October 23
“Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God? Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as a faithful Creator,” 1 Peter 4:15-19.
Speaking of suffering because of what one does, Christians should not commit sins which will result in civic or other punishment and suffering. The apostle names some of these sins, such as being “a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” This would be suffering because of denying one’s faith. Suffering because of the sins mentioned is not suffering because of the faith that one confesses.
On the other hand, suffering as a Christian because of the faith that one confesses and because of the God-fearing life that one lives refers to sufferings of which one should not be ashamed. Rather than mourn and complain, one should give all glory to God for sending us the Savior Jesus Christ.
Remember what happened on the first Christmas evening. The angel announced to the shepherds on the fields of Bethlehem, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord . . . And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” Luke 2:10-14. Like the angels, we should join in singing, “Glory to God in the highest!”
The day of God’s judgment has begun, and the day is drawing near when the Lord Jesus will return. Christians will stand before the judgment seat of God and be declared justified and forgiven for Jesus’ sake. By faith in forgiveness for Jesus’ sake, we have no judgment to fear.
However, what about the unbelievers, those who do not obey the Gospel – that is, those who do not believe the Gospel’s invitation and promise? To obey the Gospel means to respond to the invitation and promise, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,” Acts 16:31.
Peter writes that the believers are surely saved, but hardly! We are saved only by the grace of God – His mercy and declaration of forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. Peter quotes a statement that is based upon the words from the Book of Proverbs: “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Proverbs 11:31.
Whenever Christians suffer because of their confession of faith and their Christian life, they commit their souls into the hands of our gracious God, who has promised in both the Old and New Testament, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5 and Joshua 1:5, and Jesus promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age,” Matthew 28:20.
“God of my life, to Thee I call;
Afflicted, at Thy feet I fall.
When the great water-floods prevail,
Leave not my trembling heart to fail.
Did ever a mourner plead with Thee,
And Thou refuse that mourner’s plea?
Does not the word still fixed remain
That none shall seek Thy face in vain?
Fair is the lot that’s cast for me;
I have an Advocate with Thee.
They whom the world caresses most,
Have no such privilege to boast.” Amen.