1 Peter 4 - The Purpose of Suffering?

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Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Peter again reminds the believers that just as Jesus suffered they would too. In order to overcome and persevere through these trials, they needed to have the same attitude as Christ. Peter then connects this kind of suffering with dying to the flesh. What does this mean?

When a person suffers physical persecution for the sake of Jesus, it almost always profoundly changes their outlook regarding sin and the pursuit of the lusts of the flesh. That one is more likely to live the rest of his time in the flesh not for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. - Guzik

As a result of their new lifestyle the others are surprised that they do not still live in bondage to the desires of the flesh. When we are being persecuted, we must always remember that those who are persecuting us will be judged for it. Peter reaffirms that even to those were dead in sin had a chance to hear the gospel so that no one would be without excuse. We can be sure of this that on the day of judgment every person will be judged fairly by God. God desires all to be saved and gives them multiple opportunities for people to believe in him. 

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Peter, like most all of the apostles, believed Jesus was coming soon. This was mostly due to persecution, and Jesus' teaching that they needed to be ready for him to return at any time. Peter uplifts several examples of how they should live in the meantime. He urges them to be ready to pray. Most important was for them to show each other unconditonal love. They should offer hospitality to each other willingly and not complain about it. 

Then, Peter gives some teaching on spiritual gifts. Paul has taught extensively on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and also Ephesians 4. Peter affirms that everybody has been given a gift to serve in the church. We all have been given a gift of grace. We are to be stewards of it just like any other gift we are giving by God. 

Peter gives to two examples of serving using one's spiritual gifts. Speakers (teachers/preachers) should speak as if they are speaking the very words of God. I have been a pastor for a long time and any time I go to preach or teach, I ask God to speak through me. I try to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit work through me. It is definitely one of the greatest joys when you see God working through your spiritual gift to bless others. Similarly when you serve someone do it in God's strength. In the same way as speaking, when we serve others with a good atttitude it shows. People see Jesus in us when we serve. 

This is why it is so meaningful when you go on a mission trip, whose primary purpose is to serve others in Jesus' name. The gospel comes through is in both our words and deeds. It goes best when people see both simultaneously. 

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Peter returns to the theme of suffering, which is the main focus on his letter. He describes the trials they are facing as a "test". Trials of many different kinds can either draw us closer to God or push us away. If we expect trials to come our way and know that God is testing us through them, it gives us a better attitude and perspective as we endure the.. Peter gives the added incentive that when we trust God in our suffering we will even more joyful when Jesus returns. One of the crowns of reward is the "crown of life", which is given to those who stay faithful in the in midst of suffering. 

Suffering for Christ is different than suffering for instance from breaknig the law. Part of the joy we can choose in the midst of suffering is to count it a blessing to suffer for Jesus' name. In Acts 5, Luke points this out when the apostles were being persecuted by the Jewish rulers (the Sanhedrin). 

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41

Peter says, "Judgment begins at the house of the Lord!" If we are in Christ and counted as righteous for what reason would a believer be judged. 

Then he adds, "If it hard for the righteous to be saved." Again this seems to be a nod to works righteousness rather than being saved by grace. What gtives?

 It isn’t that our salvation is difficult in the sense of earning it or finding a way to deserve it; it is all the free gift of Jesus Christ. Yet our salvation is hard in the sense that the claims of discipleship challenge us and demand that we cast away our idols and our sins. Real discipleship and genuine following after Jesus Christ is sometimes a hard thing, so we understand why Peter quoted the passage from Proverbs 11:31, “the righteous one is scarcely saved.” - Guzik

Where have you experienced suffering for being a Christian? Did you approach it as Peter teaches the 1st century believers? If you are suffering now think of these principles as you display an attitude of joy in the midst of suffering!