SS08-29-04

STUDY THEME: PETER’S PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFUL LIVING. 8-29-04

“TAKE COURAGE.” 1 PETER 4: 14, 3: 13-15, 16-17; 4: 1-3, 12-13, 14-16, 19.

PLEASE OPEN YOUR BIBLE TO 1 PETER 3.

The Life Question that today’s lesson seeks to address is, “How can I show faithfulness and courage in the midst of ridicule and persecution? Courage has been defined as fear that has said its prayers.

1 Peter 4: 14 says, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” In this verse the Apostle Peter told his readers that if they were reproached, insulted, ridiculed or reviled in the name of Jesus, they were blessed.

The Biblical Truth is that God enables believers to stand faithful and courageously for Him, even when their allegiance to Christ is ridiculed.

Today we hear this: “I believe we should affirm all religious views and moral systems, I’m a tolerant person.”

“You Christians are so narrow minded when it comes to certain spiritual and moral truths. I can’t accept you view as a valid position when there are so many other views out there to consider.”

There is both irony and tragedy in these two statements, both of which are becoming more and more popular in contemporary culture. People seem to want to tolerate all views except for those that are strongly committed to absolute truth. Every day moral relativism clashes further with Christianity, and the biblical worldview is increasingly misunderstood, ridiculed and rejected.

One of the ironies of contemporary culture is intolerance against Christianity in a culture that claims to be tolerant. One reason for this is Christianity’s belief in moral and spiritual absolutes. Secular culture insists that absolutes do not exist. Everything is relative to time, place, and people.

Because Christians stand for absolute truth, a relativistic culture considers them old-fashioned and out of step with modern thought. Christians are now greatly misunderstood in our land. This failure to understand leads at times to ridicule and rejection, similar to that endured by some first-century Christians. In this face of such ridicule and rejection, Christians need to take courage.

For the Apostle Peter, success was not found by being accepted by the culture of his day. Success was found by living in faithfulness and courage amid persecution or rejection. Successful Christians are those who adhere to God’s values in terms of what they believe and how they live.

Christians should not be ashamed of suffering as followers of Christ. If believers suffer according to God’s will, they can do right and trust God. Moses is a good O.T. example of a righteous person who, in Heb. 11: 26, “considered reproach for the sake of the Messiah to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since his attention was on the reward.”

1. PLEASE READ 1 PETER 3: 13-15.

Even the most irreligious people recognize what is good when they see it. In general, acts of kindness and concern for others are praised, not condemned. Thus, the answer to the question, who will harm you if you are passionate for what is good? Is “nobody!” Particularly when Christians are passionate or enthusiastic about doing the right thing, others in society acknowledge their good deeds even if they do not embrace their God. Just think about how many hospitals, orphanages, schools, and other wonderful institutions have been founded by Christian people all over the world---often in countries that officially oppose open proclamation of the gospel. Furthermore, Christian groups are well regarded for being at the forefront of disaster relief.

Now Peter is not denying that the Asian Christians, to whom the Epistle is written, may suffer for their faith. In an ideal world, good people would be rewarded and evil people would be punished; however, in our imperfect world some people suffer for righteousness sake.

The grammatical construction in the Greek text for “even if” in vs. 14, states a condition that is unlikely to happen. When it does happen, however, God promises in Matt. 5: 10-12 a special blessing. Peter knew that the usual human response in such a situation is to be afraid of those who caused their suffering. He recalled the Prophet Isaiah’s words and quoted from Isaiah 8: 12, which says that people are not to fear as if they were unbelievers who become fearful and disturbed as they face difficulties.

Isaiah reminded the Israelites of his day that the Lord is holy and only He is to be feared. Peter applied Isaiah’s principle by reminding his Christian readers that they were to set apart the Messiah as Lord, that is, to fear and respect Him inwardly. They were not to doubt Him if suffering for righteousness sake occurred.

Peter also told believers to be ready to do something outwardly: to give a defense to anyone who asks. The word, translated defense, is apologia, the basis of the English term Apologetics. This term relates to making a careful, reasoned case for the truth of something, such as might be done in a courtroom.

As used by Christians, it refers to showing reasons for believing Christianity is true. (The term apologetics carries none of the negative overtones of the English term apology). Believers are to give focused attention to the matter of knowing the reason for the hope that is in them. Their testimony should be personal, reasonable, and Christ centered.

