Explore the Bible: April 27

Be Prepared • 1 Peter 4:12-19

By Arthur Story 

In this week’s passage from 1 Peter, we are given instruction on how we should live as followers of Christ. 1 Peter 4:12-19 directs us to live in three specific ways; to live ready for suffering, to live righteously, and to live with assurance.  

Be Ready (vs. 12-14)

The first instruction we see in our text is to be ready for suffering. None of us should be surprised when suffering comes to us as believers. Jesus suffered unjustly at the hands of wicked people and we should expect the same treatment as we follow Him and proclaim His message (2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:18, 1 John 3:13). Jesus spoke truth and those who received it did so with great joy, but those who didn’t receive it opposed Him and sought to destroy Him. We shouldn’t expect anything less. The truth from Scripture is confrontational; it reveals God’s standard and humanity’s sinfulness. As we communicate truth from Scripture to others, they will either receive the message and appreciate us, or they will reject the message and oppose us.

In our call to be ready for suffering, we are also provided instruction on how to respond to suffering. We are to rejoice when we suffer “for the name of Christ” (CSB v. 14). In our society, if you talk about God in general terms it is tolerated and at times even celebrated, but the name of Jesus changes all of this. Bring in the name of Jesus and opposition comes (Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:9, Luke 21:17). We need to remember that suffering now for the name of Jesus pales in comparison to eternity with Him (Acts 5:41).      

Be Righteous (vs. 15-16)

The second instruction we see in our text is to be righteous. When a Christian is suffering for doing evil it isn’t a positive witness for Christ. Suffering for evil is an act of justice and leaves no opportunity for complaining (Romans 13:1-5). In our text, Peter moves from the specific crimes of “murder” and “theft” to the more general term “evildoer” and then to “meddler” (CSB v. 14). Suffering for crimes is understandable, but suffering can also come for acts that aren’t deemed criminal by society. The “meddler” is one who needlessly busies themselves in the affairs of others. In the common vernacular,  the “meddler” is a busybody. As Christians, we are to live righteously (1 Thessalonians 4:7-11). We shouldn’t put ourselves in a position to suffer for criminal acts or for unrighteous living.

Peter continues his instruction on righteous suffering with direction on being ashamed. Suffering can cause us to feel ashamed. In the case of criminal actions or unrighteous behavior, we should be ashamed. We should also work to rectify these situations, whether that is time in prison or an honest heartfelt apology. However, when it comes to suffering for Jesus we should feel no shame. Instead, we should view suffering for following Jesus as a blessing and privilege (Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 4:14, Philippians 3:10, Romans 8:17).  

Be Assured (vs. 17-19)

The final instruction we see in our text is to be assured. During times of suffering we can become discouraged and even lose proper perspective. Our text reminds us that God is just and brings judgement on sin. As Christians, we aren’t exempt from judgement on sin. As previously stated, we can experience this in the form of legal actions like imprisonment because of unrighteous behavior or in the form of relational damages. What we must always remember is that because we are His children He chastens us out of love (Hebrews 12:5-6, Proverbs 3:11-12, Psalm 94:12, Job 5:17). God loves us so much that he will not let us continue in sin undisciplined.  God’s correction should lead us to righteous living, restore a right relationship with Him, and provide us with a right perspective on unjust suffering.  

The experience of judgement for the unredeemed person is entirely different from that of the Christian. The lost person may, or may not, experience the consequences of their sinfulness here and now, but Scripture is clear that they will face a final judgment for their sinfulness. This truth should stir our hearts and embolden our witness to the lost. Suffering for proclaiming the truth of salvation in Christ alone (Romans 5:8, John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5) is nothing (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) compared to the eternal suffering that awaits those without Him (Matthew 13:42, Mark 9:43-48). Understanding this truth empowers us to trust our lives to God as we willingly suffer for Jesus and fulfill God’s Will.

As you prepare for your time of group study with other believers this week, please spend time prayerfully seeking direction on how to apply these truths about being prepared for the opposition that will come as you faithfully live for Jesus.  

Story is a member of First Ridgeland Church, Ridgeland.