We’re moving onward in our series called ‘Stand Firm” where we’ve been doing a deep dive into the Books of 1 & 2 Peter. This week we arrived at the conclusion of the main body of the text found in 1 Peter 4:12-19, which reads,

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, asthough something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you shareChrist’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 Ifyou are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and ofGod rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer oras a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let himglorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God;and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel ofGod? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithfulCreator while doing good.

Peter wants his readers to not be suprised when persecution comes. More than that, he wants them to be joyful, because in their suffering — if it’s truly at the cost of their allegiance/loyalty to Christ — they share in Christ’s suffering. Christ’s suffering not only normalizes persecution but it also dignifies it. Dennis Edwards says it remarkably well, “Joy, even while in the throes of persecution, is a foretaste of the ecstasy that will accompany Christ’s return. At the parousia Christ’s status as the one who was elected (2:4), resurrected (e.g., 1:3), and vindicated (3:22) by God will be made known to all. Those who share in Christ’s sufferings will also share in his glorification (see 2 Tim 2:12).“ But the call to suffer is anytying but easy. Not only is it difficult, it can also be confusing. That’s why a deep dive into this text was [hopefully] so life-giving and refreshing.

Give the sermon text a read and a listen and we hope to see you this week at a Family Meal and/or a DNA group to dive even deeper.