Endure Suffering Effectively

INTRODUCTION

Have you noticed that it is very difficult to see the sunshine when the clouds are dark and heavy? Likewise, when one goes through suffering, it is very difficult to see God’s love. Suffering can make us wonder: How can I believe that God is good? Does God love me? Some Christians even choose to reject their faith after they have suffered. David said in Psalm 30:5 Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. There is hope for a Christian when you suffer, therefore we must endure suffering.

1 Peter 4:12-19

¹²Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

¹⁷For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” ¹⁹So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

CPT: In this passage, Peter is exhorting the believers at Rome on the aspect of Christian suffering. This text talks about the purpose of suffering and how a believer can endure suffering in this world.

CPS: Our suffering has a purpose; therefore, we must endure suffering effectively.

So the question is: How to endure suffering? Well, I am going to give you five practical tips to endure suffering effectively.

1 Peter was written late in the year 64 AD, a few months after the burning of Rome. Nero was the then Roman Emperor and he wanted someone to be blamed for the fire. Nero laid the blame on the Christians. So beginning 64, AD there was a widespread persecution of Christians. It is in that context that Peter is writing his epistle. So, Peter is writing then to believers who are suffering persecution.

The theme of suffering runs throughout this epistle. See the kinds of trials these believers went through. I am sure, we can identify ourselves with them.

1 Peter 1:6

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

1 Peter 2:12

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Accuse you of doing wrong.

1 Peter 2:19

¹⁹For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. ²⁰But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. Unjust suffering and suffer for doing good.

1 Peter 3:8

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. Evil and insult.

1 Peter 3:14

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. Suffer for doing what is right.

So the emphasis of Peter’s is unjust suffering, suffering in spite of doing good.

Five Principles To Endure Suffering Effectively

1. Suffering is inevitable in this world

1 Peter 4:12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

“Dear friends.” Peter is getting a little pastoral here. He is writing to Christians who were suffering under Nero. It is very difficult when we face suffering to know that there is a God and experience his love. We think, “God does not look like a loving God to me.” In the midst of suffering the enemy can tempt us like Job’s wife to curse God and die. So Peter is addressing them with a touch of pastoral love.

1 Peter 4:12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Don’t be shocked that life is difficult. Don’t be surprised when somebody is rude to you. When you don’t get that good review at work and your promotion is stalled, don’t be surprised. Christians must understand that suffering goes with the Christian faith.

Suffering has been brought to test us. Suffering proves the genuineness of the state of our Christianity. It purges our life for greater holiness. Therefore, suffering is inevitable in this world.

2. We must rejoice in suffering

1 Peter 4:13-14

¹³But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

If you are suffering for Christ, rejoice. When you suffer for doing good, rejoice.

Why do we Rejoice in suffering? Three reasons to rejoice.

1. Rejoice because you get to participate in the sufferings of Christ.

When you suffer you are participating in the sufferings of Christ.

2. Rejoice because you share in God’s glory.

1 Peter 3:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

God’s glory rested in the Tabernacle in the OT. Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory.

Therefore, the same presence of God that rested in the Tabernacle rests on us. The same presence of God that rested in Jesus rests on us when we go through suffering. So rejoice you share in God’s glory.

Matthew 5:11-12

¹¹Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

3. Rejoice because great is your reward in heaven.

ILLUSTRATION

When Bernie May was the head of Wycliffe Bible Translators he visited a young family in a Muslim nation. They had been there three years working with a people group of one hundred thousand people and no knowledge of Christ. This couple had three children under five years old. The baby was covered with chicken pox marks, some of which looked infected.

In the mission field, they are now, it is where the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius most of the year. The children are covered with bites; a war is going on close by; their helpers are in danger for being their friends. Many in the villages are suffering from hunger and disease. They have no community. No comfort of the Western or developed world.

Bernie had only been there three days and he was already beginning to feel the pressure of the mission field. Yet this dedicated young couple are laughing and joking and filled with the joy of the Lord.

Rejoice in your suffering. Let the joy of the Lord be in you.

3. We must evaluate our suffering

In other words, when you’re suffering take a look at why you are suffering.

1 Peter 4:15

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

There are four evils mentioned here that really are typical of an unsaved lifestyle. They are used to compare the character of unacceptable suffering.

