But If Anyone Suffers As Christian, He Is Not To Be Ashamed, But Is To Glorify God In This Name
Shine For Christ, Even When It Hurts
1 PETER 4:16
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
I Peter 4:16 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/1pe.4.16.nkjv
It is not at all shameful to suffer for Christ; indeed the devil will attack God’s people, especially those who are making a difference, those producing good fruits.
We are in a war, fighting for Christ, not in the flesh, though the flesh suffers, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV
When Peter and John were persecuted for preaching the Good News, they rejoiced because they knew they was making a difference and the enemy wasn’t happy; they knew that such persecution was a sign of God’s approval (ACT 5:41).
The devil’s purpose is to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (JOHN 10:10), he knows his days are numbered and that they are soon to run out, and he is set on destroying as many human lives as he can (REVELATION 23:7-12).
He wants to destroy our marriages, our jobs and businesses, our finances; he wants to steal our joy and our peace; he is certainly trying to do that in today’s world, and he’s good at it.
But while he can bring pain, we don’t have to allow him to destroy what is good in our lives.
Furthermore, regardless of the suffering, he cannot steal your joy in Christ which is your strength (NEHEMIAH 8:10), nor the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ (PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7) unless you let him.
The truth is, he is full of anger and wants to take us all to hell with him.
But this is a war, and his attacks will focus on those serving God; those making a difference, those who shine for Christ, not so much those serving in the flesh, but those of faith.
But God takes what the devil brings for evil and turns it to good (Genesis 50:20).
He takes our suffering and uses it for our good, causing all things to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes, those who do that what pleases Him (ROMANS 8:28).
James tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NKJV
The truth is, in my pastoral role, I am more concerned for those claiming to be Christians who are not suffering or being tested, for the devil doesn’t waste his time on those not producing good fruit, those who are heading toward the gates of hell, for they are in his hands all ready.
Jesus said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Matthew 7:19 NKJV
My beloved , ““Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
So I ask you my brethren, “who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
I Peter 3:13-17 NKJV
Jesus gave up his life for you with horrendous suffering. He said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10 NKJV
Jesus died that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly and forever.
But we must all recognise that we believers are the bride of Christ, and just as married couples must not withhold intimacy from one another, we believers must not withhold intimacy from Christ (1 CORINTHIANS 7:3-4).
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV
Not only did He live for you, but He suffered and died for you. Are you ready to live for Him?
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
