Title: Sharing and Rejoicing

Text: I Peter 4:12-14

FCF: We often struggle responding rightly to suffering.

Prop: Because all God’s children are united to Christ, we must not be astonished but rejoice at sharing in His Sufferings.

Scripture Intro:

[Slide 1] Turn in your bible to I Peter 4.

Last week Peter reminded his audience that the culmination of all things was near. This meant that they needed to respond in two specific ways. First, they must be self-controlled and sober-minded. Second, they must love, forgive, treat like family, and serve other believers.

This week serves as an expansion on the first point. What does it mean to be self-controlled and sober-minded?

We indicated last week that it meant not to panic and make rash choices attempting to preserve what you have in this life. This week Peter will expand on that and reconnect this teaching with the core of the letter; suffering for being a Christian.

It promises to be a rather challenging message for us in many ways.

I am in I Peter 4 and I’ll begin reading in verse 12. I am reading from the NET which you can follow in the pew bible on page 1367 or whatever version you have.

Transition:

The text for today could easily be smooshed together with the rest of the chapter. But I felt that the individual points in these 3 verses were profound enough to look at them in isolation from the rest of the chapter. Because of that decision – the sermon will be a bit shorter today. I said a bit – don’t get too excited! Let’s continue Peter’s letter.

I.) Suffering with Christ means we will rejoice when He returns, so we must not be astonished but rejoice at sharing in His sufferings. (12-13)

a. [Slide 2] 12 – Dear friends,

i. This is the term of endearment to his audience.

ii. The last time he addressed them this way, was in chapter 2 verse 11.

iii. Again, I cannot emphasize enough how pivotal verses 11 and 12 are of chapter 2 in understanding most of this letter.

iv. In that text, he urged his friends, who were foreigners and exiles both in what is now modern Turkey and in this world in general, to abstain from bodily lusts and to maintain good conduct toward non-Christians.

v. This time Peter uses this phrase to propel him toward the end of the letter.

vi. He begins by focusing on being self-controlled and sober minded in light of the culmination of all things being near.

vii. He will speak more specifically to that but before he does – he says…

viii. Dear friends…

ix. As if to say, I love you, but get ready cause here it comes.

b. [Slide 3] Do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you,

i. Using the same word he used before in verse 4 to express the sheer shock of non-Christians when they see these Christians not wanting to go back to sinning, Peter turns that shock on his audience.

ii. Don’t be shocked. They are astonished when you don’t want to live like them. You should not be shocked when they hate you for it.

iii. You should not be astonished when a trial by fire is occurring among you. What does that phrase mean?

iv. A trial by fire is a good translation of the term here used for burning. The idea is that like metal is tested and refined by fire, so also we as Christians are tested by suffering and difficulty.

v. Why should we not be astonished that this kind of suffering occurs?

c. [Slide 4] As though something strange were happening to you.

i. It is normal for God’s people to suffer. It is normal for God’s people to be tested by suffering.

ii. That is hard for us to square with. We have lived in relative peace for a couple hundred years.

iii. For a few generations now, especially in this country, there has been relatively no suffering.

iv. So, what do we do with a text like this?

1. [Slide 5] We could conclude that Peter is simply wrong.

a. That the church does not endure suffering as a means to test them.

b. That God is not in the habit of allowing his church to undergo hardship.

c. We could conclude with prosperity teaching that God’s true desire for his church is to have a wonderful life now. To be healthy, wealthy and wise. To have peace and harmony.

d. [Slide 6] However, to deny Peter would be also to deny Paul, James, John, Matthew, Mark, Luke, Jude and even Jesus Himself.

e. In order to conclude that the church does not endure suffering, you must say that Jesus lied, and intentionally led his apostles in that lie.

f. In short, to deny this teaching is to reject Christianity as a whole.

2. [Slide 7] We could conclude that Peter was writing to a specific audience in a specific situation.

a. Therefore, his message is primarily for those who are in similar situations.

b. Therefore, while WE have nothing to learn here, some cultures around the world would greatly benefit from Peter’s message.

c. [Slide 8] However, this also sets a dangerous precedent. When we begin to dismiss passages of scripture because we don’t perceive that they apply to us, we inadvertently flip the relationship God says we are to have with His Word.

d. We do not come to the text deciding what we need and what we don’t need.

e. Rather we come to the text as if it was a mirror to reveal to us what is true about God and ourselves.

f. Every single passage of scripture reveals something about God and something about ourselves.

g. Could we dismiss the origins discussion in Genesis 1-3 because science has given us the “fact” of evolution? Can we dismiss this as a text that was intended for primitive non-scientific people and only really applies to similar cultures?

h. Certainly not. And perhaps we need such a text more than we know.

