The Joy in Suffering (1 Peter 4:1-3) (1 Peter 4:12-17)
So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy---their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
I have really enjoyed this epistle written that the Apostle Peter wrote for us. Even more so now, he gives us in these preceding verses, I think the key to holy living. The important words are underlined: no where he says that we will suffer as to scare us, but that we must be willing and ready to suffer. Some of us suffer, but we are not willing or ready. I mean here, insults from anyone we come in contact with. When we are finally willing and ready it plunges us in an altogether different realm of hope. In these two passages, he is talking about that kind of suffering. It could include also the everyday type of trials, but I can't blame everything on the devil, but rather on my occasional foolish talk, such as, "I think I am going to get sick today" type of talk. As a husband, I try to say as little as possible.
Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad---because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.
Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name!...
Effectively, in this passage he is talking about persecution and direct attacks from Satan, like the ones in the book of Job. But all other trials could just be self-inflicted. He gives us examples of situations that are self-made like committing murder, stealing and making trouble as well as prying into other people's business. Suffering for Christ is and always will be an honor. The question to all this is: Are we willing or ready?
Have a great weekend?
God loves you in all the languages and welcome to all!
I have really enjoyed this epistle written that the Apostle Peter wrote for us. Even more so now, he gives us in these preceding verses, I think the key to holy living. The important words are underlined: no where he says that we will suffer as to scare us, but that we must be willing and ready to suffer. Some of us suffer, but we are not willing or ready. I mean here, insults from anyone we come in contact with. When we are finally willing and ready it plunges us in an altogether different realm of hope. In these two passages, he is talking about that kind of suffering. It could include also the everyday type of trials, but I can't blame everything on the devil, but rather on my occasional foolish talk, such as, "I think I am going to get sick today" type of talk. As a husband, I try to say as little as possible.
Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad---because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.
Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name!...
Effectively, in this passage he is talking about persecution and direct attacks from Satan, like the ones in the book of Job. But all other trials could just be self-inflicted. He gives us examples of situations that are self-made like committing murder, stealing and making trouble as well as prying into other people's business. Suffering for Christ is and always will be an honor. The question to all this is: Are we willing or ready?
Have a great weekend?
God loves you in all the languages and welcome to all!
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