Word@Work 1Pet58 - 1 Peter 4:12
Published: Wed, 07/15/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
NORMAL CHRISTIANITY
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (NIV)
You would think that the display of God's kindness through the faithful service of His people (cf 1 Peter 4:7-11) would stimulate gratitude and praise to God. Certainly that is His intention (cf 1 Peter 4:11b). But Satan, manipulating people to oppose God's plan, has a totally different objective. Because godly Christians are the best advertisement for Jesus the Saviour, the devil wants to neutralise their impact. Persecution of many kinds and personal harassment are the usual tactics to stop Christians being open about Jesus.
Peter says, that we should not get upset or think that we have gone against God's plan ... or that suffering is abnormal for followers of Jesus. Certainly, it is not nice, but it is not abnormal; it should be expected at some stage in our Christian lives. When it comes (and of course we need to distinguish trouble for the sake of Christ from distress resulting from our own sins, see 1 Peter 4:15), we should see it as a normal part of being identified with the Jesus who suffered at the hands of sinners. Therefore we must not lose heart (cf Heb 12:3).
If we do not recognise the attacks as being against the Body of Jesus, of which we are a part, we will become discouraged; we will be tempted to stop using the spiritual gifts we have been given. Of course, our persecutors will not understand that they are being stirred to wickedness by the Wicked One; they will just be possessed by an appetite to get at us; yet they will not be satisfied even if we cower before them. So Peter's instruction is helpful. When people turn against us because they refuse to turn to Jesus, remember it is normal. It is simply because we remind them of Jesus. So don't stop serving the Lord even when it gets tough.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for knowing and understanding my pain when people resent me because they are resisting Jesus. Please help me to understand that many other Jesus-followers around the world are also suffering. Help me to pray for them and to realise that my situation is not unique. Strengthen me, through Your Word and by Your Spirit, not to give up; nor to abandon my service. And may You be glorified, even in my suffering. 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
You would think that the display of God's kindness through the faithful service of His people (cf 1 Peter 4:7-11) would stimulate gratitude and praise to God. Certainly that is His intention (cf 1 Peter 4:11b). But Satan, manipulating people to oppose God's plan, has a totally different objective. Because godly Christians are the best advertisement for Jesus the Saviour, the devil wants to neutralise their impact. Persecution of many kinds and personal harassment are the usual tactics to stop Christians being open about Jesus.
Peter says, that we should not get upset or think that we have gone against God's plan ... or that suffering is abnormal for followers of Jesus. Certainly, it is not nice, but it is not abnormal; it should be expected at some stage in our Christian lives. When it comes (and of course we need to distinguish trouble for the sake of Christ from distress resulting from our own sins, see 1 Peter 4:15), we should see it as a normal part of being identified with the Jesus who suffered at the hands of sinners. Therefore we must not lose heart (cf Heb 12:3).
If we do not recognise the attacks as being against the Body of Jesus, of which we are a part, we will become discouraged; we will be tempted to stop using the spiritual gifts we have been given. Of course, our persecutors will not understand that they are being stirred to wickedness by the Wicked One; they will just be possessed by an appetite to get at us; yet they will not be satisfied even if we cower before them. So Peter's instruction is helpful. When people turn against us because they refuse to turn to Jesus, remember it is normal. It is simply because we remind them of Jesus. So don't stop serving the Lord even when it gets tough.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank You for knowing and understanding my pain when people resent me because they are resisting Jesus. Please help me to understand that many other Jesus-followers around the world are also suffering. Help me to pray for them and to realise that my situation is not unique. Strengthen me, through Your Word and by Your Spirit, not to give up; nor to abandon my service. And may You be glorified, even in my suffering. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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