3. [Slide 9] Perhaps we should instead assume that what Peter says is true and our experience is false.

a. How could Peter be right and my experience wrong?

b. I think a lot of times when we talk about suffering many envision rotting away in a prison somewhere or being beaten, or being burnt at the stake, or crucified.

c. But Peter isn’t talking to people who have experienced any of these.

d. Although we won’t get to it for a moment, he is actually going to include in this “fiery trial” insults. Being insulted for the name of Christ.

e. That is exactly what was happening in this very context.

f. I am so glad I Peter was written because it makes it clear that suffering for Christ is not limited to martyrdom or close to it.

g. That we can, indeed, suffer for Christ simply by being insulted.

h. But perhaps you still protest and say – but I’ve never even suffered in this way! Certainly, we don’t need what Peter is writing to us.

i. My friends, for what was Peter’s audience suffering insults? Why were they suffering so much?

j. It is because they stopped sinning. They refused to look like the world. And the world hated them for it.

k. If it is indeed true that you have never even been insulted for Christ – You at least have to ask yourself, “Is it because I look too much like the world?”

v. [Slide 10] I conclude then, that Peter is right.

vi. It is normal for God’s people to be tested by suffering.

vii. And for we who do not experience great persecution and suffering at this time – perhaps we need this text now more than ever.

viii. Why?

ix. Because he says not to be astonished at this.

x. I genuinely think that we will probably be quite astonished when suffering begins to be more severe and widespread. Indeed, I constantly hear Christians say things like “I can’t believe the world we are living in” I mean… I’ve said these things.

xi. In fact, the fact that some conclude that this text does not apply to us is the very reason that Peter must write it. Not only to convince them that suffering as a way of testing is normal, but also to prevent them from what?

xii. What is Peter’s command?

xiii. Do not be astonished. You ought to expect it.

xiv. Want it? No.

xv. Pursue it? Of course not.

xvi. But expect it? You bet.

xvii. So, if we are not to be surprised by suffering… what ought we to do instead?

d. [Slide 11] 13 – But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ

i. At first, we read these words and are quite perplexed.

ii. Rejoice in suffering? Am I supposed to love suffering?

iii. Does Jesus want me to be a masochist?

iv. But look again.

v. Rejoice in what?

vi. Rejoice in the degree in which you shared in the sufferings of Christ.

vii. In other words, our rejoicing is not in the suffering but in being able to identify, to an even greater degree, with Christ.

viii. To what end? Why is it good and worthy of rejoicing to be identified with Christ?

e. [Slide 12] So that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad.

i. Because the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared to the glory which is to come.

ii. Those who share in the sufferings of Christ will have every tear wiped from their eyes one day and they will never again cry tears of sadness or pain.

iii. My friends, the sufferings in this life are the last we’ll ever have.

f. [Slide 13] Passage Truth: So, Peter reminds his audience of two truths in this short text. The first is that the future kingdom is coming. That it will reveal glory, a glory so great it will wipe away any pain we may have here. It will be a glory so great that we will rejoice and be glad, forever. But the path to rejoicing in Christ’s glory is first following Him in His sufferings.

g. [Slide 14] Passage Application: In response to that, his audience must not be astonished when they suffer, but rather rejoice in that they share in the sufferings of Christ. And thus walk the path to that future glory.

h. [Slide 15] Broader Biblical Truth: Zooming out from the text we find that this truth has been taught since the garden. A promise given for hope to return to Eden. A family created that will be brought back together with their Father, the Lord. A nation that will be the seat of all power forever. A king that will reign forever. A church that will prevail against the gates of hell. The glory of Christ, is a gift for His people. But along the way, suffering. The path to God’s promises includes rejection, insults, and even physical harm.

i. [Slide 16] Broader Biblical Application: So CBC, we must not be surprised when we face sufferings for the sake of Christ. I think we would be surprised right now. We’d be quite taken aback by suffering in our culture for Christ. So Peter’s message is especially relevant to us. Expect to suffer for being of Christ. Our culture, which has largely been shaped by Judeo-Christian influence, is quickly and sharply rejecting that influence. The values of hell are quickly encroaching on the values of our nation because although built on Judeo-Christian moral influence, most have rejected the Word of God. Which is the basis for that influence. We ought then to expect suffering for Christ. We ought not be astonished when it happens. But we ought not either be saddened or gravely frightened. Instead, we ought to rejoice. Not that we suffer. For suffering is undesirable. Not that we are persecuted, for God tells us we ought not be persecuted. God reveals a kingdom peace and hope. No, we rejoice because in a small degree, we suffer like Christ suffered. We share in those sufferings. He told us that the world hated him and so they also will hate His Kingdom citizens. So, we ought to rejoice when this happens, for it fulfills the word of Christ and also identifies us closer with our Savior. We walk the path our Savior has walked before us. We are on the right road. And that road, though now marked with suffering, leads to life eternal.

