DEC 18

1 Peter 4:12-13
Memorise 1 Peter 4:12-13
“Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example...”

WHAT IS THE MAIN THEME OF 1 PETER?

This is the Apostle Peter’s first letter to the Christians in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia who were suffering for their faith (1 Peter 1:1,5). The main theme of Peter’s letter was to assure the believers that the heaviness of their trials for Christ was known to God and was part of God’s plan for their lives. God purposed that their faith would be purified through such trials. They were challenged to fol­low the example of Christ and to suffer patiently (1 Peter 2:20). Indeed the suffering motif permeates the epistle and forms the background for Peter’s exhortation. “Suffering” is the key theme of this epistle.

The book of 1 Peter thus addresses this issue of suffering, and helps us to understand it in the light of God’s will. Peter’s encouragement to them is that persecution is inevitable. He exhorts them not to be shocked or surprised by the persecution and suffering that they were facing, but instead to look to the example of Christ, rejoicing that they can be privileged to have a part in His sufferings. They were to realize that the world is not a friend to those who follow Christ faithfully. If our Master was persecuted, we his servants are not greater than our Master. Jesus had said, “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Thus persecution is a sharing in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. We are walking the way our Master walked and sharing the Cross our Master carried. If we suffer with him, will be glorified with him (Romans 8: 17) and we shall reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12). If we remember that, our sufferings for Christ become a privilege and not a penalty.

Dear teen, are you willing to be mocked at for your faith? Some of you might have come across those who think that men ought to be self-sufficient and master of their own fate and destiny. Others would believe in evolution and mock your creationist position. As you take a stand for Christ, you might be despised in their eyes as fools. Are you willing to be thus mocked? Beloved, thank God that you are not only saved, but also counted worthy to suffer for the Creator of heaven and earth.

Thought: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).
Prayer: Lord, make me brave and strong in my love for Thee. Help me to not only take a stand for Thee but also always count it an opportunity to magnify Thy great name.