Rejoice!! You are participating with Jesus!! He rejoiced in what was to come, what it was He was accomplishing, and therefore was willing to suffer to bring it about, so we too, get to do the same!
And for what would a Christian suffer? Being mindful of God, entrusting ourselves to God, suffering for Jesus is an honor.
Matt 5:1-12
Luke 6:20-23
1Peter 4:12-19
Suffering for Being a Christian
12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you (Ro 5; Ja 1; 1Pe 1), as though something strange were happening to you. (Jo 15:19) 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ (1Cor 5; Col 1; Phil 3), so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (Is 6; 1Pe 1). 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer (Rom 8:29; 2Cor3:18; 4:4-6; 1Jo 3:2), it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household (Ez 9; 1Cor 3) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” a
19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit (entrust) themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Why would we be surprised?
We are no longer of this world (John 17:14-16). Our holiness, righteousness, and goodness, do not match this world - we are truly aliens and strangers. Our perspective has been changed as our hearts have been changed
Participating in the suffering of Christ:
This is a profound perspective that can and will change the way we view life, times, circumstances, people, and opportunities… the privilege of joining Jesus, to suffer as He suffered - this is an imitation of Jesus, as He came to suffer as we suffered - as He joined us, we now get to join HIm - and this is different, a different kind of suffering for different reasons (to suffer)
Before, we suffered in sin, for sin, from sin - at the hands of our being sin - so, not only the general effect of sin but the actual weight and consequences of sin - and its eternal consequences - our sin and sinfulness - and the hopelessness of sin separating us from God
Now, we suffer in longing to see sin eradicated, sin’s final ending; we come to hate sin, to suffer the grief of sin - ours (as it affects the heart of our Father and our effectiveness in and with Him); other’s sin, because we see and know its consequences; the effect of sin on all of creation - cracked and wobbly, it groans under the weight of sin
We now suffer as Jesus suffered BECAUSE, we too, are done with sin, finished.
Once we loved sin, now, we hate sin. We now see sin as Jesus sees sin - as the destructive force in this world, on creation, in the lives of mankind - the work of Jesus’s hands, the objects of Jesus’ affection, the desire of Jesus’ heart, the reflection (though, for now, faint) of Jesus’ glory.
As Jesus groans, all of creation groans, so we groan.
We no longer feel the weight of sin, because we are under its condemnation, we now feel the weight of sin because we see, understand, and grieve with Jesus its crushing effect on those still under its weight (Romans 8)
For what should a Christian suffer?
What is suffering? From whom? From within self, within the church - “brothers and sisters” real - believers who are opposed? False - weeds or tares who are not truly regenerated? Paul's Suffering at the hands of those in the church as well as false teachers, from outside the church - shepherds and elders, in particular, will suffer criticism, misunderstanding, push back
Sin - just sin, sin itself, and everything about sin
Jesus Himself, placing one’s faith in - the foolishness, naivete, ignorance of believing at all
Living according to God’s way and wisdom, not the way and wisdom of the world
Purity of life - that one would live in such a seemingly austere or prude way (1Peter 3)
They do not understand, why not… they just don’t
As one’s life not only reflects a putty and holiness that is in contrast to the world, but also
Sheds light on the unholiness and sin in the lives of those who are not in Christ - whose lives are sin, whose kingdom and devotion to that kingdom exist and live in such contrast to God and His kingdom
Righteous stands - but how is it that we do so? With what tone? What we stand for is in contrast, if not in direct opposition to, what the world stands for. They cannot see, let alone understand…
Sacred nature of the kingdom - the sacredness of life and the living
Proverbs’ approach to conflict and litigation and justice
Jesus’ approach to being accused and persecuted
BUT! Let the persecution be for the stand to take, not for the manner (as in “Ill-mannered”) with which you make the stand.
Integrity unwavering in the face of opposition and coercion - because of decisions made according to God’s word and its/His wisdom that cannot be understood by the world or those who are not seeking wisdom or are simply not wise - this will lead to...
Questioning
Mocking
Attempts to persuade act otherwise
How should a Christian (act) in the suffering? What should our attitude be?; How should a Christian (respond) in suffering? What should our response be?
Trusting of God and His word
Prayerful, remaining in constant contact with God
Kind toward all
Peaceable, not quarrelsome, but c
Joyful, though the times and circumstances are perilous, keeping one’s eyes on God and His promises to do what He said will do in and through the peril
Reflective - remembering, recalling, recollecting, regaling, repeating - God’s faithfulness - He has been, is, and will be - as His love is unfailing and He is faithful to His promises
Resolute, committed to following, to doing what is right, and just, and fair
Reflecting on 1Peter 3 and earlier in 1Peter 4 - In this, you will be asked why you believe - this goes back to Peter’s instance that we be prepared to give a reason for our hope when we are asked… people will not, cannot, understand our lives, our attitudes, our conduct, why it is we live and even love as we do.
There will be some who will admire and appreciate
There will be some who question and wonder, and eventually, ask…
Understanding the times, alert to and recognizing moment, making the most of the opportunity… being under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5)
Generally, who are these people? These two are not far from the Kingdom.
