This is an excerpt from Anchored Bible Study by Marian Jordan Ellis.
Peter probably wrote 1 Peter during the reign of Nero, whose persecution of Christians in and around Rome was horrific. In this letter he often referenced the suffering these early Christians were facing. Whether Peter was referring to reverberations from Nero's persecution reaching these believers, or local opposition, or empire-wide persecution that was on the horizon, he gave them a theological framework for suffering. His words also help equip us with truths that enable us to withstand fiery trials if or when they come upon us.
Suffering of any kind reminds us that we are looking forward to a day when there will be no more sin, sickness, death, or sorrow (Rev. 21:4). Until then, we need God's Word to teach us how to endure until the end.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away."
Revelation 21:4 CSB
In 1 Peter 4:12-13, Peter emphasized suffering caused by persecution. This kind of hardship could come in the form of verbal abuse, being slandered, ridiculed, or insulted because of your convictions. It could mean the loss of home or livelihood, or even being physically harmed or tortured because you worship Jesus. These truths from Peter will help us anchor our hearts to Jesus and remain steadfast in the storm.
Peter instructs us to not be surprised when we face the "fiery ordeal" of suffering. Instead, we should "rejoice as [we] share in the sufferings of Christ, so that [we] may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed" (vv. 12-13).
"12 Dear friends, don't be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. 13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed."
1 Peter 4:12-13 CSB
Satan, our adversary, still exists and stands in opposition to all things good and holy. Therefore, we should not be shocked when we experience the blows of the evil one. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:10-12 to expect the battle. In fact, He said we should rejoice and feel blessed when we suffer because "great reward" awaits us. And Peter echoed Jesus's words, reminding us that when we experience hardship we identify with Christ in His sufferings and are blessed to have the Holy Spirit "rest" on us, giving us comfort and strength to endure the trial.
Sometimes, we suffer because of our sinful choices. That was my experience before following Jesus. I couldn't blame Satan or anyone for the brokenness in my life; I was the one who chose to live in sin.
"10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
11 "You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."Matthew 5:10-12 CSB
Although suffering is a reality, the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, wants to make sure we don't suffer unnecessarily by living outside of God's will. Instead of suffering because of sin, we are to prepare ourselves to suffer for righteousness.
God's word gives us eternal perspective. We know the end of the story—this world is temporary, and the Lord has eternal blessings awaiting us. When we set our eyes on the promises of the Lord, we can stand firm as overcomers who glorify Him.
However, nothing tests our faith quite like suffering. It causes difficult questions to surface, like Why God? What did I do? Why is this happening to me? Therefore, a theological framework for suffering must include an unwavering trust in God.
In fact, 1 Peter 4:19 says that when we when we "suffer according to God's will, [we must] entrust [our]selves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good."
"So then, let those who suffer according to God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good."
1 Peter 4:19 CSB
Trust is a choice. We face the daily choice of where or to whom we will entrust our lives. Peter challenges us to "entrust our souls to a faithful Creator," believing that He is more than able to keep, guard, and carry us home. I love this Andrew Murray quote: "God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him."1
When we trust God amid suffering, we are yielding our lives to Him to be used for His glory. Surrender means we trust His will, even when we don't understand it. It also shows the world we believe God is both sovereign and good. Entrusting our lives into His faithful care is an act of worship that demonstrates our devotion to Jesus.
Glorifying God in suffering isn't about plastering on a fake smile or offering up empty platitudes, it is about truly entrusting your whole self to Christ. The joy that comes from surrender is supernatural. And the peace He brings with His presence can't be replicated by anything this world offers. Our hope as God's children is not an empty promise that we will never suffer, but the blessed reality that He is with us, carrying us, and using all that comes against us for our good and His glory.