Tag: suffering

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

 

1Peter 4:17-19 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?​​ AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?​​ Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Chapter 4 of 1Peter began with the suffering of Christ and ends with the honor we have as His children to suffer for His glory. ​​ These last three verses continue to expand on the blessings of being God’s children,​​ and even though difficulties may arise because of our faith, the outcome is our righteousness in Christ. ​​ But what about those who are not of the household of God? ​​ Our hearts should be moved towards compassion. ​​ God allows His children to be disciplined through adversity yet continues to care for them; those who are not His will suffer far more,​​ facing eternal destruction.

For it is time for​​ judgment​​ to begin with the household of God. ​​​​ We are to expect judgment. The Greek word used is​​ krima, meaning a decision - the function or the effect, for or against; avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, and judgment.​​ “…​​ the severe trial which would determine character”, … “trials test the value of our profession”,​​ Barnes.​​ ​​ If we are not guilty, having trusted in the work of Christ on the cross, then the trials we face will be used for our correction and instruction, to strengthen our faith and trust in God, for our sanctification.

1Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged,​​ we​​ are disciplined by the Lord​​ so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

1Peter 1:7​​ so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

…​​ and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

To those who are guilty, having rejected Jesus, the trials that come upon them are for their ultimate destruction resulting in condemnation for eternity. ​​ Compare the outcome for both the saved and unsaved:

1Peter​​ 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory​​ you may rejoice with exultation.

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.​​ These​​ will​​ pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

 The choice – eternal blessing or endless pain​​ and suffering.  ​​ ​​​​ 

“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? How miserable, how dreadful will be the end of all those that would not obey the gospel! Implying, that they shall be in a much worse condition if God take them in hand. If he spare not his children, much less will he his enemies. If the one sip of the cup of God's wrath, the other shall wring out the dregs, and drink them”, Ps 75:8.​​ Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

Consider. ​​ Judgment​​ will​​ happen. ​​ Will we be​​ approved​​ by God, having a genuine faith and trust in Jesus? ​​ Or will our ‘faith’ be discredited, showing us to be hypocrites, disobedient to God’s word? ​​​​ 

Romans 2:5-10 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,​​ who​​ WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:​​ to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;​​ but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.​​ There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,​​ but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Matthew 25:32-34 "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;​​ and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.​​ "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Consider. ​​ A good parent would not allow their child to be undisciplined. ​​ They would correct their mistakes, punish their sin, and bring to notice their unyielding ways. ​​ All because the parents know that their loving guidance will prove to help them in the future. ​​ Think how much more our perfect loving Father will correct his children who wander off the path of righteousness. ​​ There is solace in knowing that Jesus paid the price for our sin. ​​ Even through trials, we are assured that God’s hand will hold us secure, that His love is victorious, and we can endure in His strength.

There is no lasting security in anything other than the name of Jesus.

1Peter 4:18​​ AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Peter​​ uses a quote from​​ Proverbs 11:31, If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

The Christians were to travel through many perils, and the circumstances around them would render difficulties at every turn, yet those who prevailed would be saved because of God’s perfect plan. ​​ Think of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. ​​ Only through His suffering could any be called righteous. ​​ Think of your own testimony and the circumstances which led you to accept Jesus as your Savior. ​​ Often, it is through problems which seem heavier than a mere human can possibly bear. ​​ If it is through so much trial that those who are inclined to truth are saved, imagine the suffering that will come upon those who reject Jesus.

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Read this remark penned by Spurgeon,​​ “A solemn question! ​​ Answer it, each one of you, if you are still unsaved. ​​ Where will you appear? ​​ Oh, be wise, and fly to Jesus; enlist beneath his banner, cost you what it may. ​​ May the Lord lead you to do so”.

1Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1Corinthians​​ 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

The bottom line:​​ For​​ those who insist on following sin there is awaiting eternal condemnation. ​​ But for those seeking to follow God, even though tested, they can trust in His perfect plan.​​ 

1Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Psalm 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;​​ you have ransomed me,​​ O LORD, God of truth.

2Timothy​​ 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Psalm​​ 37:5-6​​ Commit your way to the LORD,​​ trust also in Him, and He will do it.​​ He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.​​ 

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness, that He will guide you through all difficulties for His glory?

1Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.​​ 

Going back to the beginning of this Chapter, Christians are to expect trouble yet also can expect the protection of God’s hand on their lives here on earth and for eternity. ​​ In the meantime, we are to love one another, encourage one another, be hospitable towards one another, and serve one another with the gifts and strengths God has given, knowing this is God’s plan and His will prevails. ​​ We are to make certain our speech glorifies God and even through trials we are to keep on rejoicing, looking to God’s future glory and the promise of our salvation. ​​ We will suffer difficulties because of our union with Christ but we are to make certain our suffering is not of our own sin and waywardness. ​​ 

“In this great work, watchfulness, prayer; faith, and obedience, are indispensably necessary. ​​ He who does not walk with God here cannot see nor enjoy him hereafter”,​​ Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Carefully read 1Peter 4:19 again –

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God​​ shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator​​ in doing what is right.

When I read this, I am reminded that I simply do not need to understand everything – the why, the what, the how or even how come. ​​ Where I need to put my energy and thoughts is in trusting that God not only has all things in His hands but that He is doing, and will do, everything according to His plan, at the perfect time, in the perfect way, for His ultimate glory and our good. ​​ So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we​​ wanted,​​ or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. ​​ We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory. ​​ 

Matthew 7:9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? ​​ “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give a snake, will he? ​​ “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Romans​​ 8:28;31​​ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. ​​​​ …​​ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Psalm​​ 56:10-11​​ In God, whose word I praise,​​ in the LORD, whose word I praise,​​ in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2Corinthians​​ 5:5-7​​ Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.​​ Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--​​ for we walk by faith, not by sight--

To entrust our souls to God means that we present ourselves to Him for protection. ​​ The​​ KJV​​ reads,​​ “commit the keeping of their souls”. ​​​​ This is a continuous action – keep on committing, and is a banking term as in​​ ‘to deposit’. ​​​​ This same term is used in 1Timothy 1:18, 2Timothy 2:2, and Luke 23:46.​​ 

1Timothy 1:18-19​​ This command I​​ entrust​​ to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,​​ keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

2Timothy​​ 2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses,​​ entrust​​ these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Luke​​ 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father,​​ INTO YOUR HANDS I​​ COMMIT​​ MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.

Be reminded​​ of who it is you are trusting – your​​ faithful Creator. ​​​​ Jesus’ example was to trust the Father.

When​​ I read this, calm enters my soul. ​​ Rest, peace, and assurance flood out any thoughts of confusion, anxiousness, and fear. ​​ Our faithful Creator, our Father, the One who knows us best and died for us because He loves us more than we can imagine, is taking care of us. ​​ We are unable to save ourselves; we are unable to save our souls; God alone is able.

We can place ourselves confidently in our Creator’s hands. ​​ God will always fulfill His promises to those who are seeking to follow Him. ​​ As we continue trying to do what is right, serving one another in His strength, we can be certain God will take care of the rest. ​​ 

​​ “As our Creator we may come to him, and look to him for his protection and care. He made us. He had a design in our creation. He so endowed us that we might live for ever, and so that we might honour and enjoy him. He did not create us that we might be miserable; nor does he wish that we should be. He formed us in such a way that, if we choose, we may be eternally happy. In that path in which he has appointed us to go, if we pursue it, we may be sure of his aid and protection. If we really aim to accomplish the purposes for which we were made, we may be certain that he will show himself to be a "faithful Creator;" one in whom we may always confide”,​​ Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.  ​​​​ 

“A​​ faithful creator; able and willing to sustain, comfort, and bless them under all trials, and in due time to save them with an everlasting salvation”,​​ Family Bible Notes.

John Wesley’s Notes​​ gives​​ a good summary of 1Peter 4:19 –

Let them that suffer according to the will of God-​​ Both for a good cause, and in a right spirit.

Commit to him their souls- (Whatever becomes of the body) as a sacred depositum.

In well doing- Be this your care, to do and suffer well: He will take care of the rest.​​ 

As unto a faithful Creator-​​ In whose truth, love, and power, ye may safely trust.

Lord, keep us from sin, help us to remain focused on doing Your will through serving others well, let us not become distracted by sin around us or the ill-meaning of others, preserve us in holiness for​​ Your glory. ​​ Whatever we may suffer here on earth, let us remember it is temporary; our eternal home awaits.

“Observe here, 1. A cautionary direction given, that in all our sufferings we take care that we ​​ suffer according to the will of God: that is, for what is according to God's will, either to be believed or practised by us, for asserting and maintaining the purity of the Christian doctrine and worship; and when our patience under such sufferings is as extensive and intensive as God requires, when our patience is as large and as lasting as our troubles, then may we be said to suffer according to the will of God.​​ 

​​ Observe, 2. The special privilege allowed to such sufferers as suffer according to the will of God: they may commit the keeping of their souls to God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.​​ 

​​ Learn hence, 1. That when men suffer really and truly for well-doing, they may with confidence and great assurance commit their lives, and all that is dear unto them, to the special care of the divine providence; either God will keep us from, or support us under, trials, when we thus commit ourselves to him”,​​ William Burkitt New Testament.

 

‘For I am not ashamed’

Unless we are mindful of doing what pleases God, we will naturally do what pleases our self and senses.

 Let’s be reminded of the preceding verses.

1Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. ​​ If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

 In our previous studies, we learned that we should most definitely expect challenges as followers of Christ. ​​ When we recognize what Jesus did for us, we have the opportunity through our own difficulties, because of faith​​ in God’s grace, to offer up our lives as a sacrifice to Him.  ​​​​ This should cause us to rejoice as we are assured of our relationship with God as His children​​ and look forward to our future in Heaven with Him. ​​ The next two verses in this section of​​ scripture​​ continue building on the truths Peter has written.

Peter 4:15-16 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

We are to make certain that our suffering is not because of our own wrong choices. ​​ We can bring all sorts of unhappiness and difficulty into our lives simply because we are not careful to consider our actions. ​​ The admonition Peter uses is definitive –​​ ‘make sure’, or in the KJV,​​ ‘but let’. ​​ This is like saying,​​ ‘You should in no way’,​​ or​​ ‘let none of you’. ​​​​ It is an intense instruction towards Christians. ​​ Notice there is no possibility of an exception using this imperative. ​​ Our text reads,​​ ‘make sure that none of you’. ​​​​ This is important; this is absolutely necessary and worthy of our attention.​​ 

We are prone to explain our wrong behavior with the word ‘but’ or ‘they did …’. ​​ This puts blame for our sin on someone or something else. ​​ We are unable to control circumstances and others’ actions;​​ however​​ we can, in God’s strength, control our own behavior. ​​ We are to take special care that we do not cause our own problems brought on because of our own misguided doings. ​​​​ Some people can become​​ highly creative​​ in weaving all kinds of excuses and stories in order to make their own failures look like someone else’s problem. ​​ The reality is that God always knows the entire truth and our motivation. ​​ 

How do you ‘make sure’ of something? ​​ 

What parameters do you place around yourself to keep from causing your own problems?

“But let not any one of you, who have the honour to bear the Christian name, …”,​​ Philip Doddridge N.T.

The quote above causes me to remember who I am representing. ​​ Ultimately, if I call myself a Believer, my life should reflect the character of one who is following Christ. ​​ It truly is an honor to live for Him; a privilege to be a Christian and to uphold the laws of God.

1Peter 2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Consider. ​​ We may not be able to avoid suffering as a Christian, however we must avoid sin which causes suffering. ​​ We must be purposed and intentioned to act according to God’s ways. ​​ The emphasis is that we make a point of doing the right thing at all times. ​​ You can gather that this behavior does not always automatically happen. ​​ If we are unprepared and have our head somewhere up in the clouds, then we are likely to act without thinking. ​​ Unless we are mindful of doing what pleases God, we will naturally do what pleases our self and senses. ​​ We will answer criticism with harsh words and may even show our anger with physical gestures. ​​ Think of a child stomping their foot or someone clenching their fists.

The apostle addresses specific problems prevalent to the culture and lifestyle he saw around him. ​​ These were the obvious pitfalls at that time. ​​ This does not mean other forms of sin are excluded. ​​ In other words, we may be able to say we are not a murderer, thief, evildoer, or troublesome meddler; but this does not negate the general application of Peter’s admonition. ​​ Our words and actions should glorify God’s name.

We’ll quickly go through each defined behavior listed so that we are complete in our study. ​​ Murderer​​ is exactly what we would think – it is homicide; an unlawful killing of another human being. ​​ A​​ thief​​ is someone who steals, who rips off another person, who takes something without the owner’s consent. ​​ An​​ evildoer​​ is a general term encompassing the first two descriptions of murderer and thief – basically we are not​​ to​​ be part of anything that will cause the hand of justice to come down upon us. ​​ This would include any criminal act, someone who is wicked or guilty of injustice and wrong. ​​ When we suffer as an evildoer, we choose to go against public law; punishment is our own fault, it is deserved.​​ 

If we repeatedly and intentionally go against God, we must take a critical look at our own heart motivation. ​​ Someone living for God will seek to glorify Him in all things. ​​ We will make mistakes and at times fail in our thoughts and actions, but this will not be our lifestyle. ​​ Instead, we will be characterized by seeking to follow God, asking forgiveness when we fail. ​​ 

Think! ​​​​ How are you doing? ​​ Are your words and actions – including attitude and thoughts – pleasing to God?

Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.

Mark 7:21 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

The last action we are warned against in 1Peter 4:15 is being a​​ ‘troublesome meddler’. ​​​​ Basically, this is being a busybody in other people’s affairs. ​​ This may hit a bit closer to home. ​​ Whereas we might easily consider ourselves having no problems with purposefully breaking the law, most of us have at one time or another meddled with other’s concerns. ​​ Being a troublesome meddler is inspecting someone else’s decisions, often at the expense of paying attention to our own. ​​ Consider your thoughts, are they filled with things that don’t really concern you? ​​ Do you involve yourself in the matters of others, and tell them how to​​ manage​​ things?

We are not here to judge others; God does the judging. ​​ We are not here to point out all the injustices we see, especially those of unbelievers. ​​ We are not to be consumed with letting others know how they might have done better. ​​​​ Let’s not become so consumed with figuring out the intentions of others that we neglect to be mindful of our own. ​​​​ Have you been in a situation where someone shares gossip in the form of a prayer request or concern? ​​ Often, we do not need all the details of a circumstance dumped on us. ​​ Consider asking yourself what the purpose is of sharing something? ​​ Is it to edify or build up or to make yourself look better or injure someone’s​​ reputation?

1Th 4:11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,

2Th 3:11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

1Ti 5:13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

Our text moves on to verse 16, explaining how we are to respond to suffering as a Christian.

1Peter 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

The words​​ ‘but if’​​ suggest it is​​ possible​​ that Christians will suffer. ​​ Let’s look at what is meant by​​ suffering as a Christian. ​​​​ Most of us would be able to place a definition on suffering, although how we might define suffering is probably a bit different and less intrusive than what was experienced when this epistle was written. ​​ This same word for ‘suffer’ is used in Acts 1:3, and is translated “passion”, of the suffering of Christ. ​​ Christians were persecuted directly because of their faith. ​​ The Jews had been subject to the​​ Law and​​ had built up a hierarchy of priests and religious leaders. ​​ Anyone contradicting the long-accepted sacrifices and rituals was seen as a threat. ​​ In fact, to say the Law was no longer needed was a direct contempt against Judaism. ​​ Yet Christ had come to abolish the Law and those who had left Judaism understood that faith alone in His death and resurrection was the only way to be saved. ​​ If you step back for a moment and place yourself in this volatile environment, you can almost feel the clashing of beliefs.

At this time in American society, we are not forced to follow one belief or another. ​​ We still have the freedom to choose Biblical Christianity without experiencing much discrimination, if any. ​​ Yet, in small ways, consider how you might experience difficulty because you are a Christian. ​​ Perhaps you have felt ostracized by friends or family because you no longer accept the same traditions. ​​ Even worse, you follow the Bible as your guide for living and there are clear instructions on what is right and wrong – many of which do not fit our culture today. ​​ In any case, whether​​ we are speaking of​​ Christians of old or modern-day, we are​​ not to be ashamed​​ of who we are and who we follow.

How would you describe someone who is ashamed? ​​ Looking up the definition in our English dictionary, we read it is “someone who is embarrassed or guilty because of their actions”. ​​ If we are innocent, there is no need to hang our head low or hide.  ​​​​ Now consider, if we are​​ utterly convinced​​ Jesus is our Lord and Savior and that He is the only way to our redemption, then why would we be embarrassed? ​​ Why would we feel guilty? ​​ ‘Ashamed’ translated from the original text, means ‘to have a feeling of fear or shame which​​ prevents a person from doing a thing’. ​​ This definition also holds the possibility of being ashamed before the Lord Jesus at His judgment seat or being ashamed of suffering as a Christian. ​​ Are we ashamed to be called a Believer? ​​ This begs us to contemplate if we are truly sold out to Christ. ​​ When push comes to shove, where do we stand? ​​ What do we proclaim? ​​ Have you ever backed away from an opportunity because of fear of what someone might think of you?

“But is to glorify God in this name.” ​​​​ We are to glorify God in our representation of Him. ​​ This means He is praised, and He is honored; His attributes, His actions and His name are lifted high. ​​ It is often easy for us to think ‘out of sight, out of mind’ when it comes to our decisions and the words we share. ​​ We seemingly think we place God in a pocket only to be taken out when we desire His blessings or need His intervention. ​​ It is good for us to remember there is never a moment in which we are separated from God in our relationship with Him. ​​ We are not to be ashamed of God – who He is and what He has done. ​​ We should be ashamed when our fear of man takes precedence over our representation of Jesus. ​​ We should be ashamed when we choose to follow a path of sin rather than live pleasing to our Savior. ​​ This is what the Apostle Peter was trying to get across to those who were suffering because of their faith. ​​ We cannot control the responses and actions of​​ others,​​ but we can trust in God’s strength which allows us to represent Him well, through good times and the not-so-good times. ​​ Adversity allows us an opportunity to give glory to God’s name as we stand firm in our faith and pursue righteousness. ​​ God’s​​ holiness​​ sets a standard for us to follow.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Revelation 15:4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? ​​ For You alone are holy; for​​ ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED.”

1Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be​​ glorified​​ through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. ​​ Amen.

​​ Why do you call yourself a Christian? ​​ A Christian is a Christ-follower. ​​ Each of us is identified by the name given to us at birth. ​​ Many of us are identified by our strengths, likes, talents, character, and position. ​​ If you were to make a list of those things which would describe you, what would we read? ​​ Would Christian, Believer, God’s child, be at the top of your list? ​​ In fact, being a Christian should not only be at the top of our list but should be the overriding value of everything else which describes our character. ​​ We are to live in Christ;​​ “Yet not I but through Christ in me”.

 Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Humility in the Face of False Accusations.

Our example is to keep on committing ourselves and circumstances to God.

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 Jesus surrendered His cause to God.

1Peter 2:23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no​​ threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously;

Hebrews 12:3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.

“To avoid evil tempers, and the uneasiness and danger of avenging ourselves, it is a great advantage in all such cases to be able to refer our cause to God, and to be assured that the Judge of all the earth will do right”,​​ Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Considering the obvious application of not returning harsh words for those received, I would think we all have something to work on! ​​ Even if we do not verbalize our remarks, the thoughts we have which are odious towards others make us guilty.

Jesus was accused, although He was innocent, by those in authority in​​ the face of many present. ​​ Think of the public humiliation and shame thrown at Him, yet He did not return insults or even answer harshly. ​​ He did not seek revenge but instead prayed for their forgiveness. ​​ He committed all things to God knowing that God would exact justice.

It is impossible for man to attain a position of perfect holiness. ​​ So even in that rare instance of wrong accusation, reproach for something is probably deserved. ​​ Our fight must be to remain as holy as possible, following the example​​ set before us so that any accusation brought against us has no merit. ​​ The concern we should concentrate on is to seek to prove our genuine faith in humility before our gracious and forgiving God.

How should you respond when you meet with false accusations, harsh words, and unfair treatment?​​ 

Keeping some truths before us will help in our response –

We are worthy only because of Christ – being reminded of this helps to pull down the inflated picture we have of ourselves,

Our value and confidence rest in His​​ claim on us – not because of any claim we might have, 

Our hope is in God’s righteousness and perfect judgment – He alone sees all things exactly as they are and He alone is worthy to bless or condemn,

We are to be an example of His holiness in all our behavior – regardless of the circumstance or even perceived atrocities against us. ​​ We need to remember love is unconditional; We are called to forgive without limitations.

It is entirely God’s right to use His children as He wills for His glory. ​​ Our humble​​ submission to His will proves our genuine love for Him. ​​ When we are wronged, responding rightly gives glory to God. ​​ This is not an excuse for individuals to mistreat others, but it is an opportunity for God’s children to grow in holiness.

