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“SUFFER AS A CHRISTIAN”

Thesis: To teach the hearer though times may change, people are basically the same, and likewise is their reactions when they come in contact with Christians, and the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Text: 1 Pet 4:12-19
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: 1Pe 4:13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. 1Pe 4:14 If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you. 1Pe 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters: 1Pe 4:16 but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. 1Pe 4:17 For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear? 1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.

Introduction,

1. 1 Peter is in a section of the Bible where it is grouped up with other like epistles that are known as the “general epistles,” the others in this category would be James, 2 Peter, 1,2,3 John and Jude, the reason they are called “general epistles” is for the fact that they are addressed to churches (assemblies, house congregations) “generally” instead of particular house churches or individuals.

2. The human author is the apostle Peter (1:1), yet we know all Scripture is inspired of God (2 Tim 3:16), Peter was a fisherman by occupation, he lived in Capernaum a town on the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee which is in the northern section of Palestine, he was in the fishing business with his brother Andrew, who were partners with James and John, the sons of Zebedee, all 4 of which left their secular trade to follow Christ.

3. Peter was a married man (Mt 8:14), his wife was a Christian and accompanied him on some of his travels (1 Cor 9:5), he was also an elder in the church (1 Pet 5:1).

4. This epistle was penned in about AD 65, a year after Nero burned Rome and placed the blame on Christians, soon following that event a severe persecution came about on the church, sending thousands to their flaming death as torches to light the orgies in Nero’s gardens, others were fed to wild beasts at the coliseums, others were tortured, crucified, beheaded, or made to suffer any other kind of death that the pagan mind could invent.

5. Yet we need to remember, that except for a very short period when the church was first established (Acts 2:47), persecutions have been part of the life of a Christian, only when the church apostatized did this persecution ease up, and those that attempted to draw the erring church back to the truth, and remain faithful, were many times killed for their expression of love.

6. This is the “occasion” or the “purpose” of this letter, to urge Christians to be steadfast in the face of these 1st century persecutions, to confirm to them that they were following that narrow yet difficult way that leads to life (Mt 7:14), and to give these suffering saints hope in the midst of this great suffering (1 Pet 1:3-4) . . .

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

7. Therefore with this background established, we will go through this section of Scripture, and see how this applies to the faithful Christian today who is almost always under fire from one source or another.

8. We will break this passage down into 3 basic sections, and look at . . .
1) The “sureness” of persecutions to the faithful (v 12-14)
2) The “purpose” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 15-18)
3) The “goal” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 19)

I. THE “SURENESS” OF THE PERSECUTIONS TO THE FAITHFUL (1 Pet 4:12-14)

A. (v 12)

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:

Throughout this epistle Peter has been discussing suffering for the cause of Christ (“to seek and save that which was lost” Luke 19:10), here he brings forth the good things that are accomplished for righteousness sake.

1. He tells the readers that they should not think it unusual that they were in the midst of fiery trials, in fact, strife and persecutions are the common outgrown of the Christian life (2 Tim 3:12; John 15:18-21)

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Joh 15:18 If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. Joh 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

a. This just illustrates how far people have gone from God, like the ugly duckling that is hated by his siblings, the odd colored member of a wolf pack is attacked by the others, or the child with some unusual feature such as looks or clothing is rejected and bullied by his peers.

b. In like manner sinful men are highly resentful of the godly lives of the followers of Christ, I refer to this as the Cain and Able syndrome (1 John 3:12).

1Jo 3:12 . . . Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

2. Hardships and persecutions were essential for the Lord’s church in the 1st century, it made it strong, in order that it would endure, faithful wise and time wise.

a. Without opposition today, our faith is likely not to be strong; struggle develops strength, in our physical bodies and in our spirits, consider the advice that Christ gave to the church at Laodicea in order to rid themselves of their lukewarmness (Rev 3:18-19).

Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

b. Christ basically is telling the church at Laodicea to repent from their lackadaisical approach to Christianity, to be zealous in the work of the Lord, which would bring about the fire of persecutions, which figuratively would come from Him, and as they did such they would be able to better see the kingdom of God because they would be active in it, and in this manner they would be rich, clothed with the white garments of holiness.

c. The “proving” spoken of in our verse (1 Pet 4:12) is that of the process of refining gold, the gold ore is tossed in a red hot crucible (melting pot) for the purpose of separating the dross from the precious metal, God allows these persecutions for one’s spiritual growth . . .

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Psa 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

d. In like manner when we today are persecuted for living godly lives that seem strange to those who are of the world, or if we are ridiculed and the source of other’s anger for speaking the truth of the Gospel, we are made stronger in our faith, and brings us to a point that we are less likely to be overcome by sin, seeing that are focus is against sin, it is put in its proper perspective, and is therefore less appealing, and easier to sidestep these snares of Satan, as affirmed earlier in this chapter (1 Pet 4:1-2).

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh (because of the gospel) hath ceased from sin; (it is easier to abstain from that which you fight against) 1Pe 4:2 that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (it is hard to live a hypocritical life with a properly working conscience)

B. (v 13)

1Pe 4:13 but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

When a Christian suffers because of God’s Truth, and doing His will, he is partaking of the same kind of painful ordeal that the Lord endured.

1. Of course our sufferings are not as severe as His, we probably are not going to be crucified, yet we do endure agonizing trails, as He did.

a. Evil men hated Him because He exposed their sinful conduct and religious error by His teachings, and by His pure life, the same should be true with us today.

2. With this in view we ought to REJOICE! (Mt 5:10-12a).

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Mat 5:12a Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:

a. These sufferings should have us rejoicing now, because are just tokens of the reward to be given to us at judgment day at Christ’s 2nd coming at the end of time (2 Thess 1:4-5).

2Th 1:4 so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure; 2Th 1:5 which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

C. (v 14)

1Pe 4:14 If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

The word translated “if” in the beginning of this verse is “ei” is not always describing a “conditional clause,” sometimes it means “since” and probably does here also, seeing that Peter already affirmed that fiery trial which “cometh” (present participle), denoting “presently coming upon them.”

1. Since they are “reproached” (which denotes a verbal assault) for their loyalty to Christ’s authority, His Kingship, they are “blessed,” they are “fortunate” but this fortune will not received until the heavenly rewards are meted out on the last day (Ja 5:11).

Jam 5:11 Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful.

a. Paul looked forward to this reward when he was nearing his death (2 Tim 4:7-8).

2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 2Ti 4:8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

b. When Christ comes again and brings the Christian’s heavenly hope, that glorious goal will be realized (Col 3:4).

Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory.

c. Most people in the world think it strange that Christians don’t indulge in many of what they would consider “normal activities,” for the mature child of God can readily recognize the sinful snares that Satan has laid in many of these seemingly normal activities, and chooses not to expose themselves to things that would only help bring about their eternal demise, thus this brings about the “evil speaking” as seen in verses 3-4 of this chapter . . . we need to recognize that there are things that need to be laid aside that are not sinful in themselves, yet they may prevent us from successfully accomplishing the Christian race (Heb 12:1) . . .

Heb 12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

d. And also these 1st century Christians had received the miraculous “gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38; 10:45; Heb 2:4), through which God’s revelation came and was confirmed by, this would render them “blessed,” “fortunate” at the time of this epistle, it would help assure them that they indeed were following the truth, and therefore helped them persevere.

e. We now have that revelation in the completed NT (John 16:13; Jude 3), which assures us also that we are living according to the truth, and helps us to persevere, as the apostle John wrote (1 John 5:13).

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.

2. In the KJV this portion is contained at the end of this verse “on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

a. Therefore when these verbal reproaches are dished out by others to the Christian, it is as if they are speaking evil of Christ, whether they do it directly or not, God, Christ and His church are inseparable, Scripture plainly teaches this (Mt 25; Acts 9), and when we endure said reproaches without reacting sinfully we are glorifying God, doing His will His way (1 Pet 2:20b-21).

