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Standing Strong In the Face of Suffering Jim Zippay May 30/31 It feels like every day I notice something that reminds me of the fact that we’re not in Kanas anymore. Things that once were common place have become novel and things I thought were unheard of in this country are showing up more and more. Have you seen this picture? It’s a great shot. Such a tender moment of a young couple praying before they get married and holding to the tradition to not see each other before the wedding. The picture went viral, which means it’s been viewed by thousands. Folks love it. That is great but it is also somewhat telling. It wasn’t that long ago something like this wouldn’t have been considered newsworthy. It wouldn’t have been considered unusual. It would have been nice for sure but not unique. Not anymore. So many things are changing in our culture now. I realize it is only a change for us who have known something different. For those who have only known how it is, you might not notice the change at all or even be all that concerned about it. And, I get that. I might suggest you at least consider the pace at which change is coming because chances are good that how it is now and it isn’t going to remain either. Then you might be feeling exactly how some others feel right now. What happened and how do we respond? For nearly two months now we have been looking at a short New Testament letter written by the Apostle Peter. And hopefully we have been seeing the parallels between the world he spoke into and the world we’re living in today. I want to touch on one final 1

area of change and response that Peter mentions in this letter and then next week we’ll wrap up the series with some final thoughts and take away’s. On that note, if you have any comments, questions or responses that you would like to pass along, or have addressed, cleared up or commented on, they would be greatly appreciated. I have heard from a number of you and I want to try to incorporate your comments into next week’s message. So please let’s talk. Some of have been taking the 30 day challenge and perhaps you’ve started seeing some change in yourself or in others. That would be encouraging for the rest of us to hear. But no matter what, don’t miss next week, I think if nothing else it should be interesting. The passage I want us to look at today addresses a topic that I would venture to say most of us have had very little experience with - suffering for our faith. We’ve certainly read about it and heard more of it. Recently it seems both prevalent and extreme on a global level but not so much locally and personally. Since what we might experience doesn’t compare, we can tend to dismiss it or ignore it altogether. I read an interesting article this week on religious persecution and the author talked about the progression or development and the path something like this travels before it gets to outright physical violence. He noted Five Phases to Persecution 1. Stereotyping- categorizing of the whole 2. Justifying- perspective that allows for an unethical response 3. Marginalizing- diminishing ones value and worth 4. Criminalizing- deeming beliefs and practices illegal 5. Persecuting- social and or legal mistreatment 2

When you hear of situations or see photos depicting persecution, you have to know that it didn’t just happen. There was an incremental, intentional progression that was moving people’s attitude down a path to where they would accept and even engage in this kind of behavior. From everything I’ve ever read or heard, the persecuted will say they struggled to admit that something was changing. They didn’t want to believe it. They thought somehow it wouldn’t get that bad or they could be the exception. It was too hard to imagine…and yet, as we will hear today it is not only something that is possible but probable and something we should prepare for now. I titled this message Standing Strong in the face of Suffering. Can you stand with me, as I read this section from First Peter. 12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. P-The Word of God for the People of God C-Thanks be to God 3

Let us pray. Peter wrote this letter in part to help these Christians understand what was happening to them though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6 The tide was turning, people were becoming more and more negative to this new faith and they were beginning to take it out on them. Whether or not Peter could imagine how bad it would get he did have some personal experience with it. He had been imprisoned, been beaten, had even seen one of his close friends be a martyr. It was James so he knew what he was talking about plus he had a clear recollection of Jesus’ words about what to expect. Persecution wasn’t something that Jesus shied away from mentioning that he wasn’t like those guys on the radio who when they read the fine print, they go so fast no one knows what they’re saying. Jesus didn’t stutter when he said: 20

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. John 15:20 That doesn’t sound too nice. Who wants to sign up for that and yet the price doesn’t always deter people. Sometimes it actually serves to emphasis the value and the worth of the pursuit. Jesus never backed off the high cost of following him or what it would cost you personally, relationally, socially, and even ultimately. Knowing Him, experiencing His life now and always, finding forgiveness and freedom is a prize at any price. Enduring struggles and hardships makes a statement to us who are pursuing Him as well the world who watches. 4

