Suffer for the Right Reasons

1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Peter made it clear in the previous verses that we should not find it strange when fiery trials come. However, he also clarifies in today's verses that the fiery trials he speaks of are those that come as a result of living for Jesus. In other words, there are times when we suffer trials, but those trials come as a result of rebellious decisions on our part. They come as a result of choosing to be friends with the world, and not following the Lord. They come from our choices to sin, even when God's Word warns of the consequences. Peter makes it plain and clear that the type of suffering that is endured for the glory of God is suffering that comes when we refuse to compromise our faith, and refuse to agree with the world and its ways. Suffering that glorifies Jesus comes when we do what is right, even though we know it will bring criticism, rejection, and persecution. If suffering comes because we have a lousy, mean-spirited, attitude when dealing with others, that is on us and it does not glorify God in any way. However, if trials come because we speak the truth in love and live out that truth in humility; Peter tells us to endure, not be ashamed, and know we are blessed because it is evidence that God's Spirit rests upon us. People will blaspheme Him as they persecute us, but by enduring, with joy, we glorify Him. If we are going to suffer in this world, let it be for the Name and cause of Christ; because the real glory of enduring will be soon revealed when He returns, and those who persecute us pay the ultimate price. Bottom line? Suffer for the right reasons...God's reasons!

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Obediently and Faithfully Endure

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Do we find it odd, or strange, that we suffer when we do what is right? Do we behave as if we are immune from suffering, when trials come; especially when we are doing our best to live for the Lord? If so...why? Did not Jesus warn His disciples, and us, that persecutions and tribulations were coming? Are we not warned in God's Word that times will grow worse as His return draws closer? Why then do we behave as if this is something new we are hearing or experiencing? Rather than worry and complain, or falsely accuse God of not caring; rather than acting as if somehow any one of us is exempt from suffering, why not be glad with exceeding joy when trials come as a result of being faithful to God? It certainly is not a natural reaction for any of us; that is truly understood. However, we have the ability, by the strength of the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, to overcome our feelings and overcome the lies of the devils. We can have exceeding joy in the midst of trying times. Let us not forget that Jesus overcame the world and all its circumstances. Therefore, in Him, we too have overcome. We can certainly rejoice in that now, but imagine how much more we will rejoice at His appearance! That alone should put us in the mindset of victory knowing that regardless of what He allows, at the end of this path we walk with Him, there is great heavenly reward for those of us who obediently and faithfully endure.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Self-serving or God Honoring

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

For those of us who are using our gifts, talents, and abilities to serve, why are we serving? What is our purpose? What is our aim? As I ask this question, I think of John the Baptist who was persecuted for preaching a message of truth that was contrary to that of the religious leaders of his day. However, even in the midst of the persecution he continued to faithfully proclaim God's message. Today, proclaiming the Gospel and truths found in God's Word will bring persecution, because God's truth flies in the face of what the world says is right and acceptable. Sadly, many have taken God's truth and twisted it in order to avoid offending the world, and are using it for their own self-serving purposes. Many speak the Word of God for their own popularity and personal gain. They claim to have a heart for people and claim that what they do is ministry for the sake of others, but in actuality they are wolves in sheep's clothing. There are some of us who may not be as blatant as some of those who claim to be ministers of God, but we are using the gifts that God has given us, not for God's glory, but for our own glory. Peter made it clear that when we speak we are to speak God's truth; not man's words or our opinions that are based on our wisdom. When we serve, we ought to serve with a heart to glorify Jesus so that when people look at us they see more of Jesus and less of us. John the Baptist's attitude remained the same, no matter what the occasion. When Jesus came on the scene, John directed the disciple that followed him to follow Jesus instead. Even when he faced persecution, John held on to the attitude that Jesus must increase and he (John) must decrease. Jesus warned that if we seek a pat on the back from men, then that will be the extent of our reward. The bottom line is that we will either be self-serving, or we will choose to do what is right and be servants who are God honoring. Which one are we?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Seat Warmers or Servants

