RPG Adults
NEVER BE ASHAMED
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31
1 Peter 4:16-19
Psalm 43
“I thought on my ways, and turned
my feet unto thy testimonies.”
NEVER BE ASHAMED
In this world, man lives only for success. This is characterised by an easy life with little struggle or pain. In our devotional times together this month, we have been reminded that the Christian is a stranger to the world’s manner of life. Suffering for the cause of Christ is to be expected. And in this final portion we are challenged not to be ashamed of the difficulties of life which come from following Christ.
The Apostle Paul who suffered much in his work of spreading the Gospel was never ashamed. He knew that for all eternity he was in God’s hands (2 Tim 1:12). And so the Apostle rejoiced that he was considered worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (1 Pet 4:16).
However, suffering does not always come because of the believer’s testimony for the Lord. It sometimes is allowed to come to the Christian’s life by God because of its purifying effect to make us more like Christ (James 1:2-4). God will not tolerate sin. In the case of a believer, He chastens us when we disobey (Heb 12:6). This is a sign that we are His children (Heb 12:6-7). While such discipline is not pleasant to endure, it results in a life of righteousness and peace when we learn from it the lessons the Lord is teaching us (Heb 12:11).
Now if the Lord so judges sin in the life of His own children, how terrible will be the final judgment on those who refuse the Gospel (1 Pet 4:17- 18). Paul spoke about that horrible time when the righteous Judge will descend in vengeance on those who have persecuted the church and rejected the Gospel (2 Thess 1:6-9).
Therefore, the suffering Christian pilgrim can take comfort in the knowledge that despite the wickedness of the world, God is still on the throne. He is able to deliver His people from every temptation and will complete in us the great work that He has begun (Phil 1:6). We can then commit our souls to His keeping, looking forward to that grand and glorious day when He shall call us to be with Himself.
THOUGHT: Do I always remember that God will not tolerate sin?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee, that Thou art able to deliver me!