Bible Text: 1 Peter 4:11-19 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: 1 Peter, Strange Bedfellows

In 1 Peter 4:15-19 teaches that through suffering, even persecution, God purifies His people. If this is the case for believers, what awaits unbelievers who should take note and respond accordingly to the gospel. If God allows His people go through this kind of purification, what awaits the unbeliever! God’s judgment upon the family of God, the Church is an indication of the judgment that awaits unbelievers.

“The most comforting of David’s psalms were squeezed from his life by suffering, and if Paul had not been given ‘a thorn in the flesh’ (2 Cor. 12:7 KJV), we would have missed much of the heartbeat of tenderness that resonates through so many of his letters.” (L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert)

Peter cautions believers going through trials to ask two questions:

-Have I brought this suffering on myself through my own actions or by responding inappropriately to my circumstances (by things such as physical violence, theft, criminal acts, or even by being a busybody)?

-Am I ashamed of Christ? That is do I bear His name proudly, unashamedly? Do I live in a worthy manner, living in such a way as to not bring shame on the name of Jesus Christ?

“Notice God’s unutterable waste of saints, according to the judgment of the world. God plants His saints in the most useless places. We say—God intends me to be here because I am so useful. Jesus never estimated His life along the line of the greatest use. God puts His saints where they will glorify Him, and we are no judges at all of where that is.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

Peter urges believers to entrust themselves to God. The term “commit” or “entrust” was a reference to the practice in that day of depositing money with a trusted friend while away on a trip, a solemn trust in that day which would not be violated. God is a place of safety and security to the believer, especially one going through suffering.