Peter wrote this letter to the Gentiles that were spread throughout Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) as an encouragement to them in their time of suffering. The people were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus, and Peter’s letter is reminding them that their suffering is “pain with a purpose”.
Our perspective of suffering determines our response to it.
When suffering comes:
1. Don’t be surprised (4:12) – Just like a Rabbi/Talmid relationship, we are to look like
Christ. He suffered and sacrificed His life, and we will suffer for righteousness too.
2. Count it as a way of sharing in Christ’s suffering (1 Peter 4:12-13; Philippians 3:10;
Luke 6:22; Acts 7:55)
3. Make sure your suffering is for righteousness (3:17; 4:15) – Suffering for the gospel
gives glory to Jesus, not to you.
4. Remember, it’s not in vain. It has a purpose (1:3-9) – We have been born again in hope
that when testing comes, it is not in vain. Often, we can not see the “why” in the middle
of the trial, but we understand it on the other side of that trial.
Trust Him – He is a faithful Creator. He made you and He will never leave you. He will restore you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you! – 4:19; 5:10
Questions to Consider:
1. When was the last time you were persecuted for sharing/living the gospel?
2. How do you think you would respond if you lived in a place that was hostile to Christians?
3. Spend time praying for persecuted Christians around the world. You can use this
resource. As you pray, thank God for the blessing of living where you do and for the freedom you have. Ask Him to give you the boldness to speak out for the glory of Christ.
