1 Peter 4:12 Expect Suffering

The upcoming section of chapter 4 contains "four instructions Peter gave us to follow in the light of the coming fiery trial."  The first is mentioned in verse 12 -- expect suffering.  It said:  "The world does not persecute religious people, but it does persecute righteous people ... The Pharisees and Jewish leaders were religious people, yet they crucified Christ and persecuted the early church ... Imagine scourging the servants of God in the very house of God!"

"God declared war on Satan after the fall of man, and Satan has been attacking God through His people ever since."

"There are some difficulties that are simply a part of human life and almost everybody experiences then.  Unfortunately, there are some difficulties that we bring on ourselves, because of disobedience and sin ... The fiery trial he mentioned in verse 12 comes because we are faithful to God and stand up for what is right."

Father, keep me from sufferings of my own making due to sin.  I don't want to be a religious person either.  Keep working on me to be a righteous person.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford