Tested and Tried (1 Peter 4:12-19)
Big Idea: Christians should expect suffering for their faith and respond by trusting God and continuing to do good.
A few months ago, a young man named Hasan became a Christian after an evangelist in a nearby city shared the gospel with him. In North Africa, Hasan was aware of the risks but returned home to inform his family of his decision to become a Christian. His father, an emir, ordered him to renounce his faith before a council of village elders, but Hasan refused. And the father, in keeping with Islamic law for apostasy, had his 15-year-old son publicly beheaded.
On April 27, a district court in Punjab sentenced Pakistani Christian Ayoob Masih to death for blasphemy against the prophet Mohammed. Ayoob, 31, was sentenced to death by hanging under section 295-c of the Pakistan Penal Code, which mandates the death penalty. In addition to the death sentence, Ayoob was ordered to pay the state a fine of 100,000 rupees ($2,500).
Worldwide, an estimated two hundred million Christians in countries like Algeria, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, and Sri Lanka face imprisonment, persecution, or death for their faith. Last year, 160,000 Christians were martyred. In more than 60 countries around the world, Christians are being tortured, murdered, and even crucified because of their faith.
I don't know of any recent martyrs in Canada. However, a Christian liberal arts university in British Columbia recently applied to the B.C. College of Teachers to offer the fifth year of teacher training necessary to be a certified teacher in that province. Their request was approved but later reversed because it was believed that "Trinity Western's Community Standards discriminate against homosexuals," which could bias graduates against them. The British Columbia Supreme Court deemed the argument "inherently flawed," noting there is strong evidence that graduates do not have a bias against homosexuals. The case, however, has been appealed, and a decision is not expected until October. The problem? The Christian university welcomes all students but requires them to follow Christian principles, including abstaining from premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual behavior during their time at Trinity Western.
Why are believers, who usually lead peaceful lives, targeted and subjected to hardship, torture, or even death in some parts of the world? While I'm not a prophet, I believe that being a Christian in Canada will become more expensive in the future.
Four Instructions
In today's passage, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter shares four important instructions, with the first being particularly relevant for us in Canada. If you've been here on previous weeks, you know that Peter is writing to a group of churches in the area now known as Turkey. The theme of Peter's writing is really how to live as a Christian in a hostile world. Peter may be writing this section for a group that is already facing persecution. Peter's recipients were soon to face persecution and even death.
As Peter focuses on this more intense form of suffering, he instructs us on how to react.
And the first thing he says is:
Expect suffering.
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)
It's interesting that our first response to bad news is often surprise: "I can't believe this is happening!" We've bought into the idea that we should always be happy, comfortable, and successful. But this isn't so! The Word of God brings us crashing down into reality and tells us, "There's nothing strange about fiery trials. In fact, expect them."
Charles Swindoll says:
If…we view life as a schoolroom and God as the instructor, it should come as no surprise when we encounter pop quizzes and periodic examinations… Maturity in the Christian life… is measured by our ability to withstand the tests that come our way without having them shake our foundation or throw us into an emotional tailspin.
A lot of Christians have an ejection-seat mentality. When faced with trouble, they want to escape quickly, hoping to leave everything behind. The Bible is clear that if you are a believer, you are to expect suffering for Christ's sake as part of your life.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:29)
Throughout history and to this present day, Christians have suffered at the hands of the unbelieving world. A dedicated Christian who follows Jesus’ example will likely face similar challenges and suffering. Jesus said:
Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. (John 15:20)
It's important to realize here that we aren't talking about normal human trials that are just part of life. We're not talking about lost keys and flat tires and sore backs. We're talking about suffering as a result of our commitment to live like Jesus Christ. Peter advises to expect it! It will come!
Part of our problem, I believe, is that we've grown accustomed to a Christianity that costs us nothing. Hasan knew the risks of telling his family about his new faith when he became a believer. Christians should expect to face shame and loss of status due to their faith. Whether we think of believers in mainland China, some Muslim countries, or in Canada, persecution is a theme woven tightly in the fabric of the Christian story. When it does occur, we shouldn't be surprised.
Expect suffering. Here's instruction two:
Rejoice in suffering.
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:13-14)
Christians should rejoice in their trials because they are sharing in Christ's sufferings. In Colossians 1:24, Paul explains that his sufferings complete Christ's sufferings. This doesn't mean we need to add to what Jesus endured, but rather that we are called to endure pain and stand firm against the world. And here Peter shares a similar thought.
Rejoice when you are suffering, because when you suffer, you are being joined with Christ. Losing status and being persecuted puts you right into the company of Jesus. Jesus went before us, suffering like us, and has left us an example to follow. When we suffer, we are reassured that Jesus is interceding for us as a compassionate high priest who understands our pain. So Peter says to rejoice. You're in the thick of what he experienced. You're living and suffering just as Jesus did.
In fact, Peter mentions two benefits of participating in the suffering of Christ. He says in verse 13 that if we suffer, we'll be able to look forward even more to the revelation of Christ's glory.