We Christians should prepare to share our faith, whether or not we are actively suffering for Christ. We will not have good answers to give to unbelievers without preparation. During the past few years a number of outstanding resources have appeared in print to help us learn Christians apologetics. These include Paul Little’s “Know Why You Believe:” Josh McDowell’s “The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict:” and Lee Strobel’s “The Case for Faith.” This book will be taught, here in this room by, Dr. John Nichols, beginning Sept. 12 at 4:30 P.M. You will enjoy this small book and the good teacher.

2. PLEASE READ 1 PETER 3: 16-17.

Last week’s study developed the theme of humility in relationships. When Christians have occasion to defend or share their faith, this same attitude is necessary. As Christians become more confident that they are equipped with the truth, it is possible for them to share the truth arrogantly or harshly. A strong gospel presentation should be made with gentleness and with respect (literally “fear”) toward those who are listening.

Another essential part of the defense of the gospel is the credibility of the believers’ lifestyle. Christians do not have to achieve moral perfection before they can share their faith, but they must strive to keep their conscience clear. Unbelievers will consider those with open sin in their lives to be fakes. They will denounce people like this, and such Christians will be put to shame---and deservedly so. The life of a Christian witness should be consistent with his faith in Christ.

When Christians suffer for doing good, they can be sure that it is God’s will. He plans such occasions in the lives of believers for His glory and for the believer’s good. As Peter had just noted, suffering for doing good things can often become an occasion for sharing the gospel and perhaps leading a persecutor to Christ. We should not be afraid of those who hurt us for doing good.

But if Christians suffer---- for doing evil, they should be ashamed and repent. Their repentance would make them regret that their actions have spoiled an opportunity to witness for Christ.

PLEASE TURN TO 1 PETER 4.

3. PLEASE READ 1 PETER 4: 1-3.

In 1 Peter 3: 18, Peter said Jesus Himself suffered unjustly on behalf of sinners so He could make us right with God. Furthermore, He came to victory only through suffering: unjust suffering at that.

In vs. 1 therefore looks back to 3: 18 and prepares us for a conclusion. We are not to think that we can escape suffering since even our Lord suffered attacks on Him self in His earthly life. When attacked, we are to take up spiritual weapons rather than physical, earthly weapons. We are to take up the weapon of the mind of Christ.

The One who suffered in the flesh was Jesus Christ. His suffering included His death for us on the cross.

Finished with sin refers back to 3:18 where Peter said Christ suffered “once for all”, When Christ suffered and died for our sins, He dealt with sin conclusively and finally and did not need to deal with it again. This statement implies that we who have believed in Christ should be done with sin. This reference to being finished with sin is a parenthesis in Peter’s long sentence. The first and last part of the sentence describe the attitude that believes should adopt in facing opposition.

In vs. 2 Peter now picked up again the thought he began in the first part of vs. 1. We are to arm ourselves with the mind of Christ who suffered and died unjustly, so we can live out the remainder of our lives doing God’s will, not our own.

Our Lord did not live His earthly life for himself but to accomplish His Father’s will. In the same way, if we arm ourselves with Christ’s purpose, w will live our lives solely to obey God. Only by remembering that we live to serve God, not ourselves, can we face opposition, slander, and false accusations in a manner pleasing to God.

In vs. 3 w see a clear indication that some in Peter’s audience were Gentiles. He told them they had already spent enough time living in pagan debauchery. “Pagans” translates a Greek word meaning “Gentiles.” Peter described their past life as filled with all sorts of gross immorality. In connects their former manner of life to the six deplorable behaviors that follow. Unrestrained behavior translates a Greek word that refers to sexual immorality. Evil desires renders a word that simply means “desire.” But in conjunction with the previous word, it clearly refers to evil sexual desire. These two words together refer to any kind of sexual immorality or lust.

Drunkenness translates a word composed of two words---wine plus “bubbling up” or “overflowing.” To overflow with wine is drunkenness. Orgies refers to feast characterized by drunkenness and disorderly behavior. Carousing renders a word meaning “a drunken party.” These three words together refer to wild, drunken, partying.

Lawless idolatry climaxes this list of vices. Being at the end, the point of greatest emphasis, this behavior indicates that the previous behaviors belonged to the believers’ former pagan religious culture. These behaviors were not typical of ancient Jews, but they did characterize pagan Gentiles.
Many of Peter’s first readers came to Christ from pagan Gentile backgrounds. In their earlier lives, they lived in idolatry, in the grossest sexual immorality, and in drunken reveling. They willingly, enthusiastically ordered their lives in that direction. Now that they belonged to Christ, all these behaviors had to be left behind. Sin in a believer is a burden which affects him rather than a pleasure which delights him.

