Word@Work 1Pet45 - 1 Peter 3:17-18
Published: Fri, 06/26/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
PURPOSEFUL SUFFERING
1 Peter 3:17-18 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (NIV)
Born-again Christians will sometimes get into trouble for speaking about Jesus. The nature of sin is that it resists the Lordship of Christ; and so any suggestion that He should be worshipped, trusted, loved and served may meet a hostile response. When this happens to you, remember that it is not a personal attack (even though it may seem to be!), it is against Him. However, Jesus did experience this personally, and in a very violent way; so that He might bring you into a right relationship with God (see www.crosscheck.org.uk to find out more).
The suffering of Christ was not only the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world (cf 1 John 2:2), but also a life pattern for all who are called to continue to resist the evil in the world, the flesh and the devil (cf 1 Peter 2:21). Such resistance is against the grain of human nature and every community that rejects Jesus. It will bring us some trouble - although our difficulties are small compared with Christ's agonies - but will also be rewarded in glory (cf 2 Cor 4:17).
Hebrews 10:35-36 says, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." So although we often pray for easy relationships at work and home, when God allows difficulties, do not despair or give up. If you suffer for doing right, don't do what is wrong to escape the problems. The workplace may be uncomfortable for the believer, but God is your protector for eternity. Therefore keep on doing and saying what is right, for His glory's sake; and for the blessing of those who are watching to see if Christ's power is in your life; and for your future reward.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Until Jesus comes again, I know that believers will have troubles wherever Jesus is rejected. Help me to keep on trusting that You to win the lost, and get great glory in using my words and active witness. When I feel like giving up, may I know Your power to help me to endure. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Born-again Christians will sometimes get into trouble for speaking about Jesus. The nature of sin is that it resists the Lordship of Christ; and so any suggestion that He should be worshipped, trusted, loved and served may meet a hostile response. When this happens to you, remember that it is not a personal attack (even though it may seem to be!), it is against Him. However, Jesus did experience this personally, and in a very violent way; so that He might bring you into a right relationship with God (see www.crosscheck.org.uk to find out more).
The suffering of Christ was not only the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world (cf 1 John 2:2), but also a life pattern for all who are called to continue to resist the evil in the world, the flesh and the devil (cf 1 Peter 2:21). Such resistance is against the grain of human nature and every community that rejects Jesus. It will bring us some trouble - although our difficulties are small compared with Christ's agonies - but will also be rewarded in glory (cf 2 Cor 4:17).
Hebrews 10:35-36 says, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." So although we often pray for easy relationships at work and home, when God allows difficulties, do not despair or give up. If you suffer for doing right, don't do what is wrong to escape the problems. The workplace may be uncomfortable for the believer, but God is your protector for eternity. Therefore keep on doing and saying what is right, for His glory's sake; and for the blessing of those who are watching to see if Christ's power is in your life; and for your future reward.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Until Jesus comes again, I know that believers will have troubles wherever Jesus is rejected. Help me to keep on trusting that You to win the lost, and get great glory in using my words and active witness. When I feel like giving up, may I know Your power to help me to endure. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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