Sharper Iron — The Imperishable Inheritance: Suffering as Christians

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Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Peter 4:12-19.

St. Peter reminds Christians that they are beloved by God. Therefore, when they receive sufferings, they should not find it strange, but rejoice that they are given to share in Christ’s own sufferings. Christian joy in suffering is found in the reminder that Jesus is the One who suffered for our salvation. St. Peter recalls Jesus’ beatitude to those who suffer as the prophets who came before us. Though the world may insult, the Triune God gives us His glory. Christians are not called to suffer because they have sinned, but instead are called to suffer as those who bear the name of Christ. Judgment begins at the household of God; in Christ, we know that God judges us to be His own. Therefore, we entrust ourselves to Him as we suffer according to His will while doing what is good in His sight.

“The Imperishable Inheritance” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistles of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude. The life of the Christian Church right now is life in exile. We endure attacks from various trials and from false teachers. Such suffering makes us long for the eternal home that will be ours at the resurrection of the dead. In Jesus, we have this promise of eternal life that can never be snatched away. These three epistles strengthen us to hold fast to Christ in the midst of suffering and to give witness to the hope that is ours in Him.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Suffering as a Christian

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[b]

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

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Footnotes

1 Peter 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power

1 Peter 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.