As followers of Jesus we have great joy in the hope we have in Jesus - in the very real forgiveness of our sins, our being justified, being declared innocent in the sight of God - accepted, approved, made right with. It is here that our peace is anchored - that God, our maker, becomes our Father, and we, in God the Son, Jesus, become cherished, beloved children, not only holy and pleasing but granted favor, welcomed into His presence, escorted gladly by our brother and savior - Jesus.
This is all true and it is what we rejoice in, it is the hope of God’s glory, and the expression of His goodness, held out to all, given to those who will receive it, accept it, that in doing so, they, we become children of God.
With that, we must come to grips with our suffering. As suffering, viewed from that lens and the expectation of everything being “better”, seems so contradictory to this blessed and joyful hope - we have been forgiven, we are accepted, for crying out loud, shouldn’t the suffering end?!
Not so, says Jesus.
Who hopes for what he already has? But if they do not yet have it they wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24
24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
This world is no more our home as a fish’s is that he was been pulled out of the water and that enters into what we think is the perfect environment for life and breath, the fish, on the other hand, gasps, though there be life-giving oxygen in both environments, it is not able to draw through its gills precious life-sustaining oxygen, gills billowing, bewildered, fighting for life, the fish out of the water, cannot survive outside of its watery environment.
So it is with believers. This is not our home, this environment is not what is best for us. If we for any reason believe that the love and wisdom and ways of this world is our natural habitat, that it will fill the lungs of our spirit rightly, we are sadly and tragically mistaken
It is in the heavenlies that our soul and accompanying spirit finds its breath (Eph 2:6), its relief, its refuge - as we mourn the brokenness around us, the manner and way of this world - mean and cruel, offended and vengeful, unforgiving and unrelenting… far be it for the child of God to live and act in such a way, to see this world to be any place to be anchored to and call home. (John 15:19; 1Jo 4:5; 5:4,5,10)
No wonder James, the brother of Jesus, and John, the disciple Jesus loved, cried out to their brothers and sisters, and cry out to us now, to “not love the world or anything in the world” (Ja 4:4; 1Jo 2:15) that His brother, Jude, would say “hate even the clothing corrupted by evil” (Jude 1:23)
It is not enough to be able to recite these truths, but it is of the utmost importance to reflect on them and allow them to scrub our hearts clean and free them from the attractions of this world, to be reminded of the brutal effect of sin, to be shaken by the reality that the lost are, just that, lost, and that we hold in our lives the roadmap to redemption, to salvation, to hope anchored securely in the heart of our God and Father.
It is the Spirit’s illuminating to us these truths that we begin to abhor sin and its consequences, its ability, its commitment to, drag away its participants, to maim and even kill, as the author of sin and death clings to his kingdom and its subjects in a cosmic effort to thwart God’s grace… as futile as it is in its ultimate affect, he, the ruler of the kingdom of the air, works to keep his own and then make ineffective God’s own to have any impact on his own followers and one another
It is us, we who are God’s own, whose lives shed light on the better way, the way of life and we are most effective in the reflecting when we live our lives with our hearts attached firmly to Jesus’ heart as to more and more naturally live out His way - that way that is in us but God’s power, by Jesus’ righteousness,
Just like a fish being reintroduced to its natural habitat, its actual environment, so we, breathing the air of this world, must submerge ourselves in the truth of God’s grace, wisdom, love, manner and way… we must breath in His Spirit, His word, His will and we do this not by merely reading the word, or going to church, or singing a song, but by swimming in, breathing in His Spirit, which is the environment in which we belong - it is here that our eyes are opened to see what God sees, our ears to hear what God hears, our hearts to desire what God desires - loving what He loves, mourning what He mournes, offering what He offers - life in Christ and His Spirit
It is in light of this that we must make every effort to add to our faith those things that connect us to our Father, that allow the Spirit to flow through us, that Jesus‘ Person and character become our own manner and way and His truth now makes most sense to us as right and wise. We must, therefore, examine our lives and extricate ourselves from the world’s pleasures=, the desires of our flesh, as the satisfaction of our hearts
Just like a fish, when being reintroduced into water it is best reinserted with great care, being slowly submerged and gently aided in its reentry, so it is for the heart of the believer that has been exposed to the kingdom of the air, that as they enter back into the water of the word, the Spirit carefully and gently reintroduces the spirit of the man to the word and way of God, the wisdom of God, and (we) join Him in the reentry by sitting with Him in the word, being still, with quiet spirit, to join Him in conversation, what He calls - prayer, and then, serving with Him in the lives of others.
