By Hoyt Wilson
Pastor, Flatwoods Baptist Church, Holladay
Focal Passage: I Peter 4:12-19
How can one expect life to be fair in a fallen world? The best team does not always win. The one who works the hardest does not always get the promotion. Those who live morally, ethically, and spiritually often are ridiculed because of the quality of their lives. The best person who ever lived died young, condemned and crucified by those He came to save. Life really is not fair. Therefore, Peter wrote to believers saying: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you as though something strange were happening to you” (I Peter 4:12, NIV). Perhaps he had heard or read what Paul wrote to Timothy in II Timothy 3: 12: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (NIV). It is clear that in this letter he was attempting to help believers know how to live when ridiculed or when under harder persecution. He was certain they would suffer as Christians. While life is not fair, it can be glorious!
How can life be glorious for Christians under persecution? Peter tells us how. He says Christians are to: “… rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (I Peter 4:13). That is a victorious attitude. Christians do not suffer with Christ vicariously, but when they suffer because of faith in Him they are suffering for and with Christ. So Peter said: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (v. 14). It is kind of like Moses’ face shining whenever he left the presence of God. Something heavenly from God comes upon the person who is not intimidated by insults but rejoices that they are considered worthy of suffering for Jesus. Of course Peter is speaking of unjust suffering.
In chapter two Peter has already cautioned Christians against sin and encouraged them to live godly lives so that accusations of evil conduct would have no basis in fact. Here in chapter 4, he reinforces his previous guidance saying: “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler” (v. 15). It is interesting that “meddler” is put on the level of being a criminal, thief, or murderer. A meddler is one that causes problems by being nosey about another’s affairs. In I Timothy 5:13 Paul cautions young widows who are “… wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not” (KJV). The name Christian is dishonored by the vile conduct just mentioned. So Peter says: “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (v. 16). Only godly conduct will survive God’s judgment.
Judgment is not if, it is only when. Peter said: “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household … .” It is only by the grace of God through the death of Christ that Christians will stand in the judgment. What of those who reject God’s grace, forgiveness, and salvation? Peter asks: “… what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” The ones who ridiculed the Christians who are declared righteous by the blood of Christ should reconsider Christ’s provision and His invitation. The Christian who suffers now must do as Peter recommended and “… commit to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” When a Christian is ridiculed, they must not quit, but recommit.
