The Power of Suffering

1 Peter 4

We should not be surprised when we suffer for our faith. Rather, we should rejoice, knowing that, if we suffer with Christ now, we will reign with him forever.

As Christians, we should gladly follow Christ’s example of suffering, especially since suffering causes sin to lose its power over us.

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” 1 Peter 4:1–3 (ESV)

Suffering causes us to focus on the important things in life, while pleasure often distracts us from those things, giving Satan his best opportunity with us.

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “The one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin. Suffering doesn’t result in sinless perfection. But to resolve to embrace suffering as a follower of Christ is clear evidence that one has turned from a life of sin.”

“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1–4 (ESV)

“With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” 1 Peter 4:4-5 (ESV)

Of course, our unbelieving friends don’t understand this, so they will ridicule us for not joining in their wickedness, but God will judge them.

“For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.” 1 Peter 4:6 (ESV)

The gospel “was preached even to those who have died—so that although their bodies were punished with death, they could still live in the spirit as God does.”

Dr. Evans puts it this way, “Those who are now dead seems to refer to deceased believers in Christ. When they were alive, the gospel was preached to them. While on earth they were judged in the flesh according to human standards, or condemned and martyred on account of the gospel. But they now live in the spirit according to God’s standards.”

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7–11 (ESV)

The late Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “Since we are living in the last days, we should be thoughtful people of prayer. We should show deep love for each other, be hospitable, and wisely use our spiritual gifts.

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6–8 (ESV)

The sins of others should evoke concern, not gossip. The sins of others should evoke the love in believers to surround them in prayer and in love.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (ESV)

The phrase love covers a multitude of sins means that love repeatedly forgives. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12). When suffering or being persecuted, it is easy to cope an attitude and strike back or complain; even at other believers, but Peter’s command to be hospitable to one another.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:12–19 (ESV)

Here, Peter encourages his readers to live in such a way that their sufferings are caused by their devotion to Christ and not by any evil acts; they would glorify God by doing so. A “fiery trial” was about to come to the church. Peter told his readers to expect it, use it as an opportunity to witness for Christ, and in all things seek to glorify God. The trial came under the Roman emperor Nero who accused the Christians of burning Rome. The church today faces persecution. Are you prepared?

We should not be surprised when we suffer for our faith. Rather, we should rejoice, knowing that, if we suffer with Christ now, we will reign with him forever. For the second time Peter used the image of fire—perhaps a prophetic description of the actual burning of believers by Nero in days not far ahead. We should be sure, however, that our suffering results from our faith and not from any wrongdoing on our part.

Weirsbe continues, “A 'fiery trial' or tribulation was about to come to the church. Peter told his readers to expect it, use it as an opportunity to witness for Christ, and in all things seek to glorify God. The trial came under the Roman emperor Nero who accused the Christians of burning Rome in AD 70. The church today faces persecution. Are you prepared?”

Are you being controlled by the past? Are you suffering? Is it because you are standing for the truth of you faith and calling? How are you responding to such suffering or ridicule? Are you being serious about your present circumstances and the circumstances in our current cultural climate? How will you respond to persecution? Are you looking to the future? Are you prepared for the future?

Today, know that No matter how difficult life may be, there is a job to do; and we must be faithful to the one who holds this day and the future. Take time to pray. Intentionally show love to the other believers. Use your gifts and talents to serve others in and outside the walls of the church. The Lord who gave you the ability will also give you the strength to use it for His glory.

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