Every Christian can Expect Persecution

I Peter 4:12–19
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A bar of steel worth $5.00, when made into ordinary horseshoes is then worth $10.00. If this same $5.00 bar of steel is manufactured into needles, the value rises to $350.00. And yet if it is made into delicate springs for expensive watches, it is worth more than $250,000.00. The … More

Trials

Peter says we should not be surprised by trials that come our way (v. 12). Every Christian who lives a godly life will experience a certain amount of persecution. The world does not persecute “religious people” but it does persecute “righteous people.” The trial of a believer is like the refining process of metal. It only proves its value and does not destroy it. God’s purpose through this refinement may be to burn off the dross so that the pure gold can remain. Suffering reproach for the cause of Christ should only strengthen the believer and verify his stand on the truth (v. 13). Peter goes on to say that we should not only expect suffering, but we should rejoice in suffering. He names several privileges that we can share through suffering (v. 14).

 

Through the fiery trials of perse­cution and suffering it gives us opportunity to examine our own lives and ministry. Through this refining pro­cess we should ask ourselves the following questions:

 

1.     Why am I suffering? (v. 15): Let’s be sure that we are suffering because we are living for the Lord and not because of our own misdeeds. Suffering has not value in and of itself. 

2.     Am I ashamed of Christ? (v. 16): Peter knew all too well how it felt to be ashamed of Jesus (Mark 14:72). Just as Peter asked for forgiveness and was restored, so can we be reconciled to Christ. It is wonderful to know that Jesus Christ is not ashamed of us (Hebrews 2:11). 

3.     Am I seeking to win the lost? (vv. 17-18): We can’t only be concerned about ourselves. Nearly everyone around us is still lost in their sin, heading towards a Christless eternity. Our current trial is nothing compared to what awaits them in hell. 

Application

Do I know any Christians who have suffered a great deal for their faith in Christ? What have I learned from his or her life that can help me through times of suffering?

I Peter 4:12-19 (English Standard Version)


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