Suffering in Hope

1 Peter mingles realistic teaching on the fact of trials and trouble in the Christian life today, together with a relentless hope in the future glories of union with Christ forever.  And the vision of future wonder sustains us through pressures in the present.

The theme of suffering is pervasive in Peter’s letter:  Christians face various trials (1:6); we undergo unjust suffering with patience (2:19-20); we follow in the steps of the afflicted Christ (2:21); we suffer for righteousness’ sake (3:14, 17); it’s not strange for us to endure trials (4:12); we recognize that suffering is experienced by believers everywhere in this age (5:9)—for “a little while” (5:10).

One could dwell on this pervasive theme in 1 Peter and be swallowed up by it.  But that would be a mistake; the fact that suffering is a major emphasis doesn’t permit us to view it in isola­tion.  Let’s take to heart some truths that tie in:  *suffering is in keeping with God’s will for us (2:15; 3:17; 4:2, 19), and he’s our “faithful Creator” (4:19); *it’s purposeful and even necessary for the refining of our faith (1:6); *it allows us to show our alignment with Jesus Christ in his sufferings (2:21—in fact, you could say it’s a way of taking up our cross to follow Jesus, Luke 9:23).

So the afflictions we face this side of heaven are not random or pointless:  God is up to something for his wise and good purposes in all that we face.  Therefore, “cast your anxieties on him” (5:7).  Yet don’t imagine that standing with Christ entitles you to smooth sailing in this life—in fact, expect the opposite (4:12).

But most of all, don’t focus on the trials; don’t spend your time staring down at all the obstacles on the path, but look up into the face of Christ.  And let him give you a hope infused with joy:  we’ve been “born again to a living hope” (1:3); set your hope on the grace and glory of Christ’s future coming (1:13).  And then be ready to give an account for this hope—for your glad, confident, reasonable trust in Jesus Christ (3:15)!