But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:13)
When Jesus returns, what we find unjust and challenging now will transform into a joyful celebration. Christ's glory will be revealed, God will vindicate his people, and we will be ushered into pure joy, peace, and love. As the old spiritual says, "There's a better day a-coming; fare thee well, fare thee well." As somebody else has said, "God will have the last word; we dare to wait for that."
What would lead a father to behead his son for not believing in Christ's glory and the value of the future over the present?
Another benefit is that we experience the extra help of the Spirit when we suffer.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:14)
Peter gives us an example of suffering: being insulted for the name of Christ. While not as extreme as physical injury, it is still a powerful tool for Satan. When these words were written, the concept of honor and shame was much more important. Today, many of us feel intimidated by criticisms and insults that can come from our faith, even if it results in a loss of status.
In times of anxiety or when our faith is insulted, we receive the Spirit's support, helping us continue doing good and glorifying God. Suffering for Christ allows us to experience the Holy Spirit's presence, bringing blessings, strength, and a glimpse of heavenly glory. If you read the story of Stephen's martyrdom in Acts 7, that's exactly what happened to him.
Remember that you are never closer, never more a recipient of his strength, than when trials come upon you. The highest privilege in the world is to suffer for the sake of Christ. When we feel shame for Jesus, we should remember that we are sharing in Christ's suffering, that God is preparing a brighter future for us, and that the Spirit is strengthening us during this time. This helps us to endure our suffering with joy.
Peter's first instruction was to expect suffering; his second instruction was to rejoice in suffering. Here's the third instruction:
Examine your life.
Peter essentially says, "First, ask yourself why you are suffering."
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:15-16)
Not all suffering is the result of good Christian conduct. Some Christians are superb at doing dumb things and then spiritualizing them to get glory out of them. It's obvious, the text states, that if you engage in illegal activities, there will be legal consequences. The last word in verse 15 is interesting: it is translated "meddler" or "busybody." It's an uncommon word, meaning someone who gets involved in the affairs of another. This brings to mind the law that says, "He who sticketh his nose in somebody's business findeth a fist at the end of it."
When we suffer due to our own sinful actions, it's not for God's glory; it's just a consequence of our mistakes. As believers, we are under scrutiny, so we must avoid actions that discredit God. Billy Graham said once, "I would rather be struck down dead than to discredit God."
Peter reminds us that Christians aren't exempt from suffering – and many times the suffering is necessary.
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (1 Peter 4:17-18)
The word for judgment here doesn't mean condemnation, but rather an evaluation. God is sending the refining fire of judgment to judge us within the church, and it's going to move outward later to those outside the church. We aren't exempt from suffering, and our sufferings are part of God's evaluation of us. It will leave no one untouched. But God guarantees that we will be judged.
Stuart Briscoe states that if the family of God fails to fulfill its role, God will not tolerate it, a claim that is supported by church history. In the Middle East, the birthplace of Christianity, offers many beautiful ruins, but few churches. The center of the church then moved to North Africa; go there today and you'll find few churches, but many Muslims. Western Europe is a key destination known for its beautiful cathedrals filled with emptiness and tourists. From Europe the momentum moved to North America, and there are those who believe that already the momentum has moved from North America.
Why? Because Christ has shown that if his own people will not accept responsibility and face up to accountability, if they think they are exempt from all difficulty, they are not living in reality. We are not sacrosanct, and the harsh reality is that judgment may come sooner than we think.
We need to be purged and refined, so examine yourselves. Here's the fourth instruction:
Commit yourself.
When suffering for Christ, commit yourself.
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)
The word "commit" could better be "entrust." It's a banking term that means to deposit something valuable for safekeeping. When it comes to trials, we can deposit ourselves into God's safekeeping, knowing that we're completely safe with him.
I don't know what kept Hasan, a baby Christian, so committed that he was willing to be killed by his father for his faith. I don't know why Ayoob Masih refused to renounce his faith, choosing instead to be hanged. Or maybe I do. Maybe it was because they had entrusted themselves to their faithful Creator and continued to do good.
With 200 million Christians worldwide facing imprisonment, persecution, or death for their beliefs, what does this say about us? Why don't we expect suffering? Why are we surprised when it comes? And why are we ashamed to stand up for Jesus Christ, even if it means that we'll be insulted or shamed? We do a great disservice to Hasan, Ayoob, and the 160,000 believers who were martyred last year alone.
Let's pray.
Father, we pray for believers who this morning are imprisoned and persecuted because of their faith. There are literally millions this morning who are suffering as a result of their faith. We pray for those who are this morning on death row, whose only crime is that they follow Christ. I pray you grant them boldness and courage in their beliefs, trusting you regardless of the outcomes.
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 13:3)
Father: thank you for the religious freedom you have given us in this country. Help us not to take it for granted. Give us the courage to stay faithful, even if it means losing status or facing insults. We're convicted when we remember that judgment begins with us, and if we don't make the grade, you just might refine us some more. Lord, make us worthy to be counted among Hasan and Ayoob, who trusted you to the point of death, I pray. Amen.
