The Way - Day 177 (1 Peter 4)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
1 Peter 4
1 Peter 4 is what I would call a summary chapter. Peter's main theme throughout his writing has been living an obedient Christian life even when things are not going your way. In particular his readers were suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that they now lived differently from the culture around them. Already, Peter had reminded them about the sufferings of Christ and how He should serve as the ultimate example of handling opposition with humility as well as obedience to the truth (4:1). He writes that we have "spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles [the world]..." so now we should live our lives obeying the will of God (4:2-3). Yes...those without faith in Jesus Christ will "think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation [evil]" (4:4) but the believers' responsibility is to God (who will judge all men), not to men. Peter then reminded his readers about the certainty of the second coming of Christ which would bring a final end to this persecution and suffering (4:7-11). Peter was giving them hope. So how should a follower of Christ view his present sufferings? Those who obey Christ should not think suffering is "strange" or abnormal, but should "rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings.... If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" (4:13-14). Peter continues "if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (4:16). Peter makes it evident that God can be glorified as a result of the sufferings of His people. Although many use persecution as evil against believers, God can turn it into good. "Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator" (4:19).
 

Dear God, use that which is meant for evil to bring glory to You.