The meeting of ancient trade guilds centered around worship of, and sacrifices to pagan deities. Frequently Christians found themselves having to decide whether they would go along with these practices in order to follow their craft or trade. Peter indicated they had a clear choice to make at this point. They must remain true to Christ, no matter the cost.

The Christian should voluntarily accept the potential of death as apart of the Christian life. Peter would have his opportunity to live this principle himself when he faced Martyrdom a forecast by Jesus in John 21: 18-19.

The worst that can happen to a believer suffering unjustly is death and that is the best that can happen because death means the complete and final end of sins. A man facing death, declared, “Death ain’t no big deal.”

4. PLEASE READ 1 PETER 4: 12-13.

Dr. Leroy Spinks, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Bainbridge, Geo. Said, “A beloved aunt of mine knew suffering intimately. Often when our pastor invited the congregation to share their favorite verses, she would rise to quote this entire passage of 1 Peter 4: 12-13. As a child I did not understand why my aunt loved these verses so. With the passing years, however, I have come to understand why she committed this passage to memory and quoted it often.

In Vs. 12 addressing his readers in a tender fashion, Peter told how to respond to the persecutions they were about to face. Fiery ordeal probably does not refer to being burned alive. This graphic expression likely merely emphasizes the painfulness of the opposition, ostracism, and public attacks they were facing for their faith.

The ordeals the believers faced were a test of their faith. Not that God was testing them, but the ordeal itself would test their commitment to Christ.

When opposition to us arises, Peter said we should not be surprised. Persecution is not something unusual for followers of Jesus Christ. After all, our Lord suffered false accusations of mental illness, demon possession, insurrection, and blasphemy. Jesus was beaten, had thorns pressed into His scalp, and died the tortured death of crucifixion. Jesus Himself warned His disciples that they would have to endure the same opposition He faced. Only the Apostle John escaped the martyrdom recorded of the 11 apostles in Fox’s Book of Martyrs.”

In Vs. 13 rather than being dismayed at our suffering for Christ, we should rejoice at the privilege of sharing the suffering of the Lord. The command to rejoice does not reflect some perverse enjoyment of suffering. Rejoicing at suffering for Christ reflects our conviction that our Lord will return in glory. When the Lord Jesus returns with all His heavenly glory revealed, those who have shared His suffering will then share His joy.

Imagine a prisoner of war suffering unimaginable torture. He can survive such suffering only by keeping his mind focused on the conviction that one day his nation will rescue him and restore him to his family. This certainty of eventual deliverance fills him with hope and even joy. Similarly, we can rejoice at the privilege of sharing our Lord’s sufferings, knowing that one day we will share His joy when He is revealed in His heavenly glory.

5. PLEASE READ 1 PETER 4: 14-16.

No Christian should go out looking for persecution and suffering. In His loving sovereignty God will send it at the time and place of His choosing. It may come in the form of being verbally ridiculed for the name of Christ.

When believers are insulted in this way, they are blessed by God. He is fulfilling His plan for their lives. They should take such ridicule as a sign for both the present and for the future. In the present, ridicule is evidence that the Spirit …..of God rests on them. It’s as if Peter were saying, “Do you want to know that the Holy Spirit is at work in you?” You will have all the proof you want as soon as persecution comes into your life. Ridicule is also evidence of something that will happen in the future: The Spirit of glory will assure the believers that at the revelation of Christ’s glory they too will share His glory. Suffering never means that God has failed. Far from it! Suffering is a triumph of God’s purposes in the believers’ life both for time and for eternity.

Another proper understanding of suffering includes rejoicing and praising God whenever ridicule for Christ’s sake occurs.

Readers of the King James Version may note that vs. 14 ends with the following phrase omitted in most contemporary translations: “On their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” The sense is that persecutors are speaking evil of Christ while the believers are praising Him. Although the best manuscripts of 1 Peter do not have this phrase, Peter would have agreed with the truth it expresses even though he did not write it.

As we have seen already, Peter was aware of the possibility that professing Christians would do evil and then suffer the consequences. In 4: 15 he returned briefly to that theme, this time noting specific evil deeds that ought to result in punishment. No just society can operate without giving criminals their deserved penalty. Four such criminals are noted.

A murderer is rightly condemned by all. Part of the government’s responsibility is to see to it that murderers get what they deserve. To commit murder is to despise the image of God in another human being, some thing highly offensive to a holy God.