Transition:

[Slide 17 (blank)] The fact that sharing Christ’s suffering is the path to rejoicing in future glory propels God’s true people to not be astonished that we would suffer. Rather we must rejoice, knowing that we walk the path of Christ. But what other motivation could there be to rejoice in suffering?

II.) Suffering for Christ’s sake is a characteristic of one united to Christ, so we must not be astonished but rejoice at sharing in His sufferings. (14)

a. [Slide 18] 14 – If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed,

i. Although I said this before, I say it again, I find it so encouraging that the book of I Peter was written.

ii. If for no other reason that it includes insults in suffering for Christ.

iii. Truly I have never personally suffered prison, physical harm, or anguish over my faith in Christ.

iv. But I have been insulted. I have been insulted on a personal level and on an institutional level.

v. For obeying my Lord, for refusing to sin like all the rest, for keeping my testimony pure, for believing that every single man woman and child is born desperately wicked, for holding to a salvation devoid of human effort, for upholding scriptural values on sexuality and parenthood, I have been called a great many derogatory things.

vi. And on a grander scale, several of Hollywood’s elite, Academia’s experts, philosophical think tankers, and psychological geniuses have personally and intentionally assaulted my Lord and His word and any who would believe it.

vii. My friends, if we are insulted for the name of Christ – we are blessed.

viii. Peter has said this in several ways now.

1. 2:21 – if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor (grace) with God.

2. 3:13 – IF you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed (favored or graced).

3. And now in 4:14 – if you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed (favored or graced).

ix. Peter is convinced and he wants his audience to be convinced… that to suffer for Christ, for doing good, means that God’s grace is on you.

x. And you can trace it through scripture if you want. But whenever God’s grace comes to us, it seems like His Spirit right there with it. Applying that grace to us.

xi. And look what comes next. Why are we blessed?

b. [Slide 19] Because the Spirit of glory, who is the Spirit of God, rests on you

i. God’s spirit rests on us.

ii. Now we ought not read too much into Peter’s wording. Some may be thinking, hey, doesn’t the Spirit indwell God’s people? Here Peter says it rests on us.

iii. Because as some of your bibles may indicate– this is another quote from the Old Testament.

iv. I say another because we should to be quite used to Peter quoting from the Old Testament.

v. Here it is a reference to Isaiah 11. And I would like us to turn there together, but I am also going to put the words on the screen because Peter quoting this passage and using it the way he does is quite astounding and I don’t want you to miss it.

vi. [Slide 20-24] READ ISAIAH 11: 1-9

vii. There are three basic concepts that make Peter’s quote here astounding.

1. [Slide 25] First, this quote is clearly about Jesus.

a. The shoot and root from Jesse is a prophetic reference to Jesus. An offspring or descendant of Jesse, father of David.

b. Israel was a tree cut down to the stump. God’s judgement had chopped them to nothing. But one day a shoot will spring from the stump.

c. Even Jews of the 1st century would have recognized this as a prophesy about the Messiah of God.

d. The Old Testament predicts His absolute love, fear, and obedience to God.

e. The Old Testament predicts His ability to see the heart of people and not judge by outward appearance.

f. The Old Testament predicts his judgment which Peter has referenced in this very chapter. His judgment of the living and the dead.

2. [Slide 26] Second, this quote is clearly about the New Kingdom, the Millennial Kingdom, or both.

a. Since Isaiah puts this in judgment language, we know that although this is about Christ, it is also not quite yet.

b. Peter has said that the culmination of all things is near… and included in that culmination would be the judgment of the living and the dead by Christ.

c. Also included in Isaiah is the punishment of the wicked and the vindication of the righteous. Something Peter has also referenced in this chapter.

d. And the remainder of the passage in Isaiah makes it clear that this is talking about the New Kingdom, the Millennial Kingdom or both.

e. It isn’t really a good time for us to venture off into a discussion of which it may be or not be or whether or not there is a millennial Kingdom.

f. But covering all the bases we can clearly see that this is an economy of existence to which we are not accustomed. Where all life lives in peace.

