Carrying the Name
Opening Prayer
Holy Lord, I pray for Your forgiveness today and trust in Your mercy as I come to You now.
Read 1 PETER 4:12-18
[12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. [15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. [17] For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do you learn here about suffering as a Christian?There are only three uses of the word “Christian(s)” in the Bible, and here is one of them (16; see Acts 11:26; 26:28). The name was given by non-Christians and was not necessarily complimentary. Believers referred to themselves as “followers of the Way” (Acts 24:14). But here Peter encourages persecuted Christians to see the term as something to be proud of because it associates them with Christ. Any suffering that comes their way is a participation in the sufferings of Christ himself and should not come as a surprise (12,13). In fact, “the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (14) just as the Holy Spirit rested on Jesus before he entered his time of trial (see Luke 4:1).
Paul makes it clear that suffering because of wrongdoing (or he might have added: because of being rude, difficult, self-righteous or unsociable) is no more than we deserve (14,15). Suffering when we bear the name of Christ is a different matter. God can use it to put his family in order (17) and accomplish good things in and through us. The right response to suffering is to commit oneself to God and “continue to do good” (19).
Apply
If you’re suffering now, bring your requests and emotions to God now. Trust his good purposes (Rom. 8:28).
Closing prayer
Father, I do trust Your love and good purposes for me. Help me to remember that in the hard times.
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