Pe 2:20b when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 1Pe 2:21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

b. Therefore when we look at these first few verses, it easy to see “the sureness of persecutions to the faithful” who live according to the Law of Christ.

II. THE “PURPOSE” OF THE PERSECUTIONS TO THE FAITHFUL (1 Pet 4:15-18).

A. (v 15)

1Pe 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters:

There are struggles that we must all endure because we live in an imperfect world, the same struggles are faced by everyone.

1. We are all subject to accidents and diseases.

a. We all grow old, suffer the infirmities brought on by age, and will experience physical death (Heb 9:27).

Heb 9:27 And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment;

b. God sees the physical death of the saint as precious (Ps 116:15), but the death of the unforgiven sinner is something He takes no pleasure in (Ezek 18:23), He and all that believe that the bible is God’s word, knows the ultimate outcome of both (Mt 25:46)

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

2. Yet one who is transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2), through study and application of the scriptures, ought to be able to use these common struggles as a means of increasing our spiritual strength in the realms of patience, faith, endurance and so on.

a. But there is no advantage to the soul for suffering for some crime or sinful activity, and the person who partakes in such ought to hang his head low in shame.

b. Yet that is not the case today, our society, our media, this world, promotes and applauds sins that 50 years ago, would of only be spoken of in secret, and even then, one who not feel comfortable doing such, there is such a lack of righteousness and goodness in this society, one can only wonder if the Lord won’t be coming real soon.

B. (v 16)

1Pe 4:16 but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

But to suffer as a Christian, while being obedient to Christ is right, it must not be something that shames us.

1. We see too many in the church, living as though they are of the world, partaking of the lusts of the world, the vain glory of the world, with the world, and enjoying it.

a. Many Christians today are repulsed when one speaks of the errors that are propagated by the religions of men , they become fearful to speak the truth in love, thinking it might lose them a convert.

b. Therefore they present the gospel in a softsoap sort of approach that only ends up in a bunch of non converted people who just got wet, actually the situation is way out of hand, there are a whole lot of unholy people that think they are going to heaven, which is just not going to happen, for it is written (1 Pet 1:15; Heb 12:14) . . .

1Pe 1:14 as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance: 1Pe 1:15 but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living;

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

c. They love the world, and the things of the world, why would a person want to go to a place completely foreign to his mindset and desires (1 John 2:15-17, Ja 4:4).

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Jam 4:4 Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.

d. This is no new problem, it was going on even in the Paul’s day (Phili 3:18-19).

Phi 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Phi 3:19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

e. (Rom 1:16)

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;

f. Neither am I ashamed to live and preach the truth just as God commands, with no additions nor subtractions, in doing this I bring glory to God.

g. We must not conform the Gospel to the world, to the wisdom of men, but rather we must conform the world to the Gospel, showing forth God’s will in order that we can have a true hope, as it is written (Rom 12:1-2) . . .

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (spiritual) service. Rom 12:2 And be not conformed (fashioned according) to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2. The word “Christian” literally means “Christ owned by” or “one owned by Christ,” and it denotes one who follows or imitates Christ, this is commanded of us (1 Cor 11:1) . . .

1Co 11:1 Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

a. Now this imitating is speaking of all aspects of His life, not just the ones that don’t offend others, sin must be exposed, righteousness must be commended . . .

b. Religious error is to be a constantly held up as that which will cause the ones who teach it and follow that teaching to fall in the pit, which is merely a figure meaning it will send them to Gehenna hell (Mt 15:14).

Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.

c. And we must show compassion to the downtrodden of all aspects of life, while at the same time holding forth that word of truth that is able to save their souls (Ja 1:21).

d. Expecting to suffer for these attributes as Christ and His disciples did, but knowing that we are in fact lifting God and Christ up for all to see and marvel at (Mt 5:13-16).

Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Mat 5:16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

C. (v 17)

1Pe 4:17 For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?

“The house of God” here refers to the church, as seen in (1 Tim 3:14-15) . . .

1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly; 1Ti 3:15 but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1. “Judgment” in this verse refers to the persecutions of the context.

a. The meaning is “if the family of God, those who enjoy the special providence of God, have to endure these harsh trials, what will be the end of those who reject the gospel, and are dishing out these persecutions.”

b. Seeing that this is not speaking of the final judgment, but of temporal persecutions.

c. Surely God’s immutable Law will come into play (Gal 6:7).

Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

d. They plant troubles on others; they likewise will have troubles, probably worse than those of the Christian.

e. These will have no hope in eternity, as does the Christian, to sustain them through hardships (1 Pet 1:3-4).

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

f. Christ is the firstfruits, the forerunner (Heb 6:20) of those to enter into heaven, resurrected never to die again (Rev 1:18), we who endure faithfully in this life will follow at His 2nd coming (1 Cor 15:24).

1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.

g. Therefore it is imperative that we be waiting and looking for His coming in the prescribed manner (2 Pet 3:9-14) . . .

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2Pe 3:11 Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, 2Pe 3:12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 2Pe 3:13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight.

D. (v 18)

1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

But this verse "does" speak of the final judgment.

1. The word translated “scarcely” here in “molis” and it denotes “that which is accomplished only with great difficulty,” it does not suggest doubt as to the outcome, even though apostasy surely is possible, but that is not what this is speaking of .

a. This is speaking of the straightened, the difficult way know as Christianity (Mt 7:13-14).

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. Mat 7:14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened (difficult) the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

b. This is one of the parts of the gospel that people want to change because it seems too hard for the alien sinner, thus we have the thousands of denominations.

c. But the Lord clearly and plainly tells us we “must” do the Father’s will, or else (Mt 7:21-23)

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that practice lawlessness.

2. The ungodly and the sinner here are one in the same person, the definite article (the) used in the Greek text indicates that these are the same person.

a. The sinner is an ungodly man, and the ungodly man is a sinner.

b. The word “ungodly” is simply one that is not following the religion of God.

c. Not one who is guilty of heinous crimes, this could refer to any little old lady down the street who is not a biblical Christian.

d. Let us keep in mind, that there is but one plan set forth in the Bible, it is not open for changes via someone’s interpretation, there is but one faith (Eph 4:5).

Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.

e. All have sinned (Rom 3:23), and those that do not obey the gospel as set forth in the Bible, cannot be forgiven, thus they stay sinners, whether they believe it in their own minds or not, as it is written (1 John 5:13).

1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.

f. The Bible will be the standard all men will be judged by on the last day (John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Rev 20:12), not one’s own beliefs.

Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Rom 2:16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.

g. The Lord states plainly that these 2 groups (the righteous and the sinner, which are separated by the gospel through their words and deeds in this life; 2 Cor 6:15-18).

2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? 2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2Co 6:17 Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you, 2Co 6:18 And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

h. These 2 groups will also be permanently separated on that Day of days (Mt 25:32-34, 41, 46).

Mat 25:32 and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; Mat 25:33 and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.

i. This is where the sinner, those without the true religion of God will “appear.”

j. And because of this day, which has been set in God’s appointment book (Acts 17:31), coupled with God’s desire to have men saved from the eternal fire (1 Tim 2:4).

k. This is “the purpose of persecutions to the faithful” in order that they may learn to walk faithfully in this world and inherit eternal life in the next (Mt 25:21).

Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

III. THE “GOAL” OF THE PERSECUTIONS TO THE FAITHFUL (1 Pet 4:19)

A. (v 19)

1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.

“Wherefore” here denotes the conclusion, the aim, the goal of the message being brought forth.