What should we do?
Pray - for the person, the opportunity, the conversation - for wisdom and words
Be sharp and consistent - walk steadily with Jesus, spending time in the word, let it work in and on you in such a way that you are able to be consistent in moral, ethic, and character
Seeking God’s heart, and in the meeting being shaped and formed
Allowing it to transform the attitude of your mind by cooperating, trusting, and obeying
Continue to be humble and quiet, peaceable - be careful not to engage in things that are crass
Prepared for conversations - be alert and sober-minded, attuned to the Holy Spirit - not being intimidated or afraid, but answering questions as they arise, prudently asking questions (of genuine caring and consideration).
Continue to live peaceably among those with whom you work and play. Genuinely display the joy of the hope you have, being continually mindful of God in life - in every circumstance and encounter. Be respectful and respectable, work hard, do your job well, and do not be afraid to ask for help - as this is a mark of humility and opens doors to share space… being prepared to give reasons for your hope and joy.
This is what it means to do “everything as if you are doing for Jesus”. But, understand that there are other people types of responses
There will be some who will mock and deride
There will be some who will hate and persecute
These two are far from the kingdom - they are not to be trifled with (pearls before swine), be consistent in front of them, certainly pray, but do not be drawn into their ways (arguing), be patient and kind, let their words and actions roll off your shoulders. Watch and see if at any point one of them begins to soften and pray specifically for them - be: approachable (and they will come to you as Nicodemus came to Jesus, or the jailer to Paul - secretly, due to discomfort or personal disbelief that they are actually coming to you, or for fear of embarrassment or mocking from their peers) (Mark 15:16-20, 27-32, Luke 23:39; Matt 27; in contrast: Mark 15:39; Luke 23:40-43)
If we choose to “fight” or argue or retaliate against their derision, if we are antagonistic or accusatory or judgmental, we will have negated our impact and potentially forfeited our opportunity, our approachability, even our credibility - as we are now no different than anyone else - or worse yet - like other “churchgoers who…” that they may have experienced before - and whether that is true, or only their perception - it is important that we display Jesus’ openness through kindness and understanding.
Humility in relation to all who surround you.
If you have sinned, go and make it right: apologize, ask forgiveness, make amends
No one is perfect, we will fall short of our desire to be examples. So, that cannot deter us, neither should we be discouraged if we sin and dent our reputation and testimony. But in fact, people who do not know Jesus, are not looking for a perfect person to talk to them - they will avoid and not trust and person who appears perfect (especially if that person is maintaining a facade of perfection in an attempt to project some sort of piety). But those who are looking are looking for someone who is real and honest, kind and considerate, who takes responsibility for their actions and owns up them - admitting their mistakes and seeing them overcome them. Isn’t that what we are looking for? Isn’t that who actually attracts us?
It doesn’t mean we should sin (Rom 9), but it does mean that, if and when we do, we take actual responsibility for what we’ve done or said, admitting that we have done something wrong, and graciously and humbly make it right. No “I’m sorry, buts”, no excuses, no self-justification, no finger-pointing - which is our “natural” tendency (see Adam), but genuine repentance - remorse and desire to make amends, to make it right
All of this boils down to one thing: is the way we live marked by Jesus? (Mark 15:39; Acts 4:13; 1Cor 12; 13; 14:25)
Why so much referring back to what was previously written in this letter? Because it was written as a letter and letters were meant to be read in one sitting - it has a beginning, middle and end and its ending reflects on everything that came before it - and that gives it context
1Peter 4:17-19 And as for judgment… there is, and it begins with us, the children of God
1Cor 3
FIRST: Jesus beloved teaching on the kingdom character and ethic, that EVERYBODY loves, that ends with this truth - you will suffer, and if you do, rejoice!! “ Be happy…” in your.!.
Matt 5 “poor in spirit…”
Luke 6 “poor”
Phil 2 “...made Himself nothing…” ...emptied Himself, a vessel for noble purposes (Tim; Heb)
To accomplish His Father's will
To be exalted, or, filled
BUT REJOICE!! This is an exclamation of Peter’s heart having realized in the moment of writing that…
Rom 8:17-18; 2Cor 1:5; 4:10; Phil 3:10; Col 1:24; 1Pet 1:7; 2:21
Sufferings of Jesus, rejoice - why rejoice? God is perfecting us
Jesus was made perfect in His suffering - Heb
We are now joined to Jesus, bearing the scars
We are being perfected
We are suffering because we are changed - and suffer as Jesus suffered because we are changed - this is evidence of the change and therefore our suffering assures us of the change
We, therefore, are a partaker of Jesus’ suffering as we are now one with Him, remaining here and suffering for what He suffered
If judgment begins with the church, with us…
The purging of sin and unrighteousness
Discipline which is unpleasant
Suffering loss, though under grace, or even more, because of grace
What of those who have not believed? As, what is the “work of God or the kingdom”?, but to “believe in the one who was sent”
