THE BLESSINGS OF SUFFERING

(1 Peter 4:14-16)

This is a very strange phrase. The Jews believed in this concept of presence of God. This concept is recorded in the Old Testament. “In the morning,” said Moses, “you shall see the glory of the Lord” (Exodus 16:7). “The glory of the Lord settled upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days,” when the law was delivered to Moses (Exodus 24:16). When the tabernacle was completed, “then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34).

It is Peter’s conviction that something of that glory rests on the man who suffers for Christ. When Stephen was on trial for his life and it was certain that he would be condemned to death, to those who looked on him his face was as the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). Visible or not God promises to with us through every trial!!

(i) The Christian must not be covetous.

(ii) The Christian must never be an interfering busybody.

If a Christian has to suffer for Christ, he must do so in such a way that his suffering brings glory to God. His life and conduct must be the best argument that he does not deserve the suffering which has come upon him. Jesus suffered unjustly!!

Conclusion: Trials and persecutions may be inevitable but the rewards and blessing bring a far greater reward. Don’t shrink from the trials of life, embrace them, pray through them, learn from them, have the courage to face the challenge and watch your faith grow stronger. Allow God to mold you, break you and remake you into the image of His blessed Son, Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith!