PODCAST
Suffering Strengths Of Our Faith
June 10th, 2021
1 Peter 4:12-19
Jesus’ revolutionary message in His Sermon on the Mount opens with volleys of blessings like firework mortars being shot into the air, exploding with a new and different kind of good news. Jesus says you are blessed when you’re insulted and have people say false things about you because of Him. He even says that we should rejoice and be glad!
This explosive good news that’s so counter-intuitive is shared by Peter in his letter: “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (v. 16). Notice, it’s not suffering because of your bad choices and immorality. It’s not suffering because you were meddling. Bearing the name of Jesus sets us in opposition to the spirit of the age, even if there are Christian elements found in society and culture. The spirit of the age is in direct opposition to the kingdom of God.
As we engage our world, the wounds of Christ will eventually become evident on His church. We’re called to be overjoyed? Yes; because we are living in the way of Jesus.
Author: Michael Scarlett
