1 Peter 4:12-19
Q.1. Should suffering for righteousness ever surprise believers? How are we to understand and respond to unjust suffering? What kind of suffering should we avoid? – (1 Pet.4:12-16)
Peter addressed his letter to those who had been scattered as foreigners into the surrounding ungodly nations (1 Pet.1:1). He used the example of the fiery purification of silver and gold, in order to describe the ordeals that they might well endure. However, the testing was under the sovereign control of God and was not to be considered foreign to the experience of the followers of Christ (1 Pet.4:12). Having explained that Christ had likewise undergone such unjust suffering, Peter encouraged his readers to view suffering as a way of identification with their Master, and to rejoice through these times in the same way (1 Pet.4:13 c.f. 1 Pet.2:21-24). Of course, he made it clear that this does not apply to suffering for sin. Suffering for Christ brings glory to God because we are declaring our allegiance to Him.
Q.2. Why is the household of God now singled out for judgement? What will become of Gospel rejecters? How can this truth help us? How should we face unjust treatment? – (1 Pet.4:17-19 c.f. 1 Pet.2:23)
Peter had frequently heard Jesus speak about the ill-treatment that believers could expect from a Christ-hating world. Therefore, the persecution of the church was always inevitable. However, this is nothing compared with the plight of those who reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whenever we are mocked by the world for following Christ, we should keep this in perspective – And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? (1 Pet.4:18 c.f. Prov.11:31). Peter then shared a helpful insight into how to face suffering. We are to trust in our Creator and all-powerful God – Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right (1 Pet.4:19). That is exactly how Jesus endured suffering. (c.f. 1 Pet.2:23).