 Psalm 37:5-8​​ Commit your way to the​​ LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. ​​ And He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. ​​ Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in​​ his way,​​ because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. ​​ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret, [it leads] only to evildoing. ​​ For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

Jesus entrusted Himself to God,​​ “who although He commands His people to manifest a Christian spirit towards all, will nevertheless condemn and punish those who oppress or injure them”,​​ Family Bible Notes.

 Read Matthew 25:40-46.

Judgement is God’s call alone – He is the only One who​​ is completely righteous and sees all things as they truly are. ​​ When I consider what my submissiveness should look like, my mind goes to a familiar snapshot of what it should not look like. ​​ Picture someone who must have the ‘last word’. ​​ In the following​​ verse, read how Scripture teaches against this.

Titus 2:9-10 [Urge] bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing,​​ not argumentative,​​ not pilfering, but showing all good faith​​ that they may adorn the doctrine of God​​ our Savior in every respect.

The phrase ‘not argumentative’ means not answering back, not disputing, not contradicting, not speaking against. ​​ And look at the purpose of this instruction – so that the doctrine of our Savior in all things might be adorned.​​ ​​ 

Think!​​ ​​ What type of behavior attracts others​​ towards​​ the beauty of God’s truths?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary​​ notes,​​ “Leave your case in His hands, not desiring to make Him executioner of your revenge, but rather praying for enemies. ​​ God’s righteous judgment gives tranquility and consolation to the oppressed”.

Ephesians 6:7-8 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,​​ knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. ​​ It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Notice the words, ‘but​​ kept entrusting Himself’. ​​​​ Our example is to​​ keep on​​ committing ourselves and circumstances to God. ​​ This is to be a continuous practice, not a ‘one and done’ deal.​​ 

I love what is shared in​​ Spurgeon’s Devotional Commentary,​​ “What an example! ​​ May the Holy Spirit enable us to imitate it. ​​ He was the paragon of patience, the mirror of endurance. ​​ He was absolutely perfect, and yet was infinitely a sufferer, but he never complained, or resented wrong. ​​ Master of Patience, teach thy disciples”.

Perhaps you pray these same words I pray –

“O Lord, keep my thoughts holy, my actions helpful, and my words encouraging, and when necessary, keep my ears deaf and my mouth silent”. ​​​​ I want to think of those things that are right, good, and true. ​​ I want to always be mindful of serving others rather​​ than self in my actions and conversation. ​​ I do not need to hear or know every detail of circumstances and I absolutely do not need to share what I think at every instance.

1Peter 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Jesus offered Himself up to carry the burden of our sin so that we who were dead in our transgressions would be made righteous through Him. ​​ Only by His suffering are we healed.

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. ​​​​ But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our​​ well-being [fell] upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. ​​​​ All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

We can either focus on the difficult circumstances​​ we may face, or we can remember the incredible gift we have received from Jesus. ​​ Because of Him, we are no longer under the power and control of sin. ​​ Because of Him we are purposed to righteousness. ​​ Remember who Peter was writing to – those who were being treated unfairly and persecuted. ​​ The truth they now followed was different than what they had seen practiced. ​​ The high priests in the Jewish culture had regularly offered sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people. ​​ These sacrifices needed to be repeated again and again. ​​ The Gentiles had not even been considered as God’s people.

​​ 1Peter 2:10 for you once were​​ NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are​​ THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had​​ NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have​​ RECEIVED MERCY.

In​​ contrast, Jesus offered Himself as the One perfect sacrifice for​​ all​​ mankind, the only complete fulfillment of the debt owed. ​​ Even in difficulties, these converts were reminded to follow Jesus’ example and patiently endure just as He did for them. ​​ The same is true for us today.

Is your focus on the problems which permeate our world or on the greater purpose of salvation through the Gospel? ​​ 

Look up Romans 6:1-23.

Colossians 1:21-22 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, [engaged] in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--

John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

1Peter 2:25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

We were once straying like sheep; we are now under the care of the Shepherd. ​​ To go astray means to roam from safety or truth, to be deceived, to err, to be seduced or delusional. ​​ We were weak and under the guise of the deception of sin. ​​ In this position​​ we had no hope but to stray from Truth. ​​ Following the tradition of laws and the idols of men offers no hope for the future. ​​ This message was one that needed to be heard then and now. ​​ The Apostle Peter offered a reminder and encouragement with his words of belonging to​​ the Shepherd and Guardian of souls.

