Scripture:
I Peter 4:12-19 NKJV
[12] Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] 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. [14] If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. [15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. [16] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. [17] For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” [19] Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Observation:
Sometimes I’m just not sure what I’m going to write about. There is one thing I know however, and that is, the LORD always has something to say if we are willing to listen, but I’m going to be honest this is not a popular topic. In fact most pastors, preachers, or teachers won’t touch it. The reason why is that it doesn’t fill seats. When I was called into the ministry I was called to speak the truth. What I have found is that a lot of pastors won’t do that. Now having used that title a few times, one thing I want to make clear is that I’m not a pastor. I am just a man who has a love for GOD and a desire to see others grow in their relationship with the LORD. That’s all I want. I gain nothing from writing these SOAPS except that I know I have done what GOD has asked me to do. Having had the opportunity to read the bible several times through has helped my ability to rightly divide it. I’m not saying I have it all figured out, but I do feel like I understand it a little better everything I read it, looking over these verses that we have been guided to this morning, its written by Peter a man who gave up everything to walk with Jesus, his source of income, a life of familiarity, and established career, and ultimately his family. Now I don’t really know about you but that doesn’t sound like a small sacrifice. Peter gave it all. He understood what it meant to pay a price. In fact at one point he was even bold enough to mention it to Jesus. It is brought out in 3 out of 4 of the gospel accounts. Peter knew what it meant to sacrifice for the cause of Christ. So as he writes these verses its suffering is no stranger to him. This is not to mention the fact that he had been beaten and thrown into prison for being obedient to the cause of Christ. Again suffering was a part of his life. All the apostles went through it. So as he writes the words, “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you; 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. Beaten and thrown in jail for speaking the name of Jesus over a man who couldn’t walk. Pulling him to his feet in faith that Christ was bigger than his condition. Peter was used in a powerful way. He did something good and was punished for it. But he was not willing to back down. He had seen his SAVIOR and best friend Beaten and hung on a cross for the same kind of action counting it joy to be found worthy to suffer. I know it sounds strange, but the statement that was made is so profound. What Peter said by his willingness to suffer is that I can’t back up. It doesn’t matter what it costs. I have already given everything. So I’m following Paul’s advice and pressing on to the upward call of glory. Being punished for doing the right thing was an honor to him. It’s not like being punished for doing the wrong thing. That’s what Peter is saying. Persecution was a part of Peter’s life. Being reproached for the name of Christ brings glory. Getting in trouble for what you have done that was bad is not persecution l. That’s natural consequences. Peter’s faith was tested and therefore trusted. He knew that GOD was in control, He knew that even if it cost his life…. It was worth it, he was done with sin. Things may not have been comfortable, and to be honest he may not have liked where he was at, at different times, but he knew that his faith had been tested and proved. He had done the right thing. When he stood in front of Jesus he would hear those words we all should crave… well done my good and faithful servant.
Application:
Life is a crucible, and GOD is a blacksmith. Over the years I have had the opportunity to listen to a lot of different pastors, preachers and teachers, and the common thread in all of their theology seems to be that when you give your life to Jesus, nothing ever goes wrong again in your life. But that’s just not what the Bible teaches. Christ HIMSELF said thematic HE didn’t come to bring unity but division. Being a Christian does not guarantee an easy life. In fact if you are truly living for GOD people won’t honestly understand why you make the stands that you make. They may even say you’re crazy. When I gave my life to Christ it did get easier, but honestly I’m not living for life here on earth. That’s too small of a thing to live for. People want an easy life; they don’t want to be called out on their sin. So they run to pastors who preach that sin is OK. Live how you want and GOD will sort it out, and well they are right in a sense, HE will separate the sheep from the goats, and the wheat from the weeds. We are going to go through things that are not comfortable here on earth and as a Christian in the United States of America, we don’t really understand what persecution looks like. Oh we may have someone call us a Bible Thumper or something but real persecution has not been seen here yet. I believe its coming and if we are not ready we had better get ready. Suffering for the cause of Christ is bigger than just being called names. Doing the right thing even when it costs you is not easy, but it’s what we are called to do. I recently experienced something that is related to it. I stepped down from a position of leadership because I had some things going on in my life that needed to be adjusted. After doing so the leader of the ministry told me I could not come back. It was a recovery ministry. I did what the Bible tells us to do, and in a sense was told I was wrong for doing so. I’m not trying to drag anyone through the mud or mention any names in just trying to show how this scripture applies. People want a fluffy life where sin is never confronted, and what is in the dark can stay in the dark, but that’s not what GOD has called us to. HE tells us to bring it to light. I’m not looking for fluffy. I’m looking for real. I want my life to bring GOD GLORY. I believe my stand for Christ has cost me a lot, but I can’t back up and I won’t back down. GOD has called me to be bold and courageous. I will not run towards an ear tickling preacher who talks about comfortable lives on this side of eternity. Everyone of the apostle gave their lives for the kingdom; they all died in a brutal fashion, because they would not back down. They spoke the truth even when it hurt themselves. I can only hope to be as bold as they were. Because my life is not my own. It has been bought with a price. It’s time to stop playing church and be the church. Kicking down the gates and having a faith that has been tested. Standing for truth pulls the covers back… it may cost you on this side but HIS glory is what is gained.
Prayer:
Father, I don’t even know if what has been said makes sense, but I believe I have said what you have told me to. I know that life is not always comfortable. I’m sure as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not comfortable being thrown into the fire, but they knew that you would be standing next to them, and you were. They came out not even smelling of smoke. Life is a crucible where you take all the impurities out of us preparing us for heaven. Help us to live with an eternal mindset. We want to be who you called us to be. Our life belongs to you and if we suffer on this side let it be for doing the right thing. What I know is this. If I get in trouble in heaven for doing anything… I want it to be for trusting you too much. Every treat I have is a gift. I honestly want to thank you for the faith you have given me. I know it’s the kind of faith that can move mountains, kill giants, and part seas. I stand here today inside the test trusting in your plan. I trust that you will do what only you can do with this SOAP. Make it make sense for all who take the time to read it. Its in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.