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

What are we doing with the talents and abilities God has given us? When we think of what it means to be good stewards, our thinking goes right to the material things God has blessed us with. However, what we will give account for is not just the material things God has allowed us to have, but the talents and abilities He has given us. Our talents and abilities were not given so we could glorify ourselves. They were given to us for God's glory. We were not given eternal life so that we can be professional seat warmers in church. We were saved and separated unto the Lord so that we can serve Him and serve each other. We all have some talent or ability that can be used to encourage and edify others. Some of us have been given the ability to speak. That means we can preach, teach, or be a person who encourages others using God's Word; not for our own glory and boasting, but the Lord's glory. Some of us have talents and resources God has given us that can be used for encouraging, edifying, helping, and blessing others in the local church. Sadly, many of us would rather use those talents and abilities to make money in the world, serve the world, and gain wealth for ourselves. Instead, we gather, as the church, to be served and fed, but then complain when we feel that OUR needs are not being met. Each of us has the ability to be a blessing, and do something that will glorify the Lord and help others who are going through trying times. In a world that is selfish, self-centered, and concerned with "me, myself, and I", we as the church need to stand apart and be servants; servants of God who are ready to serve one another, every moment of every day. God did not create us to be seat warmers. He created us to serve Him by serving others, and the day is soon coming when we will give account for how we served.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

That Is True Love

1 Peter 4:8-9 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

Outside of the presence of the Lord in our lives, the greatest comfort we have in the midst of troubling times is the love and encouragement of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus put great emphasis on love; our love for God and our love for one another. It is during times of tribulation that our love should shine brightly. When the world and the devils launch their attacks, that is when we are to put love into action more than ever. That is when we are to strive to have unity, exercise forgiveness, and work toward restoring those who stumble and fall away; especially those who get caught up in the web of lies that are put before our eyes every day. One aspect of loving each other is being hospitable toward one another. It is amazing what God can accomplish, in our midst, when we open up the doors of our homes to welcome a hurting brother or sister in Christ. Our homes can be a refuge, in times of trouble, when we allow Jesus to use us and what He has provided to be a blessing to others. The bottom line is that love can be one of our greatest weapons against the evil that seeks to destroy us. Our love for God can shine brightly in this dark world, when we love each other as God commanded. When troubling times arise, rather than focus on our own suffering, let us look outwardly to the suffering of others, and ask God to help us be a blessing and comfort to someone else. If we cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us; we can then come alongside others and help them carry their burdens. (1 Peter 5:7; Galatians 6:1-2) That, my dear brothers and sisters, is true love.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Joyfully Anticipating

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

The hope we have in the return of our Lord should give us the strength to endure whatever suffering God allows. When we see what is happening in the world today, rather than throw us into a panic, it should encourage us to live righteously, knowing that Jesus will return soon to take us up to be with Him. There is much that is being put before our eyes to provoke fear and panic. In the midst of that fear we will be tempted to make decisions that do not line up with God's Word, or His plan for our lives. Rather than focus on the news, let us focus on the Word. Rather than make decisions in our own wisdom, based on fearmongering, let us turn to God in serious, fervent prayer, asking for His wisdom. This is not a time to be crippled by fear, or a time to have a "whoa is me" attitude while in the midst of persecution and suffering. Instead, this is a time to have hope, knowing that the time is growing very short for those who are corrupt, who are wicked, and who are persecuting God's people, to be judged and punished. This is a time to bow in prayer, lifting our hands in praise, and keeping our eyes on the Lord; while joyfully anticipating His promised return. When it is all said and done, our hope is not in this world or the things of this world, but in our Living Hope, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

A Message Worth Living and Dying For

1 Peter 4:5-6 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The Gospel message has not changed, and its purpose has not changed. It is the same message that we heard, that may be presented differently by different followers of Jesus, but ultimately accomplishes the same thing. It is the life changing message that brings the dead to life, and we have been made stewards of that message. What are we doing with it? It is a message that brings life, death, change, and even persecution. It is life (life eternal and life to the fullest) for those of us who believe. It is eternal death for those who reject it. It is a change of heavenly worth for us who accept it, and live it. However, it will also bring persecution. Men will judge us, mock us, and even put us to death, but it is the message that enables us to live for God; for when we accept, and truly call upon Jesus, we are indwelt, sealed, and empowered to live for the Lord. I don't know about you, but I'd say that is a message worth living and dying for.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).