By: Thomas Booher 1 Peter 4:12-19 explains the purpose of trials and suffering in the Christian’s life, affirming their certainty as well as the need for perseverance through the persecution when it comes. Many believers throughout history have been surprised when met with resistance to their faith, but Peter reminds his readers that this is the way of Christ (1 Pet 2:21). Suffering for the faith is to live like Christ, who gave His life for His sheep (John 10:11), and those who do suffer should rejoice because the Spirit of glory rests upon them as it does Christ (1 Pet 4:14). Peter indicates that suffering leads to glory and that judgment begins at the household of God then spreads out to the unbelieving (4:13, 17). The questions that must be addressed in this text are, first, how does suffering relate and lead to glory, and second, in what sense can judgment be said to begin with believers since Christ has atoned for their sins? The basic Protestant position will be pr...
Thoughts on the Reformed faith, preparation for ministry, and doing all to the glory of God.