The Forge of Suffering 1 Peter 4:1-6

Jesus embraced suffering in order that we might be freed from fear, our desires, and prepare us for life in the kingdom.

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. 1 Peter 4:1a

“What has not been assumed has not been healed” “Let us seek to be like Christ, because Christ also became like us: to become god-like through him since he himself, through us, became a man. He took the worst upon himself to make us a gift of the best”. – Gregory of Nazianzus, 4th century - Constantinople

…But Christianity says he goes even beyond that …But Christianity says he goes even beyond that. Christians believe that in Jesus, God’s son, divinity became vulnerable to and involved in suffering and death!

But it is on the Cross that we see the ultimate wonder But it is on the Cross that we see the ultimate wonder. On the cross we sufferers finally see, to our shock that God now knows too what it is to lose a loved one in an unjust attack …It can’t be that he doesn’t care. God so loved us and hates suffering that he was willing to come down and get involved in it. And therefore the Cross is an incredibly empowering hint. Ok, it’s only a hint, but if you grasp it, it can transform you. It can give you strength. – Tim Keller 9/11 Memorial Service

Not Why? But Who?

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. 1 Peter 4:1a

Jesus embraced suffering so that we might Triumph through it not Escape it.

Understanding Suffering 1: God, in Jesus, embraces the pain, aches, struggles, and disorientation suffering produces.

For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. – 1 Peter 4:1b-3

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:38-45 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14

Forgiveness is always a form of costly suffering – Tim Keller

For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1b-2

Understanding Suffering 2: Chase suffering in small ways

Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.