THURSDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2023
TEXT:
1 Peter 4:12-19
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.
13:
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that
you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
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.
15:
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of
criminal, or even as a meddler.
16:
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that
you bear that name.
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?
18:
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the
ungodly and the sinner?”
19:
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
(New
International Version Holy Bible)
TOPIC:
SUFFERING IS NOT STRANGE
In social or practical theology, the issue of
the third and fourth cheek has remained a hotly debated issue because of the
constant attacks and persecution Christians are going through, especially in
Nigeria.
In
today's text, Peter points to the suffering Christians were and are still
experiencing (vs. 12). This suffering reveals the blessings and the glory of
God in them.
However,
Peter cautions believers that their suffering should be for a just cause and
not as criminals, murderers and thieves and that if someone suffers as a
Christian, he should not be ashamed but rejoice because he is suffering for
Christ (vs. 14-16).
QUESTION: Do
you see suffering as a strange thing and are you ashamed when you suffer as a
Christian?
PRAYER:
Lord God, help me not to see suffering as a strange thing and do not allow me
to be ashamed of suffering but make me see it as a mark of identifying with
Christ, in Jesus name. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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