ESOCS Devotional 28 December 2023 – Suffering as a Christian
MEMORY VERSE: “ 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.” I Peter 4: 13
TEXT: I 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:
13 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.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15 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.
16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 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.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
When life is going well, we push God to the periphery, but when trials come, we become aware of how much we need Him. Suffering under trials and persecution is a major theme of 1 Peter. He wrote this letter to Christians who were going through trials, many of which were undeserved, unfair and unexpected. Today we are going to take a closer look at these fiery trials, and find that insight that Peter gives us to help us navigate these tough times. The book of James provides some additional perspective on the trials we face. It is similar to Peter in that it is addressed to “dispersed” Christians who are strangers and aliens in a foreign land. (James 1:2-4) From these verses we learn a great deal about trials are common among God’s people, come in various categories and put our faith to the test—they tend to drive us back to the core of our beliefs.
Without trials, there could be no maturity. God often uses them to grow us and yield His intended result. I believe that our text today refers to the kinds of trials that linger and take their toll. 1 Peter 4 addresses the “fiery ordeal” that his readers are facing. He instructs us on how we should react during periods of struggle. Oftentimes our initial response to trial involves surprise and shock, but if we view life as a classroom with God as our instructor, tests and trials should come as no surprise, although they may be unwelcomed, especially when pursuing a curriculum of Christlikeness. So, our reaction should go beyond merely not being surprised to actually rejoicing. (James 1:2) James gives us two reasons why we should be joyful in trials: A proper response to trials results in greater Christ-like character. (James 1:3) and God promises a future reward to those who persevere under trials (James 1:12)
Trials provide an opportunity to draw upon God’s great power. (1 Peter 4:14) The power of the Holy Spirit is readily available to Believers and can carry us through trials. Sometimes our suffering is deserved and shameful. (1 Peter 4:15) There are times our trials are justified, and we must reap the consequences of sin. We should never be ashamed when we suffer as a result of following Christ (1 Peter 4:16).
When we are mocked or persecuted for our faith, we should rejoice that God considers us worthy to suffer for Him as Jesus suffered for us. Suffering is usually timely and necessary (1 Peter 4:17). In some cases, suffering may be judgment for sin, but in others God uses it to refine our faith in Christ and enhance our character. There is no comparison between what we suffer now and what the unrighteous will suffer later (1 Peter 4:18).
Sufferings are not an elective in the Christian life; they are a required course. When trials come, it’s important to remember that God is faithful and he will not allow you to be tested beyond what you are able to endure. When trials stay, it’s important that you take refuge in God as you seek to honor Him and others in your responses.
- How does it feel suffering for Jesus? Do you have any regrets?
- Father, help me to count it as joy to suffer for Your name sake
FURTHER READING: Genesis 37:13-20; Isaiah 49:14–25; Matthew 18:1–10
ESOCS Devotional 28 December 2023
