Crumbs51

 

Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 51

Suffering for Christ

Scripture 1 Peter 4: 12-19 NIV 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Prov 11:31

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Crumbs This passage deals with suffering because we own the name of Christ. We don’t expect such stuff in the U.K. but Peter tells us not to be surprised if we do. He gives us three reasons why we should rejoice 1 Sharing His pain now means intense joy when we see Him soon. 2.It’s a test of faith. 1Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Gold is purified and shown to be genuine by fire. Such is the trial of the church.

3.Being insulted for Christ shows the reality of our faith. In the Gospels it surprises me that the emphasis is on the abuse thrown at Christ , not His physical pain, although that is there too. Here we are told not to be ashamed but to make sure we suffer for the right reasons. Witness through good behaviour must continue whatever persecution is thrown at us.

Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. How does this passage help us cope in 21^st century ? 2. What effect should this suffering on the Church ? 3. What can be deduced about suffering in general from this passage?