Saints, this Sunday, we will conclude our study of the Apostle Peter’s 1st Epistle. I don’t know about you but this has been a challenging yet also encouraging series. The challenge has been two-fold. First, there is the reality that following the will and way of Jesus, even in doing good, is likely to lead to unjust suffering. And second, our response to this must be in accord with the pattern set forth by the Savior and not the way the world would respond. The encouraging part is knowing that we are not alone in these times and that this is often evidence of our status as elect exiles.
So, what should we do in the face of suffering and persecution? I turn to Pastor Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. for three final directions for us.
Be holy
Peter is quite direct and succinct. Be holy, because I am holy,” God says (1:16). Pastor Dever’s writes, We are a holy people because of our relationship to God. His Holy Spirit lives in us. We must reflect his character as best we can in our lives. Because God is holy, we should be holy. Otherwise, we suffer in vain. Suffering for doing evil is suffering for nothing.
Be witnesses
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (2:11-12).
We learn this from Jesus’ example.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (2:23-24).
Be loving
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ (4:7-11).
Saints, let us seek to live holy and loving lives of witness to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. And let us do so knowing that after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (5:10).