3. [Slide 27] Finally, and most shocking, this quote is applied to Christians who suffer for Christ’s sake.

a. He says that to suffer insult for the name of Christ, is to be blessed. Why? Because the spirit of God rests on you… just like it rests on the Messiah.

b. My friends, the fullness and richness of the gospel is not adequately conveyed when we say – Jesus died for our sins so we could escape hell and be with him in heaven.

c. Is this true? Of course. But if this is still your raw understanding of the gospel – you must move beyond this.

d. Christ died to unify you to Himself. You have been baptized into Him. Your water baptism is only a sign sealing this truth. Like a wedding band placed on the finger of a bride, it is not the ring itself which marries her to her husband – but it is certainly a sign and seal of that covenant. So also, our water baptism is a sign and seal of our baptism into Christ.

e. Just a quick plug here – if you are a believer but have not been baptized after conversion, you MUST do this. First it is commanded. Second it is one of only two sacraments that Christ Himself has given us to perform on the church. It is a holy sign sealing the truth of your baptism into Him. Into His death and raised into His resurrection.

f. Ok so back from that Rabbit trail – In our unification to Christ as His people… that means that like a bride inherits a share of all the husband had. Like an adopted child who inherits the name, honor, and wealth of the family they have been adopted into. All that He has is ours. We will be made to be like Him. That is not simply sinlessness. We will reign with Him. As His queen. As His brother.

g. My friends… This is huge.

viii. To suffer for His name’s sake verifies that we are His people. That we have been sealed by the Spirit of God. The down payment of a glorious inheritance that is Christ’s and because it is His, it is now ours.

c. [Slide 28] Passage Truth: The second truth Peter reminds his audience is not only that to share in the sufferings of Christ is to rejoice when His glory is revealed. But to be insulted for His sake is a great assurance that the same Spirit that rests on Christ, rest on us also.

d. [Slide 29] Passage Application: In response, His audience must not be astonished when they suffer for His name. Rather they should rejoice!

e. [Slide 30] Broader Biblical Truth: Zooming out from this text, the subject of the assurance of a believer is a great teaching which served as a primary emphasis during the reformation? To what does a believer look to for assurance that they are of God’s true people and that they will be inheritors of this Kingdom when it comes? How do we know that the Spirit of God is in us? This served as the primary topic of conversation when we studied through I John together. And flowing from the pages of the New Testament, generally speaking, a true believer is being progressively conformed to the image of Christ. In keeping with that thought, Peter reminds us that to suffer for obeying Christ is, quite frankly, a step that fake Christians will never take. Indeed, in one of Christ’s Kingdom parables, 1 of the soils in which the seed of the word of God is planted is the rocky soil. The seed sprouts quickly but when the heat of persecution arises – it is scorched. I fear that when persecution arises here, we will see many scorched plants leave our churches, never to return.

f. [Slide 31] Broader Biblical Application: So for us CBC, we must not be astonished when, not if, but when this happens. We ought to expect suffering for the name of Christ. It is part of the normal experience of Christianity. However, because suffering for Christ proves we are His people and proves that we have the same Spirit rest on us that rests on Christ; that we are united to Christ. We must rejoice when we suffer for His name. Not for the suffering. But for the assurance we gain from it.

Conclusion:

[Slide 23] The two truths that Peter gives us are:

1.) That sharing in Christ’s suffering is the path to rejoicing in His future glory.

2.) That suffering for His name means we are united to Christ because the Spirit that rests on Him, also rests on us.

If we were to boil down these two truths into one it would be:

- Sharing in the sufferings of Christ means we will also share in the glory of Christ.

Or perhaps we could reduce this even further.

- Being united to Christ means we share in all that Christ has.

With that truth, CBC, how shall we view suffering for His name?

If we are united to Christ, in that all that He has we will share in – should we be shocked that we will suffer ridicule, insult, derision, physical harm, and even death for following Him?

How do we turn this negative command into a positive?

Expect to suffer for His name.

This brings two powerful thoughts to my mind.

- First, we ought not assume that just because we live in a time and place of relative religious peace, that such a time will continue forever. Indeed, the church has already lost too much ideological ground to our culture to expect us to remain in peaceful relations for much longer.

- Second, If we are to live before men, showing our good works, and it is our good works that draws out the ire of the world, then at some point, if you have experienced no insult or slight in your Christian walk, then perhaps you must ask and seek out if your walk is Christian at all.

But not only should we expect suffering for Christ – we should rejoice in it.

Why should we rejoice? Not because we like to suffer. Not because we want to be persecuted.

Rather, suffering as Christ did identifies us closer to Him, assures us of our unity with Him, and encourages us to look to His future revelation in glory.

Suffering drives out our preoccupation and love for this world.

Suffering deepens our love for other believers.

Suffering intensifies our longing for the New Kingdom, peace, Justice, and GOD’S WAY.

In short, suffering for Christ has far more benefits for a believer than draw backs.

And with God being absolutely sovereign over all – we can know without doubt that if we experience suffering for the name of Christ – it isn’t because God was powerless to stop the sin of someone else against us. Rather, it is because God has sovereignly placed this suffering upon us for our good and His glory.

This too allows us to rejoice in suffering for His name, knowing that we are in the will of God. In what better place could we be?