"Suffer for the Right Things" - 1 Peter 4:12-19

"12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." - 1 Peter 4:12-19

     These last verses of chapter 4 are the conclusion of much of the book up to this point.  Again Peter reiterates about the concept of suffering for following Christ.  Do not be surprised when you suffer, Peter says. Suffering is something we should expect.  The Christian life is hard.  The will of God is not always the easiest thing to follow.  Sin is often the much easier choice.  Sin feels good in the moment, but leads to eternal and lasting suffering.  Often good might bring on immediate suffering, but we are promised that when all is said and done, suffering will cease forever.  "The revelation of His glory" that Peter talks about is the end of days.  It is the judgement of all men, the return of Christ, at which all men, evil and righteous, will see and acknowledge the glory of God.  If we suffer because of Christ we are blessed.  But if we suffer as a result of our sins, as a result of our murder, or our slander, or our greed, or our pride, or our lust... we get what we deserve.  The penalty for sin is suffering and death.  When judgement comes, we as Christians will be judged as members of the house of God.  And because we dwell with Him, we will receive grace.  But those who do not know Him, those who reject Him, will suffer because of their rebellion.  When we suffer now for the sake of God we can trust and know that no matter what the world brings against us, no matter what is done to our bodies, our souls are safe in Christ.  We will live with Him forever.