We live in an imperfect world, a world messed up because of the first sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve. Ever since the third chapter of Genesis, we’ve been living in a “post-Genesis 3 world.” Until Christ returns, we’ll face difficulties, trials, and tribulations.
The Apostle Peter knew about suffering. In fact, Jesus told Peter in John 21:18-19 that Peter would die in a way that would glorify God. Church tradition records Peter’s death as by crucifixion, a death ordered in AD 64 by the evil Roman Emperor Nero.
You know, we often pray for God’s perfect will in our lives. This letter (1 Peter) reminds us it may be God’s will for us to go through seasons of suffering. Part of having a healthy “theology of suffering” is knowing it’s not unusual for Christians to face hardships for their faith. The good news is there are some benefits that attach to Christians who face religious persecution. Today’s post considers the first benefit:
Greater Intimacy with Christ (1 Peter 4:12-13)
We were created to have relationship with God. Suffering as a Christian gives us the opportunity to be drawn closer to our Lord Jesus. Before we note that truth, consider again that Peter reminds Christians that suffering is to be expected:
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; (1 Peter 4:12)
Suffering for our faith is the normal experience. If you are a Christian and you suffer, that’s normal. Peter says, “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though it were abnormal,” as though “some strange thing happened to you.” It’s not strange, it’s normal. It’s what you can expect living in a world opposed to the things of Christ.
And Peter is so pastoral here. The first word in verse 12 is “Beloved.” Isn’t that beautiful? Ever been called, “Beloved?” Ever been called anything other than, “Beloved?!” I’m sure you have. Me too.
Why “Beloved?” Well, when you suffer for Christ, remember God’s love for you. Don’t question His love. That’s one of the reasons Peter began his letter as he did. He gives theology before telling us how to live. In the New Testament, doctrine precedes duty.
Remember from the opening chapter:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
God loves you, Christian. According to His abundant mercy, He has given you spiritual life and a home in heaven.
You are beloved of God.
Persecution was on the horizon. Many Christians would die under the reign of Emperor Nero, an emperor so evil, not only did he burn Rome and blame the Christians, but he also burned many of the Christians to death, using their flaming bodies to illumine his gardens in the evening.
Don’t think suffering for Christ is abnormal, but rather…
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13)
The last phrase: “when His glory is revealed,” is a reference to Christ’s return; His second coming. When Christ returns, Christians “may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
But look again at the first part of verse 13. Peter says rather than thinking our suffering for Christ is abnormal, “rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings.”
The word “partake” there means to “share,” or “have fellowship with.” To “partake of Christ’s sufferings” is to share something with our Lord. It means, then, to know Him more intimately because of our union with Christ. We share with Him something of the suffering He endured.
It’s a bit like Paul’s expressed desire in Philippians 3:10 where he says, “(I want to) know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.”
Suffering for Christ means greater intimacy with Christ. In some way–perhaps known only when we go through the suffering–we experience a deeper awareness of our Lord’s presence and enjoy a greater sense of fellowship with Him.
We’ll look at a few more benefits when we return to our study of this passage. For today, consider two thoughts:
- What is your initial reaction when experiencing persecution for your faith? (Peter says we should not be surprised, but rejoice)
- Have you considered suffering for Christ as a means by which you may grow closer to Him?
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