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1 Peter – Dimensions of Suffering
Why suffering? The human race ushers in suffering by choosing to disobey God and give place to sin. (Rom 5:12)
It is never part of God’s original purpose (John 1:5). Both God and Satan use the inevitable to meet their objectives.
This letter is directed to Jews across the world. The impulsive Peter is now transformed. He encourages Jews to face suffering with courage and purity. He strengthens them with positive perspectives on suffering. He warns of greater suffering for the unsaved.
God’s Twist to Suffering
While his original purpose has been temporarily hacked, he still uses suffering to test our faith and glorify His name. (1:6-7)
Satan’s Twist to Suffering
Satan, on the other hand, constantly on the prowl, seeks to destroy. (3:8)
Types of Suffering
Temporary suffering: We may suffer for the right and wrong reasons. The Bible assures us that while doing right invites less scope for suffering, even if it does come, we are blessed (3:13) and should trust God (4:19). We need to be prepared, yet gentle and reverent in our communication at this time (3:15). This is far better than suffering for doing wrong (3:17) - facing consequences of actions.
Permanent suffering: The worst suffering is faced by sinners in hell. (4:17)
Lifestyle Requirements
Leveraging suffering to work for our good and God’s glory requires a certain lifestyle. That lifestyle described throughout the book involves veering away from the devil and gravitating towards God in thought, word, and deed. It involves living as Christ would if He were us.
Perspectives on Suffering
We may need to:
Suffer rejection as a living stone (2:4) just as Christ did, seeking to be precious in God’s sight.
Share in Christ’s suffering as a shepherd (5:2, 2:25). Leadership involves sacrifice - a shepherd’s heart.
Assurances in Suffering
What’s in it for us?
- Salvation (1:9)
- Perfection (5:10)
- Purification (1:22)
- Never disappointed (1:6-7)
- Enduring word (1:24-25)
- Chosen for mercy (2:9-10)
- Never alone (3:9)
- Prayers responded (3:10-12)
- Blessing (4:14)
- Glory (5:4)
Attitude in Suffering
Keep on rejoicing (4:13, 1:6), knowing that it is short-lived. God‘s glory is shining through every situation.
Some people are in denial on having to face suffering. What enables us to face it head-on? What responsibilities do we have as a shepherd and living stone? How can we “keep on rejoicing” and remain victorious in suffering?
Why suffering? The human race ushers in suffering by choosing to disobey God and give place to sin. (Rom 5:12)
It is never part of God’s original purpose (John 1:5). Both God and Satan use the inevitable to meet their objectives.
This letter is directed to Jews across the world. The impulsive Peter is now transformed. He encourages Jews to face suffering with courage and purity. He strengthens them with positive perspectives on suffering. He warns of greater suffering for the unsaved.
God’s Twist to Suffering
While his original purpose has been temporarily hacked, he still uses suffering to test our faith and glorify His name. (1:6-7)
Satan’s Twist to Suffering
Satan, on the other hand, constantly on the prowl, seeks to destroy. (3:8)
Types of Suffering
Temporary suffering: We may suffer for the right and wrong reasons. The Bible assures us that while doing right invites less scope for suffering, even if it does come, we are blessed (3:13) and should trust God (4:19). We need to be prepared, yet gentle and reverent in our communication at this time (3:15). This is far better than suffering for doing wrong (3:17) - facing consequences of actions.
Permanent suffering: The worst suffering is faced by sinners in hell. (4:17)
Lifestyle Requirements
Leveraging suffering to work for our good and God’s glory requires a certain lifestyle. That lifestyle described throughout the book involves veering away from the devil and gravitating towards God in thought, word, and deed. It involves living as Christ would if He were us.
Perspectives on Suffering
We may need to:
Suffer rejection as a living stone (2:4) just as Christ did, seeking to be precious in God’s sight.
Share in Christ’s suffering as a shepherd (5:2, 2:25). Leadership involves sacrifice - a shepherd’s heart.
Assurances in Suffering
What’s in it for us?
- Salvation (1:9)
- Perfection (5:10)
- Purification (1:22)
- Never disappointed (1:6-7)
- Enduring word (1:24-25)
- Chosen for mercy (2:9-10)
- Never alone (3:9)
- Prayers responded (3:10-12)
- Blessing (4:14)
- Glory (5:4)
Attitude in Suffering
Keep on rejoicing (4:13, 1:6), knowing that it is short-lived. God‘s glory is shining through every situation.
Some people are in denial on having to face suffering. What enables us to face it head-on? What responsibilities do we have as a shepherd and living stone? How can we “keep on rejoicing” and remain victorious in suffering?
Scripture
About this Plan
Powerful Letters - They rocked the early churches. Written by Jesus’ closest disciples, John and Peter, his half-brothers, James and John, and an enigmatic author, these letters continue to overturn thinking. They equip us to defend and attack the evil forces and dark ages. They inspire, empower, and enable us to allow Christ to live through us. They encourage us to enlarge our vision to see the world from the perspective of eternity.
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