Remember who we are without Jesus – straying sheep. ​​ We walk away from safety and Truth. ​​ We are easily deceived and seduced by the world.

Ezekiel 34:6 "My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill, and My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth; and there was no one to search or seek [for them.]"

Because of Christ, we have been rescued and returned to His care.  ​​​​ The reference of Christ as the Guardian of your soul, places His children directly under His care and charge. ​​ This is Whom you can place your complete hope and trust.

“It follows that the welfare of the soul may be committed to him with confidence. ​​ It is the object of his special guardianship, and he will not be unfaithful to the trust reposed in him. ​​ There is nothing more safe than the human soul is when it is committed in faith to the keeping of the Son of God”,​​ Albert Barnes’ NT Notes.

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Read God’s promise to the​​ nation of Israel –​​ Ezekiel 34:11-15​​ 

 

This is the Gospel of God’s grace.

We are saved from –

Danger to Protection,

  Death to Life,​​ 

Wandering to Purpose, and

  Despair to Hope.

 

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

To say I am convinced in the above verse means ‘I am able, by the evidence and authority of God before me, to depend on with certainty and confidence’ that Jesus is my Example, my Defender, and my Protector.

How do we respond to 1 Peter 2:21-25?

  • With a heart of gratitude, commitment, and faithfulness

  • Seeking to live righteously causing no offense towards others, patiently and​​ quietly enduring unfair treatment

  • Looking to our eternal future

  • Placing complete and constant trust in the One who knows all things, has endured all things, and will one day cause all things and persons to bow at the feet of His throne.

 

Philippians2:9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus​​ EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Revelation 5:13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, [be] blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

“But now ye are, by divine grace, recovered and turned again to him who bears the important and tender character of the great Shepherd and Bishop of your souls, who has graciously received you under his pastoral care, and will maintain that inspection over you which shall be your continued security from returning to those fatal wanderings; and the sense of this may cheer and comfort you under any oppression or injuries to which you may be exposed”,​​ Philip Doddridge.

Philippians 2:5-8 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,​​ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men. ​​​​ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

 Because of God’s love, because of His grace and mercy, we are saved, we are cared for, we​​ are protected, and we are kept.

The Delusion of a Deserved Soul

It’s so common to separate people into categories and then point out what’s wrong with thinking that is not in agreement with your own. Aren’t we all desiring of kindness, generosity, and acceptance from others?

After several minutes of watching the latest news on the devastation of hurricanes in Texas, the direct hit over several Caribbean Islands, and soon to make landfall in Florida, two responses of those affected kept repeating themselves.
One type of response was clearly thankfulness for survival, and the other a resentment to the change in upcoming plans. People upset because airports have cancelled flights due to dangerous conditions and damage. Tempers flaring because rooms are full at hotels. Then, you have the ones who are just thankful to be alive and already out there helping to make right a catastrophe.
The human mind. So capable of selfishness; so capable of generosity. It seems so many of us have forgotten what we truly deserve. Or at least, we don’t address it. What do we deserve? The quick answer is ‘nothing, we deserve nothing’. The right answer is death, we deserve physical and spiritual death.
It’s so common to separate people into categories and then point out what’s wrong with thinking that is not in agreement with your own. Aren’t we all desiring of kindness, generosity, and acceptance from others? The Bible says we are created in God’s own image. Who came along and decided in man’s eyes what that image should look like?
Selfish thinking puts me first. Above all others, on the throne in my soul. It sometimes even treads over others to build our precious kingdom of self filled with imaginative rights to protect. Selfishness is being concerned chiefly or exclusively with oneself. It’s looking to your own advantage while choosing to remain unconcerned about others. Is that how you want to be described? Are you delusional with the belief that all existence centers on you for your benefit? What do you believe you deserve?
Re 3:17 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
Le 19:18 ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
I wonder what would happen if complaints about what we lost, or not getting what we think is due, was looked at with an eye of understanding, thankfulness and love.
People are suffering because of nature’s fury. How important are your plans that anger is permissible when flights are cancelled or cruises are shortened or hotels are full – all as a result of something we can’t control? If we have the mindset that these things are undeserved, but rather gifts, we may find ourselves more concerned about loving others and looking to their needs.