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
According to the above passage in 1 Peter, people also suffer when they break the law in the land in which they live. God has set authorities in place in order to enforce certain rules and to keep order. People should be ashamed if they are suffering for breaking the law. (1 Peter 2:13-14, Romans 13:1)
Blessed Suffering
Not all suffering comes naturally and not all suffering is shameful. By becoming a Christian and living for the glory of God, a person can decisively and proudly accept suffering. Peter tells Christians not to be surprised if they endure painful trials for claiming Christ's name. Unfortunately, many Christians in the United States would indeed be shocked to endure any sort of pain in association with their faith. It is not because all persecution has been eliminated in this country, but it is rather because Christians are not bearing the name of Christ.
Participate in the Sufferings of Christ
Peter tells Christians that if they do suffer for the name of Jesus, they will be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. Suffering is not something to necessarily avoid then. In less tolerant countries, persecution is easy to come by. In this country, however, showing up at church is officially and socially acceptable. In this country, going to a Christian church does not necessarily make a person a follower of Christ. To find blessed suffering a person will have to work a little bit.
Application
Will you bear Christ's name this week? Try the following suggestions and see if you can come upon some blessed suffering and participate in bringing glory to our worthy God.
- When you meet someone new, instead of giving the name of your earthly occupation, label yourself a servant of Jesus Christ.
- When a friend comes to you with his problems, tell him that you know someone who can help him. That someone is Jesus.
- Serve others. Do not be ashamed to tell them that Jesus is your role model.
- When you feel appreciation for something God is doing, or has done, tell whomever you happen to be with at the time that you praise God.
You may be able to predict the outcomes of the above-mentioned suggestions. A Christian in America may be called a fanatic. Easy relationships may become tense and awkward. Friendships may be lost. The price is small in exchange for the return.
