Those in military service can be deployed by their government to serve in different areas. Some are assigned to easy duty in pleasant places. On the other hand, others are called upon to perform difficult tasks in unpleasant and remote places. It is not the prerogative of the soldier to select where he will serve or under what conditions he will serve. It is the soldier’s duty to perform well and honorably wherever he is deployed.
As Christians, we are called upon by God in this present age to serve, but we must remember: “We are not exempted from suffering unjustly in this fierce and decadent world. As we encounter suffering in this present age, we need to be very sure that we are suffering for righteousness sake and not because of some wrongdoing on our part! In this grand epistle, the Apostle Peter informs us how to respond to unjust persecution or suffering by directing our attention to the supreme example of Jesus Christ in I Peter 3:18. Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, bore the heavy consequences of our sins so that we would experience being reconciled to God. Jesus willingly suffered injustice and entrusted Himself to God’s will.
I Peter 4:7-19 may be outlined as follows: I. Some Exhortations as We Serve Him – I Peter 4:7-11; II. Some Exhortations as We Suffer for Him – I Peter 4:12-19.
I. Some Exhortations as We Serve Him – I Peter 4:7-11
Having mentioned God as Judge in verse 5, Peter focuses on “The end of all things,” thinking of the consummation. In view of the Lord’s imminent return, as believers, we should be sober (sound minded), and we need to watch (exercise self-control) and exercise prayer (v. 7). Socially, in verses 8-9, we need to display sacrificial love toward one another. By loving in earnest, Christians testify effectively to the world. Charity truly “covers the multitude of sins” because sacrificial love does not keep a scorecard of the faults of others!
One way of manifesting sacrificial love is by extending hospitality. We are to exhibit hospitality without grumbling, murmuring, or complaining. In Peter’s day, believers opened their homes to traveling Christian workers who needed shelter and food.
Since hospitality is a practical expression of love, how are we to exhibit hospitality in our present time? We express love by meeting others’ needs. As we minister, we need to be aware that God in His Sovereignty has endowed us with a gift or gifts for us in the body of Christ for His work and for the edification of the body of Christ (v. 10). “Good stewards” are to put their gifts to profitable use and are held accountable for doing so (Matthew 25:14-30).
In verse 11, Peter summarizes spiritual gifts under the categories of speaking gifts and serving gifts. Those who speak should be true to God’s word and those who serve should do so in God’s power. In all of our service, God should be glorified in what we do (Colossians 3:17).
Having observe “Some Exhortations as We Serve Him,” let us now observe “Some Exhortations as We Suffer for Him” – I Peter 4:12-19.
II. Some Exhortations as We Suffer for Him – I Peter 4:12-19
In verse 12, Peter alerted these believers about the coming of a more intense period of persecution. He instructs them to not be surprised at the intense trial they were to suffer! Such persecution should not take believers by surprise as though something strange is befalling them! As believers, we are called upon to suffer unjustly in a hostile world!
Rather than being surprised when persecution or suffering comes, we are to rejoice because through suffering we identify with Christ. Sharing in the suffering of Christ, we will also take part in His glory when He is revealed (v. 13). When we are insulted in the name of Christ, we should be considered blessed. We should deem it a privilege to suffer for Christ, and not view it as a penalty.
Through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we are identified with Christ and we will experience persecution or suffering (v. 14). In verse 15, Peter emphasized that persecution was not excuse for lawlessness. Physical violence was not to be compensated with murder; confiscation of property was not to be compensated by theft. Peter informs these believers that they were not to suffer as a murderer or thief, or any other kind of criminal, or even as a busybody (interfering in other people’s affairs).
In verse 16, there is no shame when we suffer as a believer bearing the name of Christ, thus glorifying God. In verses 17-18, as believers, we will experience disciplinary judgment by God to purify our lives in the family of God. If we experience disciplinary earthly judgment, those who reject the gospel will experience everlasting judgment. And if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, how shall the ungodly (unsaved) appear before God?
Finally, in verse 19, we should make sure that we are suffering according to God’s will, bearing the name of Christ. Just as Christ committed Himself to His Father who judges justly, we should commit to our faithful Creator and continue to do good. As we make out total committal to the Lord, we are depositing our total being for His preservation and safekeeping. In the midst of life’s vicissitudes of events, Jude informs us that God is able to keep us, for Jude 24,25 says: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever, Amen.
May God Bless!
