Peter Barnes | 1 Peter 4:12-19
SERMON NOTES
GODLY SUFFERING
1 Peter 4:12-19
Peter is not dealing with just punishment but persecution (4:15). Look at verses 12-19 via the verbs in the imperative mood.
1. We are not to be surprised at suffering.
– 4:12. It is ‘fiery trial’, not the NIV’s ‘painful trial’.
– John 15:18-20; 2 Tim.3:12; 1 John 3:13.
2. We are to rejoice in suffering.
– 4:13-14; Matt.5:10-12. Note Peter in Acts 5:41. Pastor Paul Schneider regarded 1 Peter 4:13 as one of his favourite texts.
– the Spirit of glory who is the Spirit of God rests upon the believer. Spurgeon: ‘I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the Rock of Ages.’
3. We are not to be ashamed but to glorify God.
– 4:15-16; see Luke 9:26.
– Joseph Grigg: Jesus, and shall it ever be,/ A mortal man, ashamed of Thee?/ Ashamed of Thee, whom angels praise,/ Whose glories shine through endless days? … Ashamed of Jesus! Yes , I may/ When I’ve no guilt to wash away;/ No tear to wipe, no good to crave,/ No fears to quell, no soul to save.
4. We are to entrust ourselves to God and do good.
– 4:19; see Dan.3:13-18.