Rejoice that You Participate in the Sufferings of Christ

1 Peter 4:7-19

Key Verse 1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

 

 

 

Read verses 7-9. What is near? (7a) What should we do in order to pray? (7b) Why should we love each other deeply above all? (8) How should we offer hospitality? (9)

 

        

Read verses 10-11. How should each one use his or her gift? (10) How should anyone speak and serve? (11a) What should be our ultimate goal in our speaking and serving? (11b) 

 

 

 

Read verses 12-14. Should we be surprised at painful trials we are suffering? (12) What should be our attitude toward painful trials? (13a) What will happen to us when Jesus’ glory is revealed? (13b) Why are we blessed when we are insulted for Christ’s sake? (14)

 

 

 

Read verses 15-19. What suffering should be desirable for believers? (15,16a) What should we do when we suffer as a Christian? (16b) What will be the outcome of those who do not obey? (17,18) What then should those who suffer according to God’s will do? (19)

Rejoice that You Participate in the Sufferings of Christ

1 Peter 4:7-19 

Key Verse 13

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ,  so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

In this passage, we will think about two things. 

(1) Biblical Attitudes in sufferings

(2) Biblical Behaviors in sufferings

May God richly bless us and grant us the spirit of wisdom so that we may have a right attitude in times of suffering and do what is right for his glory. 

Read verses 7-9. What is near? (7a) What should we do in order to pray? (7b) Why should we love each other deeply above all? (8) How should we offer hospitality? (9)

1-1) Read verses 7-9

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

1-2) What is near? (7a) 

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

a) The end of all things

Every material thing has the end in this world. 

b) Awareness of the end of the ages will make us to change the direction of our life. 

We live in the light of Jesus’ return. 

Apostle Peter reminds us that the return of Jesus is imminent.

Throughout church history, believers lived with awareness of the end of the ages. 

God wants us to live with awareness of the end of the ages. 

God wants us to live with this sense of urgency regarding Jesus’ return. 

1-3) What should we do in order to pray? (7b)

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 

a) Pray  

There are forces in the world to make you from prayer.

If you find anything which prevents you from prayer, get rid of it.

Get out of the addiction to the world.   

If we really believe that we live in the last days, we will give ourselves to prayer. 

The return of Jesus Christ does not mean that we just wait for him doing nothing. 

The return of Jesus Christ should lead us to the watchful prayer. 

b) Sense of urgency (v7a)

The return of Jesus is imminent and the glory of God will be revealed. 

Soon and very soon, our time to save souls is coming to an end. 

If we have eternal perspective on life, nothing is more important than to pray to God. 

c) Clear minded (v7b)

Knowing the ultimate goal of God makes our mind to be cleared. 

This will clear all the unnecessary worry about success or achievements in this world.

Change of our mind is the beginning of our sanctification and of prayer life. (Rom 12:2)

d) Self-controlled (v7b)

The time of end of all things can be complicated, challenging and confusing to us. 

We should overcome the emotional up and down. 

Our attitude for prayer will be serious and watchful. 

1-4) Why should we love each other deeply above all? (8)

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

a) Love deeply. 

Deeply: Literal meaning is to be stretched with maximum output. 

We should love each other (fellow believers) with our maximum efforts. 

In light of eternity, we must have fervent love for other believers.

b) Love covers over a multitude of sins. 

This does not mean we should ignore the discipline of a sinning believer. 

This means that love always be ready to forgive insults and unkindness. 

We need to hold onto the forgiving love of Jesus even to the point of death. 

There is no way we can love those who have multitude of sins without Jesus. 

c) Without love, every word and/or action will be misunderstood suspiciously. 

It will cause division and grudge in the hearts of believers. 

1-5) How should we offer hospitality? (9)

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

a) Offer hospitality.

Offering hospitality to others is practical act of love. (Heb 13:1,2; Exo 22:21)

  Opening their home for other needy believers was common practice at that time. 

Hospitality is like oasis in the desert-like world. 

b) Without grumbling: gladly

We do not have time to grumble. 

The end of all things is coming; our life time will end soon. 

We must grow up like Jesus. 

Jesus is coming and we did not become more like Jesus yet

Practical services give us opportunities to grow up spiritually. 

2. Read verses 10-11. How should each one use his or her gift? (10) How should anyone speak and serve? (11a) What should be our ultimate goal in our speaking and serving? (11b) 

2-1) Read verses 10-11

10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

2-2) How should each one use his or her gift? (10) 

10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

a) Every believer has received spiritual gift(s) from God. 

i) Spiritual gift is graciously given, sovereignly designed ability for every believer. 

Spiritual gift is given, not earned or pursued. (1 Cor 12:4,7,11,18) 

We do not own the gift. We are just stewards. 

