Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

This week we have already discussed how our suffering is with a purpose and that we shouldn’t be surprised by our sufferings, even as Christians. Not only will we share in Jesus’ glory as we share in his suffering, but Scripture says we will also be blessed for it! We have the Spirit of God with us, and He empowers us to be able to suffer for the Gospel. Suffering for the Gospel means the good news of Jesus is being spread! People cannot persecute something that they do not know exists. Another way we get to share in Jesus’ glory is by spreading the Gospel.

We consistently see the first apostles rejoicing at the cost of following Jesus. At the end of Acts chapter 5, it says, “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.”

Suffering for Jesus is different from suffering other consequences in the world. That is what Peter is talking about in chapter 4, verse 15. A different kind of suffering comes along with Peter’s list: murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into others’ business. Peter ensures that Jesus' followers aren’t just seeking out suffering for suffering’s sake. There is a huge difference between suffering a consequence of action and suffering persecution for the Gospel. A consequence of action can often lead to feeling shame or guilt. That kind of shame or guilt is usually rectified by serving some sort of sentence for justice. Peter says there is no shame in suffering for Jesus. There’s that difference. Suffering the consequence of action leads to guilt; suffering for the Gospel leads to glory.

Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

Reflection Questions

1. Who do you know who needs to hear the Gospel? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you and rest on you.
2. Is there a time you mistakenly saw a consequence of action as suffering for Jesus? How can you know the difference moving forward?
3. Do you consider it a privilege to be called by the name of Jesus? How will that affect how you live for him?