Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 143rd. Edition.
Dear Strangers and Aliens,
In today’s passage (1 Peter 4:15-19) we conclude another round in the theme of suffering. It is Peter’s encouragement to believers that their suffering should yield something positive. Whether we like it or not, it is the lot of believers to suffer for the sake of Christ. Such suffering should not be in vain. It at least should bring to God some
Glory (vv. 15-16). Such glory will not be forthcoming if we suffer for doing wrong. Christians are ordinary people in many ways. We interact with others and often fail to represent Christ well. If we offend others because we are inconsiderate, or break the law and suffer the consequences, we should not claim that we are suffering for Jesus. But there is no shame in suffering for Christ. We should focus on glorifying God in our suffering. We should wear the scars of persecution as an instrument of praise to our Saviour.
Gauge (vv. 17-18). These verses seem to hint at the possibility that the persecution that Christians were going through was a test, approved by God to refine his saints. For one to survive the test, one has to be fully obedient to the cause of the gospel, and even then it will not be easy. Those who are not serious will simply be weeded out. The reason we have so many pretenders in our midst is that it is “fashionable” to be a Christian. Even evil, lying politicians who have no fear of God will shout to the crowds, “Praise the Lord!” The moment persecution sets in, we will know who is true.
Good (v. 19). This is an interesting way of dealing with persecution. Put another way, when you suffer for doing the will of God, keep doing good and leave the rest to God. This will accomplish God’s purpose in our lives and bring him glory. In the meantime, it will leave our persecutors in a state of confusion, because they did not get the reaction they expected. Follow God’s way. It may look foolish, but remember that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Your Loving Pastor Chris.