Spiritual gifts are not for the exaltation of the person with the gifts. 

ii) Spiritual gifts are different from natural talents. 

Natural talents are given to unbelievers and believers alike. 

Spiritual gifts are given only to believers by God the Holy Spirit. 

b) We should use our spiritual gifts to serve others faithfully 

We should use our gifts for the benefit of others in the church. (1 Cor 12:7) 

Spiritual gifts enable believers to edify each other effectively and to honor God. 

c) We should administer God’s grace in its various forms. 

God’s designs for these gifts are various. 

We have huge responsibility to use our spiritual gifts for the church and for his glory.  

2-3) How should anyone speak and serve? (11a)

11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

a) Spiritual Gifts in general. 

i) Speaking (verbal) gifts (Rom 12:6-8, 1Cor 12) 

Gift of (Prophesying): ability to understand and speak God’s truth

Gift of Teaching: ability to explain the word of God with skill and insight. 

Gift of Encouraging: ability to encourage people with deep understanding.

Gift of Wisdom/Knowledge: ability to understand the life Biblically.

Gift of Discernment: ability to distinguish spirits. 

ii) Serving (nonverbal) gifts (Rom 12:6-8, 1Cor 12)

Gift of Leadership: ability to lead/ administer the church even in time of trials.

Gift of Faith: ability to pray/to endure the hardship with unwavering faith

Gift of Serving: ability to serve others with humble hearts and cheerful minds

Gift of Giving; ability to give things sacrificially to those who are in needs

Gift of Mercy: ability to show compassion on people who are in needs

iii) (Prophecy), Miracles, healing, tongues and interpretation of tongues

Some believe these gifts were temporary sign gifts. (Conservative perspective)

Others believe these gifts still exist. (Charismatic perspective) 

b) Usage of Spiritual gifts. 

i) Speaking gifts: speak the very words of God. 

People with speaking gifts do not share their personal opinions. 

Messengers/Speakers must speak the very words of God, the words of God only. 

ii) Serving gifts; serve with the strength God provides. 

People with serving gifts always depend on God, His power and guidance.

We serve other believers with the strength from God.  

And then, we give all the glory to God because it is from Him and for Him.  

This is basic principle of serving others in the church. 

2-4) What should be our ultimate goal in our speaking and serving? (11b) 

11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

a) God may be praised in all things through Jesus Christ. 

We praise God in our speaking. 

We glorify God in our services. 

We exalt God in our actions. 

b) Even in the end time, our ultimate life goal does not change. 

Whatever we do, we do all for the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)

We can overcome trials because we seek to give glory and the power to Him forever. 

3. Read verses 12-14. Should we be surprised at painful trials we are suffering? (12) What should be our attitude toward painful trials? (13a) What will happen to us when Jesus’ glory is revealed? (13b) Why are we blessed when we are insulted for Christ’s sake? (14)

3-1) Read verses 12-14

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

3-2) Should we be surprised at painful trials we are suffering? (12) 

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 

a) No surprise at the trial

Trials even painful trials are normal in the life of believers. 

Unbelievers are expecting wealthy, healthy, comfortable life here on earth. 

But believers are expecting persecution and trials here on earth. 

b) Our common responses to the painful trial

Surprised (12): because expecting easy going life 

Sad/Depressed (13): because living pleasure seeking life

Ashamed (16): because not knowing the real purpose of life. 

Complaining to God (16): because not knowing God’s will

Stop doing good (19): because having wrong motive to live. 

3-3) What should be our attitude toward painful trials? (13a)

13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

a) Expecting the trial (12) 

Because suffering is not strange to believers and is a part of believers’ life.

There should be persecution in the life of believers. (2Tim 3:12)

If there is no persecution in life, probably something is wrong.  

b) Rejoicing in the suffering. (13-14): 

i) Understanding the meaning of suffering. 

Our sufferings are ways for us to participate in the sufferings of Christ. 

Jesus’ suffering made all of us to be forgiven and saved from the wrath of God. 

God makes us holy and saves others through our sufferings in His sovereignty. 

3-4) What will happen to us when Jesus’ glory is revealed? (13b)

13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

a) Perceiving the future glory of Christ

Our trials are ways for us to participate in the glory of Christ. 

We participate in the sufferings and glory of Christ 

The future glory is much more than what we can imagine. 

b) Overjoying the glory of Jesus  

To Overjoy the glory of Jesus in the suffering, we need to have real faith in Jesus.  

We should be able to see the future glory and to enjoy it presently.   

Because suffering of Christ is guarantee of future glory.

Therefore rejoice to participate in the sufferings of Christ.   

3-5) Why are we blessed when we are insulted for Christ’s sake? (14)

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

a) Rejoicing in the suffering. (13-14): 

Because suffering of Christ is guarantee of future glory.

