OHBC Bible Study: 1 Peter 4:12-19
UNWAVERING FAITH DURING FIERY TRIALS
1 Peter 4:12-19
1 Peter 4:12-19
As we approach 1 Peter 4:12-19, we can reflect on previous passages on how Peter develops his message, “Christ gives hope during difficult days.” Peter develops this theme in two movements. First, Peter informs his readers that their hope is in Christ Jesus (1:1—2:12). He states how grace and peace can be the believer’s anchor as they claim their hope (1:3-12), walk in holiness (1:13-25), and grow in Christ (2:1-12). In the second movement, Peter exhorts his readers to have hopeful living despite the reality of suffering (2:13—4:11). He urges his readers to submit to various authorities (2:13—3:7), to be humble in spirit (3:8-22), to be armed with perseverance (4:1-6), and to glorify God in all things (4:7-11). These principles become the key to living for Christ in an ungodly world. It is looking to Christ, our example and hope in times of suffering. The second movement ends with a doxology of praise, reminding every believer that what they do, say, think, and experience should be done to the glory of God in Christ Jesus.
Peter wrote this letter to Christians who faced difficult circumstances such as undeserved persecution, unfair treatment, and unexpected calamities. As Peter concludes this section, he revisits the theme of hope in times of suffering, giving practical insights on surviving the fiery ordeals of life in Christ Jesus. Peter encourages all of us to focus on God’s grace and to rejoice, turning our attention toward a firm hope through faith (v. 19).
BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE:
I. Christian Suffering Is Expected (1 Peter 4:12-13)
A. Peter begins with a term of affection: “Beloved.” As he confronts believers with the reality of suffering for their faith, Peter reminds them of his and the Lord’s love for them. With the logical conjunction “therefore,” Paul says in essence, “Now, in light of everything just said about Christ, I [Peter] will provide believers with practical conclusions.”
B. Peter’s term for “fiery trial” (pyrosis) refers to an agonizing burning fire experience. He has in mind a particular circumstance that his readers are enduring: “fiery trial when it comes upon you.” We do not know the precise details of their trial.
C. Peter gives us two appropriate responses to these agonizing trials.
1. Do not be surprised (v. 12).
2. Rejoice, for we share Christ’s suffering (v. 13).
D. Sharing in the sufferings of Christ results in (a) joy with Christ (1 Pet 1:6), (b) fellowship with Him (Phil 3:10), (c) being glorified with Him (Rom 8:17), and reigning with Him (2 Tim 2:12).
II. Christian Suffering Should Be Embraced (1 Peter 4:14)
A. Fiery trials provide an opportunity to draw upon divine power. Peter again referred to Jesus’s teaching (Matt 5:11).
B. The world insults Christians, for Christ’s sake. The Father blesses Christians for Christ’s sake.
C. When the world insults you for your faith in Christ, the glory of God rests upon you through the Holy Spirit. In verse 11, Peter gives two examples of “profitable” service by selecting two gifts from a broad list—a speaking gift and a serving gift. His point is that we should treat our giftedness as a unique responsibility and honor, relying on God’s strength and never forgetting that the message we proclaim is His message, not ours.
III. Christian Suffering in Contrast (1 Peter 4:15)
A. Avoid sinful suffering. Peter stressed that persecution was no excuse for lawlessness.
B. This list falls into two categories: criminal offenses and social offenses.
C. When the world insults you for your faith in Christ, the glory of God rests upon you through the Holy Spirit. In verse 11, Peter gives two examples of “profitable” service by selecting two gifts from a broad list—a speaking gift and a serving gift. His point is that we should treat our giftedness as a unique responsibility and honor, relying on God’s strength and never forgetting that the message we proclaim is His message, not ours.
IV. Christian Suffering to Exemplify (1 Peter 4:16)
A. If we are suffering as Christians because of our righteousness, then this suffering should in no way cause us to feel shame.
B. Though we use the word “Christian” freely and commonly today, the name appears only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26, 26:29, and 1 Pet 4:16).
C. You can do wrong and suffer, but you can also do right and suffer. Peter says that if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed. If a Christian suffers because he or she bears the name of Christ in word and deed, there is no reason for shame. Peter says such suffering should be viewed as an honor and a privilege.
V. Christian Suffering Is Essential (1 Peter 4:17-18)
A. Peter reminds believers that suffering is usually timely and necessary.
B. Suffering is a tool God uses to sanctify, cleanse, and refine His people. Peter says, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God” (v. 17a). Knowing God cares enough about His children to reprove and discipline them to bring them to maturity in Christ should encourage us.
C. Holiness is a defining attribute of God; therefore, He cannot overlook sin, even among His children. Thus, there are times when judgment comes to the household of God. The judgment of God’s house is purifying, not punitive (Ps 119:67, 71).
D. Peter adds a statement of what will happen to unbelievers. In verse 18, Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 (see also Heb 12:7).
VI. Christian Suffering Is According to God’s Will (1 Peter 4:19)
A. Christians must maintain absolute confidence in God’s goodness and power. Because God is all-powerful, we know that no trial can be beyond His control (Deut 31:8; Job 14:27; Ps 19:21; 24:1; Isa 55:8-9; Phil 4:6).
B. We can also be sure that God is all-good. His will is to mature us, not destroy us. This is why Peter reminds us that God is a “faithful Creator.” He is all-powerful and all-good at all times.
C. Verse 19 summarizes everything 1 Peter teaches about Christian suffering. It is according to God’s will. Christian suffering is not accidental or incidental. Nothing happens outside of God’s plan, purpose, and pleasure.
