1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Ah Friends, it’s certainly a rough and cruel world that we inhabit, but ‘dem’s jes the breaks.’ As Frank Sinatra crooned, ‘That’s life!’ And as followers of Jesus, we know that we’ll experience some tribulation, because our modus operandi doesn’t jive with that of the fallen world. Jesus wants us to live by and through His Holy Spirit which definitely runs counter to that of the world and its fleshly lusts. So on that basis alone, we know there’ll be problems, not even considering our normal, everyday trials. However, compared to the early Christians whom Peter is addressing, we have it rather easy. In their time the faith was still new, with lots of opposition and persecution, so they needed to be exceedingly strong to withstand the tribulation that was very likely to befall them. Not many of us today are put in jail, stoned or thrown to savage beasts simply because of our theological belief. But for those early believers that was a real possibility, consequently they needed lots of encouragement and assurance to stand strong under less than favourable circumstances. That’s why Peter said; ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice,’ Hn! That’s easier said than done, even in our more enlightened, less oppressive times. I’m sure Peter didn’t realize that in later centuries, the fiery trial he talked about figuratively would be applied to many believers when they were burned at the stake. But Friends, remember that Jesus said He’s overcome the world, conquered it through His Birth, Death and Resurrection, so we need not worry about that any longer. On those grounds, Peter could well declare, ‘But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.’ Oh Friends, I know it sounds tough, but instead of viewing it from the negative trials and tribulations of this life, take the long term view of the rewards; of salvation, of eternal life with Jesus when He returns in all His triumphant majesty and glory. Just keep that day in your mind’s eye, and it should make all the trials easier to bear. It’s certainly one of those times when the rewards justify the suffering. James advised: ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.’ (James 1:2-3) That’s one way of dealing with the unfortunate things that befall us; consider them patience builders, faith testers, for on many occasions that’s exactly why the Lord allows them in our lives. He’s either testing our faith, to see if we’re ready for promotion, or building it. And Friends, sadistic as it sounds, there’s no better faith builder than tribulation. Also, since we, as believers, have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us, Jesus expects us to be good stewards of the Father’s grace. Bruh Paul solemnly told Timothy; ‘Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.’ (2 Tim.2:9-10) Yes People, Bruh Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment and other abuse, so that he could get the gospel to others and also set an example of persistence and fortitude for the new believers. We ought to do likewise. Not necessarily risk imprisonment for our beliefs, but if it turns out that way, then we should be strong and bear it with God’s grace. ‘It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim.2:11-13) Yes Friends, that’s the prescription for being a good soldier of Christ; accept trials with faith and humility, so that our names will be emblazoned in the Lamb’s Book of Life when the day of reckoning arrives. On that glorious day, when the trumpet calls up yonder, all the ‘sufferation’ we’ve endured in His Name will be worth it as he greets us with open arms, and proudly says; ‘Welcome, thou good and faithful servant!" Oh Friends, what a day that will be! Let’s aim for that reward nuh people. Much LOVE!…when the trumpet sounds up yonder…we’ll be there…when the trumpet sounds up yonder…yes…we’ll be there…
Ah Friends, it’s certainly a rough and cruel world that we inhabit, but ‘dem’s jes the breaks.’ As Frank Sinatra crooned, ‘That’s life!’ And as followers of Jesus, we know that we’ll experience some tribulation, because our modus operandi doesn’t jive with that of the fallen world. Jesus wants us to live by and through His Holy Spirit which definitely runs counter to that of the world and its fleshly lusts. So on that basis alone, we know there’ll be problems, not even considering our normal, everyday trials. However, compared to the early Christians whom Peter is addressing, we have it rather easy. In their time the faith was still new, with lots of opposition and persecution, so they needed to be exceedingly strong to withstand the tribulation that was very likely to befall them. Not many of us today are put in jail, stoned or thrown to savage beasts simply because of our theological belief. But for those early believers that was a real possibility, consequently they needed lots of encouragement and assurance to stand strong under less than favourable circumstances. That’s why Peter said; ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice,’ Hn! That’s easier said than done, even in our more enlightened, less oppressive times. I’m sure Peter didn’t realize that in later centuries, the fiery trial he talked about figuratively would be applied to many believers when they were burned at the stake. But Friends, remember that Jesus said He’s overcome the world, conquered it through His Birth, Death and Resurrection, so we need not worry about that any longer. On those grounds, Peter could well declare, ‘But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.’ Oh Friends, I know it sounds tough, but instead of viewing it from the negative trials and tribulations of this life, take the long term view of the rewards; of salvation, of eternal life with Jesus when He returns in all His triumphant majesty and glory. Just keep that day in your mind’s eye, and it should make all the trials easier to bear. It’s certainly one of those times when the rewards justify the suffering. James advised: ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.’ (James 1:2-3) That’s one way of dealing with the unfortunate things that befall us; consider them patience builders, faith testers, for on many occasions that’s exactly why the Lord allows them in our lives. He’s either testing our faith, to see if we’re ready for promotion, or building it. And Friends, sadistic as it sounds, there’s no better faith builder than tribulation. Also, since we, as believers, have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us, Jesus expects us to be good stewards of the Father’s grace. Bruh Paul solemnly told Timothy; ‘Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even to bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.’ (2 Tim.2:9-10) Yes People, Bruh Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment and other abuse, so that he could get the gospel to others and also set an example of persistence and fortitude for the new believers. We ought to do likewise. Not necessarily risk imprisonment for our beliefs, but if it turns out that way, then we should be strong and bear it with God’s grace. ‘It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim.2:11-13) Yes Friends, that’s the prescription for being a good soldier of Christ; accept trials with faith and humility, so that our names will be emblazoned in the Lamb’s Book of Life when the day of reckoning arrives. On that glorious day, when the trumpet calls up yonder, all the ‘sufferation’ we’ve endured in His Name will be worth it as he greets us with open arms, and proudly says; ‘Welcome, thou good and faithful servant!" Oh Friends, what a day that will be! Let’s aim for that reward nuh people. Much LOVE!…when the trumpet sounds up yonder…we’ll be there…when the trumpet sounds up yonder…yes…we’ll be there…
SCRIP-BITS 