Therefore rejoice to participate in the sufferings of Christ.   

4. Read verses 15-19. What suffering should be desirable for believers? (15,16a) What should we do when we suffer as a Christian? (16b) What will be the outcome of those who do not obey? (17,18) What then should those who suffer according to God’s will do? (19)

4-1) Read verses 15-19. 

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

4-2) What suffering should be desirable for believers? (15,16a) 

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

a) Suffering as criminals because of our sins 

We will suffer if we commit sins in the world. 

It could be as a murderer, a thief, any other kind of criminal, or a meddler. 

Not all suffering that Christians experience is suffering in the name of Jesus.

b) Suffering as believers (Christian) because of Jesus 

We will suffer if we live a godly life as believers. (2 Tim 3:12)

We should not be ashamed of this kind of suffering.  

Suffering because of Jesus is blessing. (v14)

Suffering because of Jesus is God’s will. (v19)

Because our suffering confirms that we bear the name of God (his people). 

Therefore, we should praise God for this kind of suffering.

4-3) What should we do when we suffer as a Christian? (16b)

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

a) Praise God. (v16)

When we suffer, it will be easy for us to be discouraged.

When we suffer, we should change our attention to God and praise Him. 

We praise God because God confirms that we bear the name of God.  

Suffering confirms that we are legitimate children of God. 

Suffering confirms that the future glory of Jesus is guaranteed to us. 

4-4) What will be the outcome of those who do not obey? (17,18)

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

a) God judges the family of God first in this world.

God uses suffering as a judgment to purify us. 

Suffering in this world is only for purification, not for eternal judgment. 

Just like fire purifies gold, God’s judgment for believers purifies us. 

For believers, the eternal judgment was settled once and for all at the cross. 

Jesus endured all the wrath of God, which believers could ever face. 

b) God will judge the ungodly and the sinners later for eternal judgment. 

God’s judgment for ungodly will punish them forever.

Because they reject the gospel of God. 

4-5) What then should those who suffer according to God’s will do? (19)

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

a) Commit ourselves to God (v19)

When we suffer, it will be easy for us to be fearful. 

We should remember that we are created being and God is the faithful Creator. 

Our lives depend on Creator God who will take care of our suffering for our best. 

Therefore we should fully entrust our lives to Him in the time of suffering.  

Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. (by Charles Stanley)

Committing our souls to God is the only thing we can do in this world.  

b) Continue to do good. (v19)

When we suffer, it will be easy for us to give up everything and just quit. 

Giving up to do good work is easy and it is Satan’s strategy. 

We are created to do good work (Eph 2:10) 

By doing good work, we live according to God’s plan not Satan’s. 

In Conclusion, we should rejoice when we are in suffering because it means that we are qualified to participate the suffering and glory of Jesus. We should continue to do good and commit ourselves to Him. May God strengthen us to have faith in Him rejoicing our suffering in this world.  

Rejoice to Participate in the Suffering of Christ

1 Peter 4:7-19
Key verse 4:13

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Today we continue our study in 1 Peter from verse seven of chapter four. Here, Peter continues to give instructions, warnings, and encouragement to the church.

Look at verse 7.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

This verse seems to stand alone. It is not clearly attached to the previous passage or to verse eight. Probably, Peter encourages us to pray at this point in the passage because we need to pray to be able to participate in Christ's sufferings.

Peter says, "The end of all things is near." These words provide us with perspective. If the end of all things is near, we should give serious thought to what we will do before the end comes. We need to remember this so that we will always have a sense of urgency. The end of all things is near, so how should I live my life? What should I do?

Peter answers, "Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." We should pray. The urgent thing for us to do before the end comes is to pray. Why pray? The passage doesn't go into detail on why we should pray when we remember that the end of all things is near; I think this is something each of us should think (and pray) about personally.

But there is one more thing we need to think about. Peter says, "therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." In order to pray, we need to be both clear minded and self-controlled. Let's think about these two things.

First, clear minded. The fact that prayer requires a clear mind tells us that prayer is something that we do with our minds. Some people think otherwise. Some people use drugs to factilate prayer. They feel closer to God when they are "high." Some people feel that they can pray better when they are filled with emotions to the point that they are no longer operating rationally. But Peter encourages us to be "clear minded" so that we can pray.

For many years, my set prayer times were either early in the morning (right after I woke up) or late at night (before bed). But my mind was usually NOT very clear at these times. They are good times to pray because they are quiet times, and Jesus set an example for us by rising early in the morning to pray. But for me, it was difficult to be clear minded at these times. I often ended up sleep-praying, which kind of felt good but I'm not sure how effective it really was. I often woke from sleep prayer with a sore neck and drool on my sleeves. I know that everyone is different, and some people are clear minded in the morning, while others are clear minded late at night. For me, I'm clear minded in the morning if I got enough sleep. So effective prayer, for me, means that I need to go to bed at a reasonable time if I can help it, which means I shouldn't stay up late doing things in my computer if I don't really need to, and most of the time I don't.