Don’t suffer as a murderer. If you murder someone and you are put in prison, don’t complain. It is your fault. Don’t suffer as a thief. In general terms don’t suffer as a criminal.

Peter then adds one more criterion for an ungodly sufferer. Don’t suffer as a meddler.

Meddler is a person who is involved in someone’s matter without right or invitation. A person who interferes unwantedly. In other words, a person who is a busybody in other person’s matters or nosy people. I will give you some other scripture to get a feel of the meaning of meddler.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. In other words, “Mind your own business.” Paul in Thessalonians is talking about how you deal in society.

1 Timothy 5:13

Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. Here Paul is talking about how believer widows to deal. However, the same meaning is implied here in Peter in the world “meddler.”

You meddle in your company’s affairs, you meddle around with your boss, they know how to deal with you. If you meddle around with your family members, it will not go for long, you will be exposed and isolated. You meddle around with your friend’s life, or co-believer’s life, you will face persecution but don’t blame God for that. Mind your own business, you will have no trouble at all.

So, evaluate yourself: Why am I suffering? If you are living your Christian life, sharing Jesus in all opportunities you get, working quietly with your hand, and are a responsible citizen and member of the church and you still face suffering, you are suffering for righteousness’ sake. But if you are suffering because you forced your views on somebody or you meddled in somebody’s affair, you’ve stepped beyond your boundaries; you are suffering because of your nosiness.

So, evaluate your suffering.

1 Peter 4:16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. The implication is: If you’re suffering because you’re a murderer, you’re a thief, you’re a criminal of some kind, or you’re a meddler disrupting society, you should be ashamed. But if you suffer while you’re doing your job, living a quiet and peaceable life, minding your own business, honouring Jesus Christ, being the best citizen you can be, and proclaiming faithfully the gospel of Christ, and you suffer, you have no reason to be ashamed.

So we must evaluate your suffering.

4. Suffering Purifies The Church

1 Peter 4:17

For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

When we go through suffering as a community and individually, we are getting refined and purified.

Now Peter’s context is keeping the end of all things in mind.

1 Peter 4:7

The end of all things is near.

1 Peter 4:17

For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household.

Now, in Greek, there are two words for time: “cronos” and “kairos.” Cronos is the clock time. We begin the service at 9:30 am. Kairos is this is the time for the revival of the church, that is a season.

Peter says, “The end of all things is near. The end is near, it is the time for the end-time Judgement.” So, Peter says it is already time for judgment to begin. Where did it begin? It began on the cross when our sins were judged in Christ. And we are living in a season of judgment. The sufferings of Christians, then, are a part of God’s plan of a judgement that started on Christ. This judgement continues on the believers and culminates in the judgment of the world in the second coming.

But remember, when we as believers are judged, there is no condemnation. We are washed by the blood. We are only purified for the Kingdom by the sufferings here in body.

Now read this verse, you will get it:

1 Peter 4:17

For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Now, what’s it going to be like when He brings His final judgment on those who do not obey the gospel of God? Peter is saying, “It’s far better to endure suffering as the Lord purifies the church, and endure it with joy, than to endure suffering in the future which is eternal condemnation.”

Peter then gives a profound truth

1 Peter 4:18

And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Our salvation brings a hardship, a judgement, a disciplinary correction that keeps us from committing condemning sins. This happens until our death or the coming of the Lord. The righteous receive their due on earth. It is hard for the righteous to be saved. Can you imagine how terrible sin is that separates us from a holy God and that we still have to suffer the judgment of God. How much more will be the punishment for the ones who reject Jesus and reject the good news of the Kingdom?

So, how do you endure suffering effectively? Understand suffering is inevitable, so rejoice in it. Evaluate suffering. Suffering purifies us.

5. Commit yourself to God

1 Peter 4:19

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Now that you understand suffering. You now understand that God uses it to test you, to purge you, to make you more useful; commit yourself to God. The true meaning of commit in Greek is to deposit your whole self to God. You deposit money in the bank trusting that the bank will keep it safe. You trust your whole life to God in your suffering and trust he will keep you safe.

This is the same word Jesus used on the cross.

