1 Peter: Confidence in a Complex Worldနမူနာ

16: Even When It's Hard

How it might have been:

Of all of us who believed, Calpurnius fell the furthest. Socially that is. Dionysius took a financial hit, us slaves a physical one. And I can’t imagine Tryphosa’s husband was best pleased about her sudden turning from the household gods. But Calpurnius was a man of great standing, enjoying the respect of the whole city, not just because of his family name but also for his noble character and acts of generosity. Since accepting the message of Jesus, though, his status was decimated. No longer was he found feasting at the Temple of Ainatas with the great and the good, he was welcoming nobodies like me into his home.

Christians in the Roman Empire suffered in all kinds of ways: beaten, taunted, boycotted, and shamed. Many would wonder, ‘Is this really worth it?’ 

After his resurrection, Jesus commissioned Peter: ‘Feed my sheep’ (John 21:17). As Peter’s already been doing throughout this letter, here he nourishes their souls with hope. His point is basically this: suffering for doing God’s will is worth it. Christ suffered for you and set you free from sin, enabling you to live God’s way. And Christ is victorious – everything in all creation, the good and the bad, is under his feet. Like Noah and his family, you have pledged your allegiance to God, and you faithfully obey him as a result. Yes, Noah and his family suffered, but in the end they were saved. You will be too! So, stick with Jesus, because true and everlasting life can only be found in him.

As you read this stuff about suffering for the faith, you may think, ‘I barely suffer at all, so what does this have to say to me?’ It’s true, most Christians in the global West suffer less than Peter’s audience did, because we enjoy greater religious freedom. If you live in the West, the challenge for you is: are you willing to do the right thing, even when it’s hard? And are you prepared to be known as a follower of Jesus amongst your friends, colleagues, and clients, and within your community? Or do you hide your light for fear of losing respect or influence?

Or maybe you are suffering for the name of Jesus. If so, remember your identity, remember who you belong to, remember what Christ has done for you, and be confident of this: ultimate victory is found in no-one but him. 

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Reflect:

Are there any ways you are suffering for your faith? You are on the winning side! How will this truth shape the way you respond?

How might a greater awareness of Jesus’ victory help you be more courageous in being open about your faith?

Pray:

Praise God that through Jesus, you have been set free from sin and called to live for him. Pray that he will help you to live with courage and openness this day.