1 Peter 4:12-14
October 1st 2023, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor
October 1st 2023, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor
At the time this letter was written, terrible persecution of Christians was taking place. So, Peter told the readers of this letter how they should respond when a fiery ordeal comes to them.
The first is not to be suspicious. It is important to recognize that Christians surely face persecution. We must not have the false perception that there will be no suffering if we believe in Christ.
The second is to rejoice. Three reasons are given for this: One is that trials produce faith so that we can grow in faith. The next is that we can participate in the sufferings of Christ, and then we can join the glory of God. And the last is that we can experience the help of God's Spirit.
Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Let us keep in mind what we have learned today in preparation for painful trials to come. Let us look at suffering from an eternal perspective, endure it, and rejoice in the Lord!
The first is not to be suspicious. It is important to recognize that Christians surely face persecution. We must not have the false perception that there will be no suffering if we believe in Christ.
The second is to rejoice. Three reasons are given for this: One is that trials produce faith so that we can grow in faith. The next is that we can participate in the sufferings of Christ, and then we can join the glory of God. And the last is that we can experience the help of God's Spirit.
Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Let us keep in mind what we have learned today in preparation for painful trials to come. Let us look at suffering from an eternal perspective, endure it, and rejoice in the Lord!
<The Verse of the Bible>
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal (painful trial) that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)