To lessen the cost would cheapen the gift so Jesus didn’t blink when he said: 18

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18 These Christians were beginning to feel some of that hatred. It came in disdain, ridicule and scorn. That is never easy to take. I’m as self-conscious as the next guy. I don’t like it when someone doesn’t like me. I certainly don’t want to do anything to cause that kind of a reaction or create that kind of rejection. Yet if I’m reading these words right, it’s not just unavoidable it’s to be expected. 12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 Expect your faith to be tested Only one other time in this letter does Peter preface his words with this kind of endearment, dear friends. Don’t we do the same thing before we have to say something that’s hard to hear, hard to say? You know I love you? Remember it’s me talking to you? We’re in this together. I know the context is suffering and hardships due to persecution, changing attitudes and sentiment because of your faith in Christ. Let me just a word about suffering in general. This could be about fiery ordeals or things that come out of nowhere that hit you like a ton of bricks and you’re shaken or staggered by them. It’s understandable for sure when you get a phone call, that there has been a terrible accident. The manager calls you into their 5

office and tells you they’re letting you go, the scan says the cancer is back and this time they don’t have any suggestions. Your spouse wants out, you’re your child is addicted or has been abused and the list continues. Fiery ordeal? You bet. Peter has a word all of us need to hear today. Don’t be blindsided by this. What he means is don’t be living in a fantasy world. Realize the effects of sin and the reality of evil. 8

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Don’t think faith gives you a “get out of pain free” card, “I never thought this would happen to me” or, “I never imagined”. “I never expected it”. That is what Peters’ point is. Expect it! Trials are going to come and they will test your faith. You can’t prevent them or even protect yourself against them. There is no isolation and no exemption but you can prepare and more importantly you can pass the test. They don’t have to flunk you out or put you down for the 10 count. Peter wants to offer us some help but at this point he is simply conveying one often over looked or ignored reality. Stuff happens. Trials come. Storms come on your house. Trials will test you, they will challenge and confront you to your core. What do I believe? Is God really Good? Is God really in Control? Is it really all by Grace? Is Christ really worth it?

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Those are the core questions. Where is the good in this, why didn’t he prevent it? What did I do to deserve it? Why should I keep trying? These responses all relate back to those deeper questions. Our struggles always relate back to God, especially if you’re trying to believe what the Bible reveals about Him. Revealing that He is good, in complete control, that He deals with us out of love and grace and that in Jesus all things will be made right. That is someday but what about today? What about in the meantime because it’s pretty mean right now? Listen to what he says next. 13

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Discover a solidarity with Jesus I think one of the toughest things about any kind of suffering is the feeling of going it alone. No one really knows or fully understands that there are parts of this road that I’m going to have to walk by myself. That is when I can get overwhelmed, start to panic, and feel depressed or angry. Peter states something here that we don’t talk about a whole lot and that is how our suffering can actually connect us to Christ in a deeper way. He talked about a partnership, a solidarity that can form as we suffer in a similar way that Jesus suffered as we enter in to the on-going redemptive work of Christ. I’m not trying to be overly mystical here but if we’re ever going to get through this pain and persevere let alone rejoice in it we 7

need to discover some purpose. We need some meaning and significance that helps us to continue. Peter says you are participating in the sufferings of Christ. The suffering that redeemed the world is now mixed in with your struggle, your suffering and loss. The insults and hurts you have had to endure are linked together to continue what Jesus did and what Jesus is doing. Listen to this statement from the Apostle Paul. I know this is heady but I can assure you if you’re in the midst of a fiery ordeal you’re straining to make some sense out of it and you’re looking for something to hold on to that will help you thru it. 24

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24 My suffering is filling up what is still lacking, what is still missing, and what is not finished or complete with regard to Christ’s afflictions. So when I see people redeem their pain and use their loss for the sake of others I see what they are going through or have gone through to open doors, build inroads and make a connection to those who are far from God. I think that is what Jesus did. That is how His out stretched arms reached me and now I am a part of those arms. I am a part of that body as I attempt to do the same with my pain. There is a solidary here, a partnership, we’re doing something similar…we share in a common mission and we share a deeper connection… I can’t think of another verse that speaks of such intimacy and closeness as this one. That is why Peter says we are blessed because the favor of God is on us when we are suffering for Christ. Both the Spirit and the Father draw near to strengthen and comfort us. Testimony after testimony through the ages and 8

today bear witness to the courage and strength ones experience in these times of trial and persecution. The reports coming out of Syria and Iraq, Pakistan and China sound like the kind of things I’ve read in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. God’s promises are true for now and always. There is a particular concern or caution that Peter mentions in this letter over and over again with regard to the push back and persecution that ones were beginning to experience. His concern is this suffering is because of our commitment to Christ and not because of some misguided conduct. 15

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. Please don’t read this as an exhaustive list. You know what I mean by that? If people are persecuting me because I’m obnoxious, judgmental or self-righteous, I’m not doing anything illegal and I don’t think I’m being a meddler so my actions are justified. They just don’t like being told the truth! There are other behaviors besides being a meddler or a criminal that can cause people to react and reject you which have nothing to do with being a Christian. Maybe you are a gossip, you are smug, you are hypocritical. There are all kinds of reasons but some will look at this list and conclude their behavior isn’t noted and say “hey I’m good to go”. You know what I mean. It is like the guy who said you are only committing adultery if you divorce your wife and marry another woman. That is what Jesus said…so if you marry a man…there’s no commandment against that! Trust me it gets that crazy. Peter’s point is that we need work hard to ensure that the reason rejection is coming our way is because of Christ and not my weird or wacky behavior or beliefs. Frankly this is my biggest concern with every and all issues that become contentious and 9

controversial and try to link themselves to my Christianity. The concern is that somehow being a Christian and this issue are inseparable. If faith in Christ gets clouded by my behavior, I have to reconsider my actions. What is more important? What really matters? I don’t want to put any stumbling block in front of people other than the Cross but if I’m linking following Jesus to a certain moral perspective or even theological persuasion I best re-evaluate. This is not necessarily my position but my approach lest I end up doing the Gospel more harm than good. 20

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:20

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For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:17 3

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 1 Peter 4:3-4 The abuse is coming not because we’re pointing out their behavior but because we’re not engaging in it ourselves. Most of us react when someone calls us out on something and rarely do we feel all that receptive to them or what they have to say when they do. Yet, how do you feel toward those who do you good? Who say “is there anything I can do to help you?” You won’t find Peter suggesting anything other than that attitude and approach toward non-Christians in this letter. I think you’re 10

hard pressed to find anything different in all the New Testament when it comes to how we should engage outsiders. Make sure it counts for Christ 15

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” More than anything, these trials test our commitment to Christ and my faith. There is a confidence and certainty that I’m His when I’m willing to suffer for Him. That is why this talk of judgment is mentioned. It is a sifting. A test that proves me as a Christian. So what he ends with seems almost expected and hard to do but it is the same thing he has been saying all along. The pushback and persecution should only strengthen our resolve for this is how you follow Christ. This is how you keep looking like Jesus. 19

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. Keep committing yourself to God and to doing good God still is in control. God is still good and it is all by grace. Christ is worth it. That is why I appeal to you to keep committing yourself to Him. Keep entrusting your situation and circumstances, your presence and your future to the One who formed you, knows you, loves, and sustains you. 11

Don’t walk away from Him and don’t drift. Keep leaning in to discover that promised intimacy. Know the fellowship of His sufferings. Hold on to his promises and keep doing good. Yes, the very things that quite possibly got you here, the trouble you’re facing - if it is because you are following Him, loving others, and giving yourself away don’t’ stop. Keep pouring out. This might be the most powerful moment of your witness for Christ. You are doing it now when others would think why bother or ask what is the point? The point is Christ is worth it and so are people. 21

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. 22

“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

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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. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

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