May 16, 2025
In chapter 4, Peter’s purpose is to encourage his readers and also to warn them of a fiery trial that the Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia were facing. Likewise, many Christians today are experiencing persecution.
While believers in America have not experienced intense persecution that might lead to death, we face the real possibility of being marginalized and being the brunt of jokes. We must, however, be prepared for the possibility that Christians in our nation may experience intense pressure.
Peter claimed that the fiery ordeal his readers experienced was not unusual.
Peter challenged his readers not to be surprised when Christians face difficult trials because of their faith. Rather than being surprised, Christians should rejoice because they share in Christ’s suffering.
The persecution experienced by Christians can result in positive outcomes.
First, persecuted Christians can rejoice because they share in the suffering of Christ, who was persecuted. Second, all Christians will rejoice when Jesus’ glory is revealed at the Second Coming. Third, Peter claimed that ridicule “for the name of Christ” is a blessing because the Holy Spirit rests on these believers.
Nonbelievers in the first century were not comfortable with the high ethical standards of Christians. New Testament scholar Robert Mounce said, “The lack of opposition to the 20th century Church should be a matter of concern. Has the secular world grown more tolerant of religious people, or have we failed to take the claims of Christ with sufficient seriousness? Has the Church become little more than a country club with a steeple?”
Persecution reveals the genuineness of faith. As fire separates gold from dross, trials separate believers from pretenders. Why are believers often surprised when they face opposition toward their faith?
Peter acknowledged that there is a negative and positive side of Christian suffering.
Christians must not suffer because of criminal activity such as murder or stealing. Nor should we be meddlers, who are busybodies who interfere in the affairs of others. Participation in any of these activities hurts the cause of Christ.
We can sometimes experience suffering as a Christian because we live a life that does not exalt Christ. However, suffering persecution because of allegiance to Christ is not shameful, but instead brings glory to God.
God is a judge. Peter stated that the time of judgment of God’s household had arrived. God’s judgment of the Church is not for the punishment of sin but for the purpose of purifying the Church.
God, however, will judge not only the Church but also those who disobey the gospel. Peter quoted Proverbs 11:31 as Scripture support for his argument: “If the righteous will be repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and sinful.”
Peter affirmed that suffering is the opportune time to entrust oneself to a faithful Creator.
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This lesson was written by Mark Rathel, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Explore the Bible curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
