1 Peter 4

Suffering, Glory, and Living for God's Will: A Journey Through 1 Peter 4

As we read into the profound wisdom of 1 Peter 4, it’s impossible to ignore the tone and language Peter uses in his letter to the early Christians in Rome. These believers—most of whom are Gentiles—were new to following Jesus and didn’t have the deep-rooted Jewish traditions or knowledge of the Old Testament. Yet, Peter chooses to draw from that very language, using terms like "holy," "chosen," and referencing God's people in ways that would have been unfamiliar to them at first glance.

At first, this might seem confusing. Why would Peter, writing to these new believers, weave in such references to the Old Testament when they don’t share that background? But as we reflect on it, we realize that Peter's message is a powerful one—one that helps these new Christians identify with the larger story of God's faithfulness throughout history. In the midst of their suffering and persecution, Peter invites them to see their trials in light of the Old Testament narratives, where God's people also faced immense hardship, yet were never abandoned. This connection allows them to understand that the God who walked with Israel is the same God who is now walking with them, providing the strength and the example they need to endure.

Peter’s letter wasn’t just a message to a single church; it was a letter circulating among a network of believers. So, when Peter brings in these Old Testament references, he’s inviting these new believers into a much larger story—one that is still unfolding. By helping them connect with the biblical history of God’s people, Peter is setting the stage for them to grasp their own place in that story, particularly as they face trials for their faith.

Living for God Amid Suffering

One of the central themes that stands out in the first few verses of 1 Peter 4 is the call to arm ourselves with the same attitude as Christ, who suffered in the body. Peter makes it clear: if we’re going to follow Jesus, we must expect to face suffering. But he also shows us that suffering is not meaningless. Instead, it’s part of the Christian journey, and it serves a purpose in shaping us to live not for ourselves but for God’s will.

Peter writes: "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin." (1 Peter 4:1). This doesn’t mean that suffering in and of itself makes us more holy, but rather that through suffering, we begin to recognize what truly matters. We stop living for the temporary pleasures of the world and start living for God’s eternal purposes.

As we reflect on this, we realize that suffering is a paradox: it’s through the discipline of enduring hardship and rejecting worldly desires that we actually experience a deeper freedom in Christ. This may seem counterintuitive—after all, we often associate freedom with having our desires fulfilled. But true freedom comes when we can say no to the fleeting pleasures of this world in order to say yes to God's will, which leads to life in its fullest form.

Think about it this way: when we discipline our bodies, whether through exercise, eating healthily, or managing our time well, it may feel like suffering in the short term, but in the long term, it leads to greater freedom. We get stronger, healthier, and more able to enjoy the things we love—like playing with our kids or going on hikes—because we’ve chosen to endure a little suffering now for the sake of a greater reward later.

The Real Reason for Suffering

Peter goes on to outline some of the specific behaviors that Christians are to avoid. He lists things like "debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry" (1 Peter 4:3). These are the desires of the flesh that once governed our lives, but now, as followers of Christ, we are called to turn away from them. Instead of living for our own pleasure, we are called to live for the will of God.

But the reason we live this way isn’t just for moral reasons. Peter tells us that there’s a much bigger picture at play: “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?” (1 Peter 4:17). There’s a reality that we will all stand before God one day, and we will be judged not only for what we believe but also for how we live our lives.

When we choose to live according to God’s will, even in the face of suffering, we are participating in something much greater than ourselves. We are aligning ourselves with God’s eternal purposes, and we are testifying to the truth of the gospel that has been preached throughout the generations. As Peter reminds us, our lives are not our own—they belong to God, and we are to live in a way that reflects that reality.

Expecting Suffering, Rejoicing in Glory

As the chapter continues, Peter’s words become even more pointed. He reminds us that suffering is a part of the Christian journey. It’s not something to be surprised by or to avoid at all costs. In fact, Peter writes: “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” (1 Peter 4:12).

In our world today, we may not face the same kind of physical persecution that the early Christians did, but we do face spiritual and social opposition. There are moments when following Jesus makes us stand out in a culture that is increasingly hostile to the gospel. Whether it’s through ridicule, rejection, or the temptation to conform to the values of the world around us, we too will experience suffering as we seek to follow Christ faithfully.

But here’s the twist: Peter encourages us to rejoice in these sufferings, knowing that they connect us to the sufferings of Christ and that they will ultimately result in our glory when Jesus returns. He writes, “But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:13). There’s a great paradox here: while suffering is real, it’s not without purpose. It’s a temporary experience that leads to an eternal glory that far outweighs the pain we endure.

A Call to Conviction and Boldness

In the face of suffering, Peter calls us to remain steadfast in our convictions. If we are not experiencing any opposition for our faith, we might need to ask ourselves whether we’re truly living as Christ did. Are we willing to stand up for Jesus in a world that doesn’t understand? Are we willing to endure hardship for the sake of His name?

Peter’s letter is not just an invitation to endure suffering for suffering’s sake—it’s a call to endure with hope, with a vision of the glory to come. It’s a call to live in such a way that we don’t merely blend in with the culture around us but that our lives reflect the radical love and truth of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the truths of 1 Peter 4, we’re reminded that suffering is part of the journey, but so is glory. Just as Jesus endured suffering on His way to glory, so we too are called to follow in His footsteps. Let us be a people who live with that conviction—armed with the same attitude of Christ, living not for ourselves, but for God’s will, and awaiting the day when His glory will be revealed in us.