Preparing for Persecution
1 Peter 4:1
Why is God showing you this lesson?
There are many things in life for which one may prepare – college, marriage, a newborn baby, a new career, or even death. Preparing involves not only focusing on the future, but also showing firm resolve in the present. In 1 Peter 4:1, Peter commands his readers to prepare for something that most people never consider preparing for – suffering persecution.
The recipients of 1 Peter had already experienced persecution. At some point in the past, their non-Christian neighbors had hurled slander and criticism at them (4:4; see also 2:12 and 3:16). Nevertheless, even after enduring these hardships, Peter implies that his readers should prepare for more persecution (4:12-19). God may be showing you this lesson to help you prepare for persecution that will soon come into your life.
In commanding them to prepare for suffering, Peter uses a Greek term frequently found in military contexts, hoplisasthe, which may be translated “arm yourselves” (4:1). The verb conveys the image of a soldier who makes himself ready prior to a great battle. Thoughtful believers recognize, then, that the coming conflict will weary, wound, or perhaps even kill. Thus, they “arm themselves” beforehand.
How does one “arm” himself for persecution? Preparation involves taking a firm and consistent stand against the old way of life (4:1b-3). But it also entails adopting the attitude displayed by Christ toward his suffering on the cross (4:1a; 3:18). Among other things, Christ showed both a passionate determination (Matthew 16:23) and humble obedience to the Father’ will (Philippians 2:5) in the face of his impending persecution. Believers should follow his example (1 Peter 2:21).
Peter goes on to teach that the persecution endured by believers is part of God’s will (4:19; see also 3:17). It is hard to understand why God would allow those he loves to go through persecution. Nevertheless, Scripture contains countless examples of believers whose experiences of suffering were part of God’s divine plan. Explicit statements recorded by Luke (Acts 9:16; see also Acts 20:22-23) and John (John 21:18-20; see also Revelation 6:9-11) make it impossible to deny this reality. In truth, the Christian life is not all gloom and doom. It is not a continual path of misery. Nevertheless, becoming a Christian admits one into a fellowship of the afflicted in which he experiences periods of persecution.
How does this lesson connect to what God is doing in and around you?
In light of Peter’s command, prepare yourself for persecution by adopting the same attitude displayed by Jesus toward his suffering.
Bryant– Lessons by Michael Bryant, assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. Bryant has a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Seminary.