Trials Now, Glory Then – 1 Peter 4:12-19
Scripture
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you. 15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
Description
Peter promises trials now (this life) but glory then (meaning eternity). Are you willing to wait? Peter simply repeats what he heard Jesus say. Jesus told us we’d need to take up a cross to follow Him. He promised His people a life on this earth filled with opposition, hardship, rejection, suffering, plus persecution. Peter sums it up here with the phrase: “fiery trials.” But that’s not all Jesus promised His people. He also promised them eternal, unending glory. A joyful and eternal future in God’s house with King Jesus reigning justly and righteously over all creation. Are you willing to wait for it? When fiery trials descend, with Jesus, are you willing to say not my will but your’s be done?
