First Peter: Humility | Part 4: Suffering — Suffering for Righteousness

Suffering for Righteousness – 1 Peter 4:12-19

The Church has always been refined in the fires of persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12, Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

How to suffer for righteousness…

1)Be ready. 1 Peter 4:12, Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.

We should prepare to be persecuted for our faith as Christians. Persecution should be seen as the expectation, not the exception. 

2)Rejoice. 1 Peter 4:13-14, 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. 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.

When you suffer for Christ, rejoice that God has granted you the privilege of suffering for His name. Matthew 5:10-12, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…

3)Be right. 1 Peter 4:15-16, But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

When you suffer make sure it’s for doing what is right and not for what is wrong. Be wise. Matthew 10:16, Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

4)Rest. 1 Peter 4:17-19, 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? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Rest your life on the cross in the middle of the chaos.