If we will think about, even for a moment, as to dwell upon the brutal nature of sin and allow God to show its awful effect on the lives of people, its destructive force exerted on creation itself, its pugnacious manner and way, the division and factions it produces… the hate and vitriol… our spirit will be liberated from its desire to follow sin and will quickly run to the righteousness and goodness of God and want desperately to bring that goodness, God’s goodness, to bear in people’s lives, those with whom we have opportunity, those we see and watch and grieve over…
So desperately wanting to relieve them of the ugliness of sin’s consequences we would desire to live in such a way as to have our lives, more and more, represent such grace
The contrast of God's infinite beauty as displayed in what he’s made and the black spot of the ashes of death’s temporal reign…. It is in the tension of this contrast that the child of God resides, sojourns (the valley of the shadow of death…)
… moved by compassion and God’s grace - the goodness that we have access to, but so seldom exercise
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.
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 - Phil 1:29; 3: 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 because of sin, 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 ?pervertedly? 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 - Rom 8:18-26. 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
For what should a Christian suffer? - 1Peter 2:19; 3:14; Matt 5:10 - for what is right
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 - the effects of sin in general, the mourning of the result of sin in the lives of those under its rule (Col?), consequences of one’s own sin - including the need for making amends
Jesus Himself, placing one’s faith in - the foolishness, naivete, ignorance of believing at all - 1Cor 1:18-31
What, do you want to be one of His disciples too? (John 7:46-53)
We no longer look at Jesus from a worldly point of view, or, by the world’s wisdom (2Cor 5:16)
Living according to God’s way and wisdom, not the way and wisdom of the world
“...they will persecute you”
“...but even you do suffer for what it right, you are blessed…”
Purity of life - that one would live in such a seemingly austere or prude way (1Peter 4:4)
They do not understand, why not… they just don’t. They think it strange you do not join them
As one’s life not only reflects a purity 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 - Sacred nature of the kingdom - the sacredness of life and the living - the personhood of all persons - the dignity of each and every person - Ps 139; 1Cor 12-14; Rom 12; 14-15
Proverbs’ and the beatitude’s approach to conflict and litigation and justice
Jesus’ approach to being accused and persecuted
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… So, let the persecution be for the stand you to take, not for the manner (as in “Ill-mannered”) with which you make the stand. Gentleness and respect!
Integrity unwavering in the face of opposition and coercion - understand, 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
Accused of exclusivity based on objective truth - because God can be known
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 - Ps 119:41-48, 52, 74, 120, 175
Prayerful, remaining in constant contact with God - Lu 11:1-11; 18:1; Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18; 1Thes 5:17
Kind toward all - Matt 5:44-45; Lu 6:27-36; 1Cor 13:4; Gal 5:22; 2Tim 2:24; Titus 3:2; Ps 86:5; Pr 16:24; Rom 2:4;
Peaceable, not quarrelsome, but careful and considerate in responding to others - 2Tim 2:24-26; Titus 3:2; 1Peter 3:15; 1Tim 2:4; 6:11; Matt 11:29; Gal 6:1
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 - Matt 5; Rom 5; 12:12; 2Cor 7:4; James 1: 1Pet 1
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 - Ps 145; 71: 17-19, 24; 77:12
In view of God’s mercy - as you were once there - Ex 34:6; Ps 34:18; 51:5; 103:8; Isa 57:15; Joel 2:13; Rom 2:4; 3:10-12; 5:1-12; 12:1; Eph 2:1-10; Col 1:21; 2Cor 5:18, 20; 1John 4:10
Resolute, committed to following, to doing what is right, and just, and fair - Isa 58:6-14; Prov
If you are persecuted, mocked, hated, treated poorly - bless - Matt 5:44; Luke 6:28; Rom 12:14; 1Cor 4:12; Acts 14:22
Entrusting oneself to God and His care - 1Peter 4:19; Luke 23:46; Ps 31:5; 146; Ecc 12:7; Acts 7:59; 14:23
Be free, live freely, love freely, give freely - yours is the kingdom, really - Gal 5-6
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, be alert to and recognizing the moment for what it is, make the most of the opportunity… being under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Eph 5; Gal 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 - Prov 9:7-8; 13:1; 15:5; 19:5; 23:9; Matt 27; John 8:52
There will be some who will hate and persecute - John 15:18-25
These two are far from the kingdom - they are not to be trifled with (pearls before swine - Matt 7:6),
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 - being prepared for them in particular - understand it is the manner and way of our persevering that they see and are intrigued by, even secretly impressed with, and it is this (Jesus’) manner and way you persevere that makes you approachable
And they may come to you (as Nicodemus came to Jesus - 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) - - 2Tim 4:1-3; Jude 1:18
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, belied our supposed approachability, even hurt 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, being one who has been with Jesus? (Mark 15:39; Acts 4:13; 1Cor 12; 13; 14:25)
13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
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
