Once again Peter shows his close relationship with those whom he is writing to. He loves them as children and want what is best for them. They are facing trials, which are very difficult for them and trying for their faith. He is going to teach them some “hard truths” that trials like this are inevitable for believers. Beloved (def. dearly loved.) – Once again Peter shows his close relationship with those whom he is writing to. He loves them as children and want what is best for them. They are facing unfair trials, in fact are very difficult for them and trying time for their faith. He is going to teach them some “hard truths” that trials like this are inevitable for believers. He also wants them to know that he is on their side, and he wants what is best for them and loves them. Do not be surprised, as though some strange things were happening to you. Some believers might expect that the Christian life would be easy and smooth all the time. Jesus even said some would respond to the gospel with joy, but when trials come, having no root, they would wither away. These are the kind of Christians who think trusting in God is a ticket to a rich and smooth life. Peter warns his readers against this attitude. They should not only realize that trials may come, but they expect trials as normal aspect of Christian life. In some times and places trials are more severe. In some times and places, they are less severe. They are always there, and they are always normal. How can it help us as believers to expect that trials will come? Assists us in overcoming and being stronger in Christ. The trials also help us to pray for others who are going through hurts, sufferings and hang-ups. Prayer and action. Embrace this. Peter’s final words of instruction to suffering saints. Peter sets out in these verses the attitudes and actions we should manifest in suffering. He also adds reinforcement in his teaching with numerous reasons these should be embraced and exemplified in our lives. Peter calls attention to Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven”
(Matthew 5:11–12: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.).
Let’s read 1 Peter 4:12-19
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rested upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, good morning. I love you and thank you for this new day. Lord Jesus, the world surrounds us, pressing, tempting and stressing us in so many ways. Help us set appropriate limits. Give us sound judgement to choose wisely. Let us not suffer as Christians. Keep a hedge of angels around all Your children and bless them as we all walk with You in right standing and deeds. Guard and protect us through every moment of our days. Father God, so many people have illumined my path, to many to count. I honor them in your name, and I thank you for the blessing they have been to me. If there is someone whose life I can brighten, Lord Jesus, show me their need, and allow me to shine on them as they continue their path with you. I thank You and praise You for Your beatitudes and Your word on all encouragement in our Christian Walk with You. I thank you, praise You and give you all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verses}
Keep away from angry, short-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Proverbs 22:24-25
"Only Life Changes" 