Suffering for God's glory

1 Peter 3:13-4:19

Summarizing Suffering

      Summarizing what Peter says in 1 Peter 3:13-4:19 can be summed up in what he says, I believe, in the last verse, 4:19, our lives should be committed to our Savior, Jesus the Christ, during our suffering here on this earth. And committing our lives to Jesus the Christ our Savior during our times of suffering here, Paul gives a few teachings that can be identified in this chapter and a half. The first of which is that we should be willing to live our lives according to God's will before others that they may glorify God even though they persecute us. In vv. 14-16 we see how Peter instructs the believers to be ready to give an answer to those who ask them why they trust in God based upon the fact that they are living for the Savior. As a result, this life should be reflected by a clear conscience and a happy, content spirit because of the way one is living.

      A second teaching that Peter writes in his letter in regards to suffering is that of doing it for the right reason. He instructs believers in v. 17 to suffer for well-doing which he reiterates in 4:14-15. The intention, again, I believe, is to point out the fact that when they are reproached for the name of Christ they're not only doing it for the right cause but, he also wishes to encourage them, that this should be a reason for them to count themselves as happy or content.

      In 4:1-5 Peter writes to the believers telling them that they should arm themselves with the mind of Christ which Paul talks about in Philippians 2. He points out how Christ suffered for us in the flesh to relate to them about their new life in Christ. He tells them that now that they are serving Christ, they are not living a life of sin as they once had in their past life. In relating his teaching of how believers should live according to the will of God Peter comments in these verses of how unbelievers think it strange that they don't walk with them as they once did. In arming themselves he exhorts them to be prepared at all times. Like Paul, in Ephesians 6:10–18, Peter also wished for his readers that they would arm themselves daily by the Spirit’s power so that they would be prepared for the struggles they would face. Peter tells them to be sober and watch unto prayer. Or rather, be diligent in seeking Christ, being sure to live for Him on a daily basis in everything they do and say. And yet, "watch unto prayer" is also given, I believe, to exhort them to seek the wisdom of God as they serve Him on this earth. As James tells us in v. 5 but if we ask for wisdom God is faithful to give us exactly that.

      In 4:8-11 Peter exhorts the believers to minister to one another, as believers in Christ, by the gifts which God had given them and to do it with the spirit of love. There was obviously some spirit, even at that time, to be competitive or jealous in the way one served or even desired to serve. Therefore, Peter tells them to do it without grudging. This is mentioned, I believe, to show them that serving Christ should be done willingly and appreciatively because of the abilities one had received from Him. But whether verbal or physical ministry Peter points out to these believers as Paul does in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that everything they do or say should be done to glorify the Lord their God.

      One last instruction that Peter gives in summarizing these verses is that of considering trials as a norm. He doesn't want them to think that they are being persecuted by God or wrongly treated by their Savior because of the hard times with which they are dealing. As we see in the book of Acts it is a mark of the faithful to suffer for Christ our Lord and that is what Peter wished to relate to them in this instruction of not considering it strange when enduring trials. In the spirit we see of King David, Peter desired that his audience would long to, “Sing unto the Lord, because He hath dealt bountifully” with them, Ps. 13:6.

            In my own life, as of now, I can honestly say that God is using suffering in my life for a purpose. I do not look at the suffering as being a form of condemnation but rather a blessing that I might be able to live in a manner for God to show others of His love and strength. Physically, I endure a form of paralysis/weakness which affects most of my body in one way or another. But I believe these hardships are not to be seen as negative in any light but rather as an opportunity. And that is what I believe Peter was trying to express to these believers. To live before others in a way that your conduct reveals the love, strength, wisdom and sovereignty of God was what, I believe, was the intended purpose of Peter in writing. Suffering, whether spiritually or physically should be seen as an opportunity, an opportunity to glorify the Lord Jesus the Christ in a way that no one else can because they have not been given the chance that you have received from the Lord. To look at suffering as a hardship, I will not even begin to suggest that I see it is otherwise. But, yet, to look at suffering, for the cause of Christ, and see it as anything other than a blessing from God, I believe, is to belittle the awesome power of our Savior in our own minds.