1 Peter 4:14 (ESV Strong's)
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Suffering Comes when Christ Rest Upon You.
The only way you can do what Peter is talking about in the above passage is to know your relationship with Christ. The "rejoicing" in v. 13 is a result of the "Joy" produced by the Fruit of the Spirit talked about in v. 14
1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
Earlier, Peter wrote:
1 Peter 2:20
For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.
Notice what Christ warned Peter (and all believers):
Matthew 5:10-12
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When Peter was beaten in the days of the early church, note what his mindset was:
Acts 5:41 (ESV Strong's)
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
We are “worthy” to be suffering for the Name of Christ. That is the mindset of the believer.
No comments:
Post a Comment