A thief is also condemned by all. Persons without regard for the property of others are a threat to good order and should be punished. To steal is to reject what Jesus in Mark 12:31 called the second greatest commandment, “to love one’s neighbor as oneself.” An evildoer is a more general term that includes all kinds of felonies or criminal actions. For a Christian to commit any criminal trespass is to tarnish the name of Christ.

A meddler is a difficult term to translate because it occurs only here in the N.T. and was rare in secular Greek. “Busybody” and “Mischief maker” have also been suggested as translations. Nobody likes a nosy neighbor, and Christians who get in trouble because they haven’t minded their own business have only themselves to blame.

In vs. 16 Peter returned to the theme of undeserved suffering. He had mentioned verbal abuse in vs. 14; the one who suffers as a Christians endures physical punishment, such as beating or imprisonment.

Peter’s use of the term Christian is interesting and perhaps surprising, for the term appears in the N.T. only three times in 1 Peter 4: 16, Acts 11: 26 and Acts 26:28. The term means a follower of Christ or someone loyal to Christ. In other words, to be a Christian is not so much to be identified with a religion as it is to be identified with the person of Christ.

If for bearing that name (Christ’s) a believer suffers, he should not be ashamed. Instead a believer should glorify God, praising Him for the privilege of suffering

1 Peter 4: 19 says, “So those who suffer according to God’s will should, in doing good, entrust themselves to a faithful creator.”

This single verse summarizes in a nutshell Peter’s teaching about persecution and suffering. What he affirmed as true for first-century believers is equally true for 21^st-century believers.

1. Some but not all will suffer. Peter mentioned those who suffer, clearly implying that not all will go through this. Christian history confirms this pattern to be true.

2. Suffering is never accidental. It is according to God’s will---which means that there are divine limits to how severe the suffering will be and how long it will last.

3. Suffering should be an incentive to do good deeds. Rather than becoming disheartened and quitting, suffering believers should keep on doing good.

The world is filled with suffering people. Some are suffering for doing wrong. In vs. 15 Peter warned against suffering of this kind. Such suffering is not an expression of God’s will in the sense referred to in vs. 19. Here Peter had in mind the kind of suffering he had been commending---suffering for righteousness’ sake.

Suffering because you are a Christian is to suffer according to the will of God. This does not mean that suffering pleases God but that God is pleased by faithfulness and courage. Lots of suffering is in neither of these two categories. It is the kind of suffering that comes from living in an imperfect world. God seldom explains why a godly person suffers, but he does assure us that He is at work to bring good out of evil. Rom. 8: 28.

In suffering that is inflicted because of our faith and in unexplained suffering, Peter told the sufferers to do two things. He repeated the admonition to keep doing the right thing. He also called on sufferers to commit the keeping of their souls to God, as unto a faithful creator. Commit or entrust is the same word used by Jesus as He died: In Luke 23:46 he said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” It is a term used for entrusting something valuable to a trustworthy person for safekeeping. The word souls in vs. 19 refers to all that a person has or is. Those who are persecuted for being Christians entrust themselves to the Lord in life and in death.

Next Sunday we begin a four-week study of the theme “Knowing God Better.” First we examine our “Desire to Know God Better” in Exodus 33. A.V. DAUGHERTY

Many of you knew Dick and Sue Rader personally. You may have read their book, “A Road Beyond Suffering.” In several churches they played out the Book of Job and made application to their own experiences.

In 1977 while serving as career missionaries in Zambia where they has served since 1968, sue was struck by a debilitating ailment which refused to respond to treatment. They were able to continue their mission career by temporarily transferring to Johannesburg, S. Africa. In order to make this move they were forced to leave most of their worldly goods in Zambia. War for the independence of Zimbabwe prevented overland shipment of their belongings. The prolonged illness of Sue caused the loss of loved ones, loss of personal property, and loss of vocation. They searched for meaning in all this and found that God was sufficient for all their needs.

After returning to U.S.A. Dick was eventually made Vice President of Religious Affairs at O.B.U.

Sue began reading aloud the Book of Job. She received such encouragement that Dick began reading. They decided to write letters back and forth concerning the chosen portions of Job for that day. In letter # 1 Sue asked, “How can God love me and still let me suffer so much.” Dick didn’t have a very profound answer to that age-old question. Sue said it took only three hours to read aloud the Book of Job.

They began going from church to church acting out the Book of Job. Only a few weeks before they moved to Elk City I saw them do this play while Sue was in a wheel chair and Dick’s health was waning. This was a moving experience to see these people in such frail health portraying the various characters in the Book. They did well.