Scripture:
I Peter 4:12-16 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.
Observation:
Peter’s writing is not much different than James’s in some aspects. He doesn’t hold back. Whereas James tells us to consider it joy… Peter says, “Don’t think it strange.” Both are saying the same thing. Life is going to have rough spots. The point is that although it may not be easy… the promises are worth it. Peter’s wording may be slightly different, but in verse 13, his point comes to the surface. Rejoice in the suffering. Knowing that Christ HIMSELF suffered, what makes you think you won’t have hard times? Peter is telling us that one day it will all be over. Jesus will come back, and any suffering we face here on earth will be done, and true joy will be felt and seen in HIS glory. The word reproached in verse 14 could also have been translated as defamed or persecuted it describes the nature of persecution. Those who do so blaspheme the one true GOD and by holding tight to the confession of faith glory is brought to HIS name by the one who has been reproached. So verse 15 seems to take a small turn, but not really. I believe that what is being said is if you suffer for doing wrong, then you are really being treated justly, but if you suffer the namesake of Christ, you suffer unjustly, and that is where the glory comes from. Just like Jesus died, an unjust death. When we suffer persecution for our faith in HIM. Glory is brought to HIS name, and there is no shame in that.
Application:
I have heard preachers say that once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR, life is easy. But I have a hard time finding that in the bible. Now, I will say your perception may change, and the hard times will be worth it, but there will be hard times. The key is what you do in those times. Are you going to draw near to the one who created you, or are you going to go back to your old ways? No matter what is going on, we have to remember that life is full of seasons, and just like plants have seasons to grow, so do we. As we go through things that seem to test our faith. We need to look up not out. As I have said for the last 2 years in these SOAPS, GOD wants us to fully depend on HIM. HE is where our help comes from. Hebrews 10:23 tells us to hold fast to our confession of hope without wavering, for HE who promised is faithful. Listen if GOD brought you to it HE will bring you through it. HE never said it would be easy HE said it would be worth it. Romans 8:31 is another encouraging verse when we are facing trials, what shall we say then? If GOD is for us who can stand against us? These are just a few reasons to cling to the Father when we are going through it. HE is the One who will see us through. HE is our refuge and our strength an ever-present help in time of need. So my question to you this morning is this when you are facing some kind of trial in life, what do you do? Are you running from the father or to HIM? Is HE your strong tower? Is HE your protector? Your provider? Your everything? I just want to encourage you today that you will get to the other side. Because that’s what HE said and HE can’t lie. Hold tightly to your confession of faith no matter what it looks like. GOD is with you and HE will never leave you or forget about you. You are HIS chosen most loved children. HE will pick you up when you fall HE will comfort you in times of need. HE will fight for you. HE is not against you. Just look up because your redemption draws near.
Prayer:
Father, we know that it’s not always going to be easy. We know that you have told us beforehand that there would be times when we would have to just stand on your word, that we would Exhaust everything we could do and we would just have to trust that you are doing exactly what you said you would. Your glory is inevitable. We just have to cling to you, and so we are doing our best to do so. You are our GOD and we trust you. We want what you want for us. Help us to see what’s next and step into it. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.