1 Peter 4:12-19

Be Prepared

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:12-14

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.

Peter is talking to Christians about facing persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine it? The possibility of being severally beaten just because you professed Jesus as Lord and Savior?

For three years during His ministry, Jesus went throughout Galilee doing good. He taught in their synagogues like no one had ever heard before. He proclaimed the good news. He healed those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed were freed, those having seizures were cured, the paralyzed walked, the blind received their sight and every disease and sickness was healed. Jesus never committed a sin, and no deception was found in His mouth.

However, even with all the miracles and healing Jesus did, the people rejected Him as the Christ.

Jesus received a beating, suffered, and died and never once retaliating or seeking revenge. Instead, He left us an example on what to do when Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Now, I ask you this, is the man that denied Jesus Christ three times, the person of authority to speak on this topic?

Yes! And here is why…………….

Peter willingly suffered persecution, imprisonment, and beatings for his belief in Jesus as we read about in Acts 5:40-41 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Peter suffered for his belief and in fact would one day die for it.

I share this: When the government of Nero was firmly established, he began to plunge into unholy pursuits and armed himself even against the religion of the God of the universe. Thus publicly announcing himself as the first among God's chief enemies, he was led to slaughter the apostles. It is, therefore, recorded that Paul was beheaded in Rome itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero. This account of Peter and Paul is substantiated by the fact that their names are preserved in the cemeteries of that place even to the present day.

Persecution, from Rome in the first century was a real concern for people of faith. Peter was telling believers not to be surprised when they go through it and don’t be surprised by the depth of cruelty in which they may persecuted.

I read this: We don’t glorify God for suffering. But we do glorify Him in suffering, and we glorify Him for what He will accomplish in us and through us with the suffering. When people say terrible things to you because you follow Christ, consider it a blessing. When that happens, it shows that God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, is with you.

Jesus once said…..“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:15-16

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.

Peter is saying that if you suffer don’t let it be because you murder, steal, make trouble. Don’t even let it be because you’re a busybody, gossip or melding in other people’s lives. Don’t let your sufferings be caused by a sin filled life.

If you must suffer or experience persecution let it be for you faith in Jesus Christ. We are to be partnered in the same kind of suffering as Jesus, for doing good. Wear the name “Christian” proudly, without shame.

Like Peter, James and John and the other apostles, we should count it an honor to be allowed to suffer for Christ.

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:17-19

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

One day Jesus tested His disciples with the questions we find in…..Matthew 16:13-16 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

You may not expect the outside world to know you but you do expect your inner circle to know who you are.

If you want to know who you can trust and who will trust you, where would do start? You start with you closet family and friends.

That’s why Peter tells us that judgment begins with God’s household, which is the church. The family of believers.

I read this: God must begin at the church, because we are in full knowledge of Hom just as the disciples were that claim He is the Messiah. God will shake the church, so that those who are playing church will be shaken out. Only the true believers in Christ will remain. We Christians must remember that to whom much is given, much is required. Christians must separate themselves from the world and its lust. We are to live wholesome lives as an example for the world to follow. Just as Christ Jesus lived as the example for us.

Sufferings are meant to test us, grow our faith and build our trust in God.

Read Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I share this: Christians can rejoice that the sufferings they face in this life are the worst they will ever face throughout all eternity. But for those who reject Jesus Christ have seen the best of life they will ever see. Their worst will be felt throughout all eternity.

Peter explains that four attitudes are necessary in order to “Be Prepared” for persecution:

Expect it (verse 12), Rejoice in it (verses 13-14), Evaluate its cause (verses 15-18), Entrust it to God (verse 19).

“So if God wants you to suffer, you should trust your lives to him. He is the one who made you, and you can trust him. So continue to do good.”