Faith Through the Fire
1 Peter 1:1-12
Why is God showing you this lesson?
If a Christian strives to live for Christ in this life, it is only a matter of time before he suffers persecution. Persecution may come from various sources. A Christian secretary may receive pressure from her boss to alter the facts of the annual financial report. A “friend” may criticize a believer who refuses to attend a wild bachelor party. Or, a Christian wife may face daily criticism from a husband who cannot understand why she has to spend so much time at church.
In light of this reality, God may be showing you this lesson because he wants to encourage you in the midst of your trial. God is mindful of your suffering, and he wants to strengthen you with the words of 1 Peter.
The readers of 1 Peter had experienced persecution. Their refusal to engage in wild and reckless living, such as sexual immorality, drinking parties, and idolatry (4:3), led their non-Christian neighbors to slander and criticize them (4:4; see also 2:12 and 3:16). Quite naturally, Peter’s readers responded with grief (1:6), surprise (4:12), and anxiety (5:7). Knowing their trying circumstances, Peter writes to encourage them to stand firm in their faith (5:9).
One specific way Peter seeks to encourage them is by pointing to their future salvation. As he makes abundantly clear, though his readers suffer in this life, they can find encouragement in the fact that God will one day grant his salvation. Peter goes on to inform them that their salvation can never perish, spoil, or fade (1:4). Furthermore, God himself protects it (1:4).
How does this lesson connect to what God is doing in and around you?
You may be experiencing a time of persecution in your life. If so, reflect carefully on Peter’s words in 1 Peter 1:1-12. He provides no empty promise for those who suffer in this life. Rather, he writes of a true, “living hope” for all Christians that is grounded upon Christ’s resurrection (1:3).
Finally, it is important to recognize that both Jesus (Matthew 5:10-12) and Paul (2 Timothy 2:12a) gave similar promises about the reward that awaits God’s persecuted people. If you are walking through the fire of persecution, take your eyes off your present trials and fix your gaze on the future salvation that God holds for you.
Bryant– Lessons by Michael Bryant, assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. Bryant received a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Seminary.