This is where the second part comes in: "be self-controlled." I need to be self-controlled in order to pray. This may mean going to bed. This may also mean getting up early. This also means choosing to pray rather than doing something else. Many times, especially when I'm tired, I'd rather play "Angry Birds" on my phone than pray.

Finally, I should mention that to be "clear minded and self-controlled" is necessary so that we do not become distracted with issues and thoughts that make it impossible to pray. If I am concerned about a project, it may be difficult to stop thinking about that project in order to pray.

Look at verses 8-9:
 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
 
 Here is another word from Peter: "Above all, love each other deeply..." This instruction is "above all," which is what the Apostle John also says. How should we love each other? Deeply. Deeply is the opposite of shallowly. So we should love each other authentically, sincerely, and from our hearts. These words are challenging. I can't think of anyone I know who I hate, but I can think of many people who I know well and yet I cannot say that I love them deeply.  I need to work on this "above all."
 
 Peter adds, "because love covers over a multitude of sins." This is an interesting statement. Certainly, this statement describes the love of God through Jesus Chrsit who gave his life for the sins of the world. This also reminds me that God loves me despite my multitude of sins. How should I love others? As God loves me. So even though someone has sinned against me a multitude of times, all those sins will be covered if I love that persons deeply.  
     
     Practically, we can practice this love by offering hospitality to one another without grumbling (vs. 9).
     
Look at verses 10-11:
  10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Each of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others. People usually use their God-given gifts for themseles. They use their intelligence, skills, education, time, energy, strength, money, etc., for themselves. In Christ, we should use what we have been given to serve others. This is what Jesus did. We should "faithfully" administer God's grace in its various forms. Thus, if we speak, and the ability to speak is also a gift from God, we should do it as one speaking the very words of God. Someone who speaks the word of God does not speak on his own behalf or to please himself, he speaks on God's behalf and to please God. If we serve, we should do it with the strength God provides, which means, at the least, that we sould serve whole-heartedly. In these ways, we will bring glory to God.

Now let's look at the remainder of the passage, in which Peter encoruages us to participate in the sufferings of Christ.

Look at verse 12:
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

Peter's first message is that we should not be surprised at the painful trial we are suffering. It is not something strange. It is to be expected. It is what Christians go through.

Look at verse 13:
13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Instead of being surprised, we hsould rejoice that we participate in the sufferings of Christ. When Jesus' glory is revealed, those who shared in his sufferings will also share in his glory.

Look at verse 14:  
  14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
  
  No one likes to be insulted, but if we are insulted because of the name of Christ, wea re blessed. We shouldn't feel bad aboout it; we should be glaod because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on us.

There are many places in the world where it is against the law to share the gospel with others. Beatings, prison, death, etc.

In America, we don't have to worry about that. You can go around anywhere and publicly proclaim your faith in Jesus and you will not be arrested.  

However, we do share in the sufferings of Christ. One of the great things about America is that it provides opportunities for people of any background to move up. But moving up takes a lot of effort.  There is a thing called "opportunity cost." It refers to the value of the alternative that we did not choose. When we are young, in particular, we have many opportunities, but what will we choose? We may "lose" out on opportunities the world offers because we are focused on serving God. But we should rejoice. This is one way that we share in the sufferings of Christ.
   
Look at verses 15-16:
     15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
     
     Peter is not saying that we should suffer for the sake of suffering,  and he is not saying that all suffering is good. Obviously, if we suffer from doing what is wrong, it's no good. However, if we suffer as a Christian, we should not be ashamed but praise God that we have that name.
     
     Look at verses 17-18:
       17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
   what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
   
   Again, Peter helps us to keep things in perspectie. Surely it is not easy to particiapte in Christs's sufferings, but if this is how things are for we Christians, how will it be for others? It may seem that others have it easier and Christains have it hard, but it will be very hard for those who do not obey the gospel of God at the judgment.
   
   What should we do, then? Look at verse 19:
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

As we suffer according to God's will, we should do two things. First, we should commit ourselves to our faithful Creator. My life is in God's hands and God is in charge. If I trust in God, I can endure troubles and sufferings with confidence that things will work out by God's grace for the glory of God and for my good. Second, I should continue to do good. I should not give up.

Looking at this passage as a whole, I see that I should pray so that I can be ready for Jesus' coming. I see that, above all, I should love others, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ. Finally, I see that I should not be surprised when I suffer as a Christian; I should be glad and rejoice. These are all big messages that I need to work on daily.

I thank God for this passage and pray that I may be able to put what I have been taught into practice each day.