The Grace in Suffering

1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles--when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. …12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 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. 14 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. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

If given the choice, we would probably travel far and spend much to avoid physical suffering. There is never, in any way, shape, or form, written into the DNA of any human - or probably any other form of life - a desire to seek after or travel toward suffering.

But, when you choose to follow Christ, that is exactly what you are doing. Peter would not have that fact hidden.

Now, most political or religious “organizations” would probably agree. This is a killer decision. No one, knowing the full-on truth of the potentially high cost associated with Christ, would choose to willingly place themselves in a position where physical suffering is possible. Yet millions, and perhaps billions have chosen exactly that – a pathway of potentially suffering for simply knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

How can this be explained apart from the grace of God which leads to repentance from the world?

Becoming a Christian doesn’t mean you will physically suffer for knowing Christ, but it does mean you may. Here, according to God’s Word, Peter says physical suffering is both purifying in your life and glorifying of God.

By the Holy Spirit, we learn this Spiritual principle of transcendence. We have seen it in Christ first, and then in others, and now the Spirit of God is calling us – to a love that transcends the physical, to a love that is eternal, to a love that is indeed powerful enough to bring joy even in the midst of suffering.

This is God’s great grace, known only by those who know Christ and know suffering. Peter is not speaking of some theory or philosophical principle – he is speaking of what he knows to be true by his own and by others’ personal experience. This is his witness, not merely words on a page.

-Pastor Bill