I literally walked away from the computer after deciding on the title for this post.
Why, you ask?
Because it makes me uncomfortable.
Yet, when I reflect on all I have experienced in my life, I know it is true.
I can’t run away from it.
Neither can you.
I don’t enjoy thinking that trials, tests and insults are a normal part of our lives.
Some are small and better described as inconveniences or annoyances.
But I’m not thinking about ordinary trials, tests or insults today.
Rather, I’m reflecting on the trials, tests, and insults that come because of my faith in Christ.
And that makes me even more uncomfortable.
Yet, Peter provides encouragement about this in his first epistle.
Trials, Tests, and Insults are to be Expected
1 Peter 4:12-19
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [i]
- Why do trials surprise and seem strange to us?
- What is the purpose of a faith test? (Review 1 Peter 1:7)
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.[ii]
- Why does Peter say to rejoice when facing suffering because of faith in Jesus? (Review 1 Peter 1:8)
- How does sharing in Christ’s sufferings reveal his glory? (Review 1 Peter 1:5-7)
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.[iii]
- How is being insulted because of following Christ a blessing? (See Matthew 5:11)
But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.[iv]
- What is the common thread between the actions of a murderer, thief, evildoer or meddler? (Review 1 Peter 2:19-20)
Do you find it odd that Peter included meddlers on this list? Why or why not?
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. [v]
- How else does Peter want us to respond to suffering for being a Jesus follower? Why? (Compared with 1 Peter 4:14-15 above.)
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [vi]
- What is the judgment Peter refers to? (See Ezekiel 9:3-10 and Romans 2:1-11)
And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[vii]
- Explain how Peter’s quote of Proverbs 11:31 reinforces his statement in the previous verse.
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. [viii]
- Summarize Psalm 31 from David.
- Write Jesus’ own words in Luke 23:46.
- Summarize Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 1:8-14.
- How does Peter know Jesus’ followers can entrust their souls to God regardless of their circumstances?
Trials, Tests, and Insults are to be Expected
Applying 1 Peter 4:12-19
Keep in mind that Peter was writing to his readers to encourage them because they were experiencing persecution for aligning their lifestyles with the teachings of Jesus.
- Review the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12.
- How does your lifestyle reflect these teachings of Jesus?
- Is there anything you no longer do because you are a Jesus follower? Why or why not?
- Describe a time you experienced a fiery trial, test or insults because you said no to an activity because it would compromise your faith as a Jesus follower.
Now consider Job.
Job’s persecution was deeply personal instead of lifestyle focused. And the persecution came because God challenged Satan’s faulty thinking. (See Job 1:8)
Satan accused that if Job lost his wealth, family and health, Job would curse God. (See Job 1:9-12)
Job lost his property, children, and health. Yet Job remained faithful, disproving Satan’s theory. (See Job 1:13-2:10)
- Beyond lifestyle choices, how else have you experienced suffering because of your faith in Jesus?
My Story of Trials, Tests, and Insults
I relate more to Job’s situation than I do to Peter’s original audience.
Why?
I live in a country where being a Jesus follower has been a protected option my entire life.
Granted, there are efforts within my country to remove that protected status, but nothing has reached the level of persecution that Peter’s original audience faced thus far.
But Satan has tried to destroy me in other ways.
First, as a child, a member of my family abused me.
Second, as a young adult, the abuse from my childhood colored some of my relationship choices, making me vulnerable to further abuse.
Most recently, the death of my husband by his own choice has caused the most complicated trial I’ve ever faced.
Each time someone remarks how strong I have been through this most recent trial, I immediately respond it isn’t my strength they are seeing. It is God they are seeing working through me.
Outwardly, I may look like I’m doing well.
But inwardly, I’m still deeply grieving the loss of my earthly husband.
Thankfully, I have a tremendous support system around me to aid in navigating this hard trial. And most importantly, I have a savior who sympathizes with my weaknesses and who was tempted just as I am, yet He never succumbed. Thus, I may draw near in confidence to the throne of grace to receive mercy and help in my time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
You have this same savior if you are Jesus’ follower.
No matter what the trial or temptation is that you face, seek Him first and you will receive His mercy and grace to endure.
Heavenly Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, may we always reverence your holiness. Give us a strong desire for your kingdom and will to be seen clearly in our daily lives. Clear the fog of the fiery trials, tests, and insults we endure because of our faith in you, whether they be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual attacks.
Encourage us with the provision of each day’s needs in these areas, so we may extend grace and forgiveness to those around us who do not know you yet. Help us trust in Your strength and not our own.
Forgive us and pick us up when we stumble, as we so easily can. Remind us You are with us no matter what our circumstances. Amen and amen.
- How has the Lord encouraged you this week?
- Share in the comments below to encourage other readers as well.
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:12.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:13.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:14.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:15.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:16.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:17.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:18.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Pe 4:19.
Good study . Yes grief can go on for a longtime I feel for you . It ebbs and flows .. and comes when you least expect it.
You are blessed to have a community to support you even though I can imagine you might feel embarrassed that you are still feeling grief and don’t want to bother others.. but your continued honesty here is truely refreshing Godspeed
Thanks for your encouragement Jane.
Beautiful.y written and a powerful message.
Thank you.
Thanks Gloria!