In the verses of 1 Peter 3 and 4, we once again see the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in Peter’s life. Peter is calling believers to unity, sympathy, love, tender-heartedness, humility, purity in speech, peace, doing good, self-control, and courage. He is also urging his fellow believers to defend their faith with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
This is the same Peter who just a short time earlier rebuked Jesus (Mark 8:32), angrily hacked off the ear of the high priest’s servant to defend him (John 18:10), then denied him out of fear (Luke 22). The rough fisherman who was scared of suffering is now living a life of persecution and hardship because of his encounter with the living Christ. The man who wept bitterly over his cowardly denial of Christ is now exhorting his brothers to gladly accept the suffering that will inevitably come. And not only to accept it, but to expect it.
I Peter 3 and 4 demonstrate the loveliness of God’s diametrical arrangement of righteousness— rejoicing in hardship, blessing in suffering. And elsewhere in his Word, exaltation in humility (Matthew 23:12), greatness in least-ness (Luke 9:48), servitude in leadership (John 13:12-15), maturity in child-likeness (Matthew 18:3), life from death (Romans 6:1-11).
A believer cannot accept the inevitability of suffering without heeding the appeal to emulate Christ’s character. And only the work of the Holy Spirit can cause the heart of a fallen human to see in this difficult calling the goodness of a loving God.
Reflect
Peter has called his fellow believers to certain behaviors that will set them apart as followers of Christ. The call is to refrain from certain behaviors, replace them with others, and then reap certain Kingdom outcomes.
Read the following scriptures. Then fill out the columns that follow.
DON’T INSTEAD SO THAT…
Repay evil for evil
Speak evil or deceit
Fear or be troubled
Live for human passions
Grumble
Be surprised at trials
Suffer from sin
Be anxious
Quench the spirit
Despise prophecies
In his providence, God has ordained suffering. Of all the stumbling blocks that get in the way of belief, this one is among the most formidable. But when we remember the sovereignty, beauty, and goodness of God, and above all, his holiness, we are brought to our knees in reverence and love, crying out to him for a heart that trusts him.
Our divine vocation is not ultimately to suffering, but to a hope that triumphs over suffering. It is the hope of our future inheritance with Christ. This hope is no mere wish or idle longing of the soul. It is a hope that is rooted in the exceedingly great power of God. It is a hope that cannot fail. For those who embrace it, this hope will never bring shame or disappointment. The hope of eternal joy in the presence of Christ, a hope that sustains us in the midst of temporary suffering, is the legacy of Jesus Christ. It is the promise of God to all who put their trust in him.
Read the following scriptures. What is the difference between the reasons for and the outcome of suffering in general and those of suffering for Christ?
Pray
Dear Father, you are a holy, good, and sovereign God. Help us to trust you in suffering, leaning on your for comfort. Fill us with the knowledge of your will, and help us see that our perseverance in suffering is a mark of our identify in you. Please give us a heart to love and trust you more and more. Amen.