Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome the Kingdom Perspective.

Do you know that God saves us through suffering, not apart from it?

Peter reminds us to not be surprised by the “fiery ordeal” that comes upon us for our “testing.” In the context the “fiery testing” speaks of precious metal in the furnace. The heat purifies the gold by separating out the dross. So, it is with our faith. God uses the sufferings of this present life (the heat of trouble), in order to purify our faith. It is this purity of faith that leads to the fullness of our salvation—the “praise and glory and honor” we will share with Jesus Christ at his second coming (1 Peter 1:7)—a glory so amazing, that even a glimpse in the here and now makes us “rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). But this glorious joy comes only through the furnace of suffering; He saves us not apart from suffering, but through it.

Jesus presses the same truth on his disciples in the Upper Room discourse: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Remember, Jesus says this the night before his own crucifixion. His own crucifixion! A suffering so unimaginable that those closest to him could not see it coming. But it did come, and Christ suffered to take away our sin (1 Peter 3:18). And so, God saved us, not apart from suffering, but rather through the suffering of his only begotten Son.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

~ 1 Peter 3:13-17 (ESV)