D. If it is God’s will for you to suffer, entrust yourself to Him. The verb is a banking term that means to trust what is valuable in the hands of another. This verse is the only New Testament verse that calls God “Creator.” Creation emphasizes God’s omnipotent, sovereign, and transcendent will.
Conclusion:
The tests and trials that Christians face are never wasted or purposeless. God has designed a specific curriculum for each of His children that is purposed to bring about the virtuous character of Christ in us. Tests and trials are prerequisites to Christlikeness. When faced with life’s struggles, Christians should rejoice because God is faithful and will keep His promises. This truth about God’s faithfulness leads to a specific action: rest in Him. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Peter wrote this letter to Christians who faced difficult circumstances such as undeserved persecution, unfair treatment, and unexpected calamities. As Peter concludes this section, he revisits the theme of hope in times of suffering, giving practical insights on surviving the fiery ordeals of life in Christ Jesus. Peter encourages all of us to focus on God’s grace and to rejoice, turning our attention toward a firm hope through faith (v. 19).
BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE:
I. Christian Suffering Is Expected (1 Peter 4:12-13)
A. Peter begins with a term of affection: “Beloved.” As he confronts believers with the reality of suffering for their faith, Peter reminds them of his and the Lord’s love for them. With the logical conjunction “therefore,” Paul says in essence, “Now, in light of everything just said about Christ, I [Peter] will provide believers with practical conclusions.”
B. Peter’s term for “fiery trial” (pyrosis) refers to an agonizing burning fire experience. He has in mind a particular circumstance that his readers are enduring: “fiery trial when it comes upon you.” We do not know the precise details of their trial.
C. Peter gives us two appropriate responses to these agonizing trials.
1. Do not be surprised (v. 12).
2. Rejoice, for we share Christ’s suffering (v. 13).
D. Sharing in the sufferings of Christ results in (a) joy with Christ (1 Pet 1:6), (b) fellowship with Him (Phil 3:10), (c) being glorified with Him (Rom 8:17), and reigning with Him (2 Tim 2:12).
II. Christian Suffering Should Be Embraced (1 Peter 4:14)
A. Fiery trials provide an opportunity to draw upon divine power. Peter again referred to Jesus’s teaching (Matt 5:11).
B. The world insults Christians, for Christ’s sake. The Father blesses Christians for Christ’s sake.
C. When the world insults you for your faith in Christ, the glory of God rests upon you through the Holy Spirit. In verse 11, Peter gives two examples of “profitable” service by selecting two gifts from a broad list—a speaking gift and a serving gift. His point is that we should treat our giftedness as a unique responsibility and honor, relying on God’s strength and never forgetting that the message we proclaim is His message, not ours.
III. Christian Suffering in Contrast (1 Peter 4:15)
A. Avoid sinful suffering. Peter stressed that persecution was no excuse for lawlessness.
B. This list falls into two categories: criminal offenses and social offenses.
C. When the world insults you for your faith in Christ, the glory of God rests upon you through the Holy Spirit. In verse 11, Peter gives two examples of “profitable” service by selecting two gifts from a broad list—a speaking gift and a serving gift. His point is that we should treat our giftedness as a unique responsibility and honor, relying on God’s strength and never forgetting that the message we proclaim is His message, not ours.
IV. Christian Suffering to Exemplify (1 Peter 4:16)
A. If we are suffering as Christians because of our righteousness, then this suffering should in no way cause us to feel shame.
B. Though we use the word “Christian” freely and commonly today, the name appears only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26, 26:29, and 1 Pet 4:16).
C. You can do wrong and suffer, but you can also do right and suffer. Peter says that if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed. If a Christian suffers because he or she bears the name of Christ in word and deed, there is no reason for shame. Peter says such suffering should be viewed as an honor and a privilege.
V. Christian Suffering Is Essential (1 Peter 4:17-18)
A. Peter reminds believers that suffering is usually timely and necessary.
B. Suffering is a tool God uses to sanctify, cleanse, and refine His people. Peter says, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God” (v. 17a). Knowing God cares enough about His children to reprove and discipline them to bring them to maturity in Christ should encourage us.
C. Holiness is a defining attribute of God; therefore, He cannot overlook sin, even among His children. Thus, there are times when judgment comes to the household of God. The judgment of God’s house is purifying, not punitive (Ps 119:67, 71).
D. Peter adds a statement of what will happen to unbelievers. In verse 18, Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31 (see also Heb 12:7).
VI. Christian Suffering Is According to God’s Will (1 Peter 4:19)
A. Christians must maintain absolute confidence in God’s goodness and power. Because God is all-powerful, we know that no trial can be beyond His control (Deut 31:8; Job 14:27; Ps 19:21; 24:1; Isa 55:8-9; Phil 4:6).
B. We can also be sure that God is all-good. His will is to mature us, not destroy us. This is why Peter reminds us that God is a “faithful Creator.” He is all-powerful and all-good at all times.
C. Verse 19 summarizes everything 1 Peter teaches about Christian suffering. It is according to God’s will. Christian suffering is not accidental or incidental. Nothing happens outside of God’s plan, purpose, and pleasure.
D. If it is God’s will for you to suffer, entrust yourself to Him. The verb is a banking term that means to trust what is valuable in the hands of another. This verse is the only New Testament verse that calls God “Creator.” Creation emphasizes God’s omnipotent, sovereign, and transcendent will.
Conclusion:
The tests and trials that Christians face are never wasted or purposeless. God has designed a specific curriculum for each of His children that is purposed to bring about the virtuous character of Christ in us. Tests and trials are prerequisites to Christlikeness. When faced with life’s struggles, Christians should rejoice because God is faithful and will keep His promises. This truth about God’s faithfulness leads to a specific action: rest in Him. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Posted in Bible Studies
Recent
Archive
2025
March