“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:16). Absolutely no doubt, the Lord Jesus Christ suffered. Jesus is the Christian’s greatest example since He suffered immensely. Shouldn’t we also suffer? Yes. According to the text suffering is a God-glorifying experience and nothing to be ashamed of.
When the apostles were beaten and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, the Scripture says, “they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41,42). The apostles were even more determined and emboldened to teach and preach that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).
The subject of Christian suffering is of great significance in Peter’s first letter. He sees suffering as an integral part of daily living the Christian life. And that when Christians suffer they should not be ashamed but instead glorify God. He pleads for Christians to remain steadfast in times of suffering because of our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5).
In First Peter 4:1 Peter writes: Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” Note, “arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.” Peter is pointing out that since Christ has suffered, so should Christians also suffer. “Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.” In other words, do likewise!
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:20,21). “Jesus is our ultimate example in all things, even in suffering.” Writes Dr Charles Stanley. “When accused falsely, He kept silent (Matt. 26:59-63, Mark 14:55-61). When sentenced to death, He did not fight back (John 19:10,11). Instead, He always exhibited His perfect love and forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Likewise, when we humbly submit ourselves to God’s will, although it may mean suffering (Luke 22:42), we demonstrate our love to God. And through our example, many will be drawn to Him (John 12:32). (The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Bible NKJV, p. 1521).
It is clearly understood from the text that suffering is absolutely in God’s will and purpose for His children. “For to this you have been called.” God never gives us more than we can bear. Therefore, we must neither give in nor give up. Instead, let us heed His word.
Let’s not forget that our Lord did not suffer for any sin of His own, because He had none. “In him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5). Neither did He commit any sin. Yet, “For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin.” (2 Cor.5:21).
As Christians, we live in the expectation that one day we will be in heaven—sooner or later. Therefore, with this in mind, consider and apply the glorious deliverance that awaits us. Paul writing to the Christians in Rome says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:16-18).
J.N. Darby’s translation seems to make v. 17 a little clearer. “And if children, heirs also: heirs of God, and Christ’s joint heirs; if indeed we suffer with [him], that we may also be glorified with [him].
Romans 8:16-18 appear to give us the “incentive” for accepting suffering as a necessary way of life, not only for the present time, but also for the glory that awaits us in heaven. Firstly, Christians are children of God. Secondly, then heirs of God. Thirdly, fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him. All these are in order that we may also be glorified with him.
As heirs of God, the children of God will inherit all that our heavenly Father has in store for us. Paul “sees all Christians as being co-sufferers and all Christians as glorified with Christ.” (William MacDonald).
At the conclusion of the fourth chapter of his first epistle. Peter writes, “Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19). Entrust their souls could also read ‘commit their souls’.
As born-again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, it behooves us to endure suffering with patience and joy at the present time, keeping in mind the glory that is to be revealed to us. May God grant it for His glory and honor. Amen.