1 Peter - Following Jesus Sample

How does it feel when others mock you for being a Christian? It is easy to feel isolated and downhearted. We can feel that God has abandoned us. Again, Peter wants his believing friends to see their sufferings differently.

• Unbelievers may be cursing you for your faith, but what does Peter say is true about you (v. 14)?

Jesus told his followers, ‘Blessed are you when people insult you ... because of me’ (Matt. 5:11). To be blessed is the exact opposite of being cursed. How is God blessing you when others mock and sneer? Look where God is when ‘you are insulted because of the name of Christ’. As the insults rain down on your head, God’s Spirit of glory will be resting on you too.

God is actually very close to you when you suffer for Christ. God’s Spirit rests on you, just as he did on Jesus when he faced suffering (Matt. 3:16 – 4:1). How reassuring it is to know that!

The Spirit of God is also the Spirit of glory (v. 14). Being a Christian often doesn’t look very glorious now, but God’s Spirit is already with us, guaranteeing the glory that is coming. Yes, we are blessed.

• Of course, Christians should never get grief because they are guilty of doing wrong (v. 15). But how should believers respond to suffering for being Christian (v. 16)?

Being known as a Christian can feel like a hard ‘label’ to wear. People may mock and scoff. But Peter’s message is don’t be ashamed of the name ‘Christian’, even if it brings you suffering. See it differently.

When you hear someone’s name, it tells you which family they belong to. You bear your family’s name. Christians bear the name of Christ. By his grace, we sinners belong to him. This is astounding. God is willing to link our names with the great name of Jesus Christ, his Son.

People may call us ‘Christian’ in sneering tones, but we need to hear that word ‘Christian’ in a different way. To be called a ‘Christian’ is always a wonder of grace. It should lead our hearts to well up with praise to God.

Pray

Thank God for the privilege of bearing the name of his dear Son and for the blessing of the Spirit’s presence. Pray you would never be ashamed of the name 'Christian’.