A Profile of Persecution - 1 Peter 4:1-5, 12-19

by David Woods

If you have internalized God's Word or even if you have just a passing acquaintance with Scripture, you probably know that God's people have suffered throughout history for their faith. In fact, it is said that today Christians are being persecuted for their faith more than ever before in history.

Obviously, most of that persecution is happening in countries other than the U.S.A., although there appears to be a rising intolerance of Christians and their beliefs even in this supposedly "Christian" nation.

We have been taught that it was when Christians really suffered for their faith that Christianity spread. Sometimes, it seems as if those who say this feel like we need to suffer.

The vibe one gets is that such a person may think it is unfair that we do not suffer or believes that we should suffer as a means of church growth.

I am a Church of God (Holiness) "Home Missionary." Yet I have remarked different times that as a "missionary," I really have it easy in life. Life is not just "ease" for me - please do not misunderstand. But when I compare my experience to Apostle Paul or Jim Elliot, I realize I know very little about intense suffering for one's faith.

The message I find in our text is this:

Big Idea: The Christian should be prepared to suffer for Christ.

How can we prepare to suffer for Christ? First, we need to know…

1. The Cause of Suffering, vv. 1-5.

We find that cause in verse one. Paul says, "For he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin." Godly living was the reason why the Christians Peter was writing to were suffering and it is the reason why we suffer for Christ.

Discussion: What is it about godly living that makes unbelievers so upset?

Those who suffer intense persecution must sometimes feel tempted to wonder, "Why shouldn't we go back?" Or, they may question, "Can I live like a sinner while the world watches and like a Christian in private?"

Discussion: What motivates the Christian to make an uncompromising stand for Christ?

Discussion: Is the old life of sin that bad? Why?

2. The Command for Suffering, vv. 12-16.

Exercise: I would like you to underline every word in these verses in which Peter tells us to be happy about suffering. How many times does he say - in different ways - to be joyful in suffering?
(Answer: I count five times - verse thirteen - rejoice, be glad, joy; verse fourteen - happy; verse fifiteen - let him glorify God.)

Discussion: What has happened recently to make you really happy? If instead of that happening you were beaten cruelly, would you be inclined to have that same attitude? Why or why not?

Discussion: How does one be happy when he or she suffers?

Discussion: How do we partake in Christ's sufferings?

I want you to notice the dynamic of suffering for Christ. Our love for God causes us to endure suffering for Christ; this results in God's glory. God is pleased when we bring Him glory and showers us even more with His love. His love for us gives us glory. The glory we receive because of God increases our love for Him … and the cycle continues.

3. The Caution in Suffering, vv. 15-19.

Peter gives us the caution that we be honest with ourselves and others about why we are suffering. Sometimes, our "suffering" is not the result of living a godly life.

Discussion: What are some ways you have heard Christians to be suffering for Christ when they were not truly suffering for Him?

Discussion: What does it mean to suffer as a Christian? What does it not mean?

Discussion: Verse eighteen suggests that the righteous will scarcely be saved. If we truly believe that, how will our lives be changed?

Verse nineteen balances out the truth of verse eighteen so that we do not need to live in fear of dropping into Hell. It says that we should "commit the keeping of [our] souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."

Discussion: How does one commit himself or herself to God's keeping without becoming overconfident?