Luke 23:46

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Same word: In the midst of His suffering, Jesus gave Himself to God. Peter says give your life to God for Him to sustain in the midst of the greatest suffering. God is trustworthy. He knows how much you can handle. God is faithful. He will take care of you.

1 Peter 4:19

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

What do we do?

1. Commit ourselves to God.
2. Continue to do good.

No turning back. Complete commitment to God. Just keep doing what is right.

CONCLUSION

Holocaust survivor Eli Wiesel put the horrors of his experience into words in a recollection aptly titled Night. He describes the hanging of a young boy suspected of sabotage in the Nazi death camp. First, the German Gestapo tortured the boy. When he would not confess, they sentenced him to death, with two other prisoners soon leading all the three in chains to the gallows.
It was a public execution, with thousands of prisoners watching. The head of the camp read the verdict. All eyes, however, were on the child. He was pale, biting his lips. No more than 12 years old – the boy had the face of a sad angel.

The three victims stood on chairs so their necks could be placed within the nooses. The child was silent. Then someone behind Wiesel cried out, ”Where is God! Where is He??” The executioner tipped the three chairs over. The bodies dropped and then jerked at the end of the rope. Only one noise dared break the silence – it was the sound of men weeping. The two adults suddenly died.
The third body of the little boy was still moving. For more than a half hour, he hung there struggling between life and death.

The guards told the prisoners to march past the two bodies and the struggling boy. As Wiesel passed by, he couldn’t help but turn and gaze into the boy’s eyes, and as he did, he heard the voice behind him ask once again, ”Where’s God now?” Wiesel allowed the inner voice of his heart to answer, ”Where is he?” ”Here he is! He is hanging on the gallows!”

That was the true reflection that happened at that moment in Wiesel’s heart. God doesn’t disappear while suffering – it only seems that way.

So, when suffering comes to the believer, we rejoice in it, we look at it closely and evaluate it. Is it a result of sin, or is it a result of righteousness? And is God just purging, purifying, testing, that we might be more useful, more glorious?

“They who dive in the sea of affliction bring up rare pearls.” Charles Spurgeon

Holocaust survivor Eli Wiesel put the horrors of his experience into words in a recollection aptly titled Night. He describes the hanging of a young boy suspected of sabotage in the Nazi death camp. First, the German Gestapo tortured the boy. When he would not confess, they sentenced him to death, with two other prisoners soon leading all the three in chains to the gallows.
It was a public execution, with thousands of prisoners watching. The head of the camp read the verdict. All eyes, however, were on the child. He was pale, biting his lips. No more than 12 years old – the boy had the face of a sad angel.

The three victims stood on chairs so their necks could be placed within the nooses. The child was silent. Then someone behind Wiesel cried out, ”Where is God! Where is He??” The executioner tipped the three chairs over. The bodies dropped and then jerked at the end of the rope. Only one noise dared break the silence – it was the sound of men weeping. The two adults suddenly died.
The third body of the little boy was still moving. For more than a half hour, he hung there struggling between life and death.

The guards told the prisoners to march past the two bodies and the struggling boy. As Wiesel passed by, he couldn’t help but turn and gaze into the boy’s eyes, and as he did, he heard the voice behind him ask once again, ”Where’s God now?” Wiesel allowed the inner voice of his heart to answer, ”Where is he?” ”Here he is! He is hanging on the gallows!”

That was the true reflection that happened at that moment in Wiesel’s heart. God doesn’t disappear while suffering – it only seems that way.

In the ancient Book of Job, Job falls into the most tragic series of events. Messengers come to his house, each bringing devastating reports.
Job learns that he has lost his wealth — absolutely everything he owned.

Mildred, the small-town gossip and self-appointed monitor of church morals was always one to stick his nose into other people’s business.

Most members of the congregation did not approve of her intrusions, but she was feared, so all maintained their silence.

She took that fatal step too far one day, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the small town’s only bar all afternoon.

She emphatically told Frank (in front of several others) that EVERYONE SEEING THAT PICKUP THERE WOULD KNOW WHAT HE WAS DOING!

Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment then just turned and walked away. He didn’t explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing.

Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred’s house, walked home ….and left it there all night.

For More Related Sermon

Christian Approach To Suffering

Suffering A Biblical Perspective