1. Those that suffer as Christians, because they are Christians, because they live like Christ are to realize that they are suffering according to God’s will, which refines and builds their spiritual characters.

a. Consider what is written about Christ in (Heb 5:7-9)

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, Heb 5:8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; Heb 5:9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;

b. Those that suffer for the Gospel’s sake, because they are living a life of well-doing, as did Christ, in this manner commit their souls, their spirits unto God, they trust in Him, as did the Lord (1 Pet 2:23; 2 Tim 1:12; Luke 23:46).

1Pe 2:23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

2Ti 1:12 For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Luk 23:46 And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost.

c. God is faithful, and He is the Creator, He can always be trusted, He created through the power of His word, and He always keeps His word (Rom 3:4a; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18)

Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar;

Heb 6:18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:

d. Therefore it is “the goal of persecutions to the faithful” that we commit our souls, our spirits, knowing that hardships and trials will come in this sin darkened world because of our relationship with Him and His Son.

e. But we are to act as pillars, upholding, living, teaching the gospel despite the troubles that will come because of it, all the while holding in our hearts that heavenly hope (Tit 1:2)

Tit 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal;

Conclusion,
1. We looked at the “sureness” of persecutions to the faithful (v 12-14), the living, the preaching of the gospel, exposes the inner emotions to all that hear it, it can turn one group into God lovers (as seen in Acts chapter 2 when 3,000 obeyed from the heart), And the other group into Christian, thus in reality Christ haters, and maybe even killers (as seen in the account of Stephen in Acts 7, where he was killed basically for telling the religious leaders of that day, they were lost).

2. Then we looked at the “purpose” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 15-18), they will come about, the very nature of being Christlike and doing the things Christ did, will bring them about, but they are meant to refine, to purify the Christian into a life of living “for” the faith, instead of falling “from” the faith, the only means of being forgiven and having that hope of heaven.

3. And lastly we looked “goal” of the persecutions to the faithful (v 19), whatever persecutions come about because of living the Christian life, whether they be ridiculing, harassing, neglecting, inward struggles or even physical death, we are to put our trust in God and Christ, and the truths and promises brought forth in the NT, the Gospel, and give our physical life unto Him and His will, unto the life eternal.

4. Yet the first step towards all this is becoming one owned by Christ, a “Christian” not a Lutheran, nor a Baptist, nor a Catholic, but a “Christian”

5. To become a member of one of these denominations you must believe and obey what they teach, then you become one of them, but to become a Christian, you must obey the gospel of Christ, then God adds you to His church (Acts 2:47).

6. To prove my point, just repeat what I am about to say to you, to any of these groups and they will deny one point or another, or maybe all of what I say, and probably verbally persecute you for it, this in itself ought to tell you something.

7. But it is the Word of the living God, not the musings of men, and “it” is the power of God to salvation . . .

One must . . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17)

Rom 10:17 . . . faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

It must be implanted deeply within the good ground, the good, honest and open heart (Luke 8:15)

One must . . .
Believe that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 8:37; John 20:31); this is the major purpose of the Gospel accounts . . .

Joh 20:31 . . . these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.

One must . . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Paul stated on mars hill . . .

Act 17:30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:

One must . . .
Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9), the eunuch said . . .

“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So must you

One must . . .
Be baptized (immersed), which doth now save us (1 Pet 3:21), immersed into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34) unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to that one body (1 Cor 12:13), the only one God promised to save (Eph 5:23).

And finally one must live a faithful and holy life (1 Pet 1:15), not perfect, but faithful, the faith that obeys is the faith that saves; Being renewed day by day, Putting off that old man, and putting on the new, being constantly in a state of spiritual growth; Showing forth God’s love through your life as a Christian (only), as the Bible teaches; Expecting and growing from the persecutions that are guaranteed, which refine you, and basically force you to trust in the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

Contact us:
Evangelist - Kenneth Windbiel
715-866-4873
kensanwind@hotmail.com

We teach publicly and from house to house (Acts 20:20),
therefore if you would like to set up a house teaching session
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please contact us through any of the options listed upon this web site.

 Salute the church that is in their house . . .
The churches of Christ salute you. Rom 16:5, 16