Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19 KJV
Now, you may note that there is a striking similarity between the letter of Peter & the letter of James in that both Peter & James reflected on the immense joy that comes from suffering for Christ. James 1:2 says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, & Peter in 1 Peter 4:12-13 says, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 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.
I don’t know about you but as a Christian I am encouraged that no matter what my suffering is, my setback is, my hurt is that i will rejoice not in my strength but in God’s.
You see, Peter wrote this letter to encourage the early Christians to remain faithful while facing hostility and suffering. Some of you may know that the early Christians were persecuted for their faith/belief in Jesus. It is historically recorded that Christians were beaten, harassed, oppressed, ostracized, loose property as well as faced horrific executions. And it was it the midst of there tremendous sufferings that Peter urges the believers to embrace the mindset of Christ, while facing there suffering. In other words, Peter encouraged believers to have the right perspective on suffering. In that they don’t need to see suffering as just malicious or painful but as the opportunity to build resilience, and maintain a sense of purpose during their suffering. Because U see, whenever you are suffering what you usually see is the painful experience and nothing else. Why? because your focus is narrowed by the intensity of the pain, the intensity of the hurt and the intensity of the circumstances. And so, Peter wrote this letter to shift the believers focus from Trials to Triumph. Here are 3 reasons why i need to shift my perspective from trials to triumph
1). My perspective on trials is either propelling my growth or preventing my growth. 1 Peter 4:12; Job 23:10 KJV; Psalm 34:19; James 1:2-3
2). My Trials are not random punishments, but are tools used by God to build my character. Job 23:10; Matthew 5:11-13
3). I must recognize that all my trials are temporary not permanent.
1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 5:10