I’ve never met anyone whose first response to trial and suffering was joy. Maybe such people are out there. That is not what I feel either. My wife Leah and I were reflecting on the past week yesterday and how challenging it has been. Things have really stacked up in the Templeton Household: my wife, Leah has been sick, we’re looking at unexpectedly having to put our beloved dog down, its budget time and there is a lot of stressors in our life with people we love. To top it all off on Monday I had a health scare and a visit to the hospital. In the middle of it all I preached a sermon on the Apostle Peter’s words about trial and suffering in 1 Peter 4:12-19.
I want to be clear that in no way do I view my own recent experiences as on par with what the early Christian's experienced. My trials and sufferings are very light comparatively. But Leah and I do feel like this passage came along at the right moment for us.
Pliny, Governor of Bithynia, in the north of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), from 111-113 AD.
The Apostle Peter is no masochist. He does not say that the Christian should go out looking for suffering, but that as the beloved of God we should not be surprised when it comes. Our world is fallen (the effects of the first sin) and - because of that - suffering is a reality of life. Not all suffering is equal. Sometimes we suffer because of the fallen world (like the fact that death and disease pervade life); sometimes we suffer due to our own foolishness or immorality (St. Peter warns against this); but we also suffer as Christians at times for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:16).
I mentioned in the sermon that it is not coincidental that the first positive use of the word Χριστιανός (Christian) is associated with fiery trial and suffering. While imperial persecution of Christians was not yet in effect, local persecution was sporadic and could be intense. If you would like to read some correspondence between Emperor Trajan and Governor Pliny these letters have been persevered.
The Apostle Peter begins the passage with "the phrase “fiery trial” (verse 12). In verse 17 he speaks about “judgement” beginning with the household of God. Suffering can be a kind of judgement; but for the Christian this judgement is not for condemnation but for purification so we can be closer to God. Consider the words of the prophet Zechariah.
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’ (Zechariah 13:9, ESV)
Consider also how the Apostle ends this passage.
“Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” (1 Peter 4:19, ESV)
As I was sitting in the hospital I was thinking on this verse a great deal. There is something about all suffering that brings us back the fact that are not in charge of what happens to us. Despite what we like to think trial and suffering intervene. We can respond it suffering with despair and questions of “why me?” But we can also respond by entrusting our selves and those we love to God. Suffering and Trial give us opportunity to entrust ourselves (again) to God; in doing so they humble us but also remind us that we are beloved and that God Himself suffered greatly so we could be part of His household. I invite you to listen to the entire sermon below. I also want to note that after a regimen of drugs while at the hospital, I am fine and my small trials are bringing me closer to God. Leah and I always appreciate your prayers for us.