Serving while Suffering

Read 1 Peter 4.

As Peter sought to encourage those who were being persecuted for their faith in Christ, he wrote: "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." (2:21)  "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)

This is not something that comes as a result of our wrong behavior but solely because of our faith and stand for Jesus.  In 3:15-16, believers were instructed how to share their faith in the midst of rejection and not back down when challenged.  Here in chapter four the instruction concerns how to keep serving Christ in such an environment.

1. Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking. (vv.1-6)
Literally, "arm" means "to equip with weapons".  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 states, "The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

2. Be self-controlled. (v.7a)
Even the apostles had to discipline themselves in order to maintain integrity while serving Jesus.  "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27)

3. Be sober-minded. (v.7b)
In 5:8, Peter wrote, "Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  Satan wants you!  If he cannot keep a believer out of heaven, his desire is to discourage us to slow or stop serving Christ.

4. Keep loving one another earnestly. (v.8)
"No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1John 4:12)  An obedient follower of Jesus incarnates the love of God.  When we love each other as we should, the people around us see God in us.

5. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (v.9)
Hospitality is a requirement of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1).  In addition, all believers are told to practice hospitality.  "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13)  The word refers to entertaining strangers, or fond of guests.  In other words, a true follower of Jesus likes to have people in their home.

6. Use your gift to serve one another. (vv.10-11)
At salvation, the Holy Spirit endows each believer with a special spiritual ability to serve Christ effectively.  Every genuine Christian has a spiritual gift and these are not for personal use.  "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."  (1 Corinthians 12:7)  We do not have to seek it.  He "apportions to each one individually as he wills." (1 Corinthians 12:11)  Our responsibility is to get busy and use what God gave us.

7. Rejoice as you share Christ's sufferings. (vv.12-18)
Perhaps, no one endured hardship and suffering for Jesus more than Paul.  Yet, his desire was "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..." (Philippians 3:10)  Suffering for Christ is not an end in itself.  There are rewards waiting for those who are faithful.  God is preparing the day when He will exalt us with Christ.  "...provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:17)

8. Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator while doing good. (v.19)
In Daniel 3:16-28, three young men stood firm in their faith against an ungodly government persecution.  The men trusted God no matter what and the result was a death sentence.  Countless believers have paid for such a commitment with their lives.  But in this case, the LORD performed a miracle.  They had boldly honored God and He honored them with a personal appearance.  The king saw Jesus!

Serving Christ is never about us.  It is always for the benefit of others so they may see Jesus.