This is a sermon that continues in our Devotional: Becoming a People of Overflow, SURPRISE! 1 Peter You can watch more here.
Perpectives (Part 2)
This morning is my 51 st Birthday! Great to celebrate that with you! We are continuing
through our series called “Surprise!” Throughout 1 Peter, God’s Word has been speaking
into the practical parts of life, and this morning we’re going to see most of our frustrations
in life come from unrealistic expectations. Right?
Like when we expect life to go smooth, then challenges in life can feel like an ambush. Like
when I get in the car to go to work, I leave my neighborhood and I have thoughts like, “Why
are there so many cars? Where did all these people come from? When did all this
construction get started in Austin?” It’s like I have a medical condition! Why am I
surprised?
But, in our passage this morning we are going to see the God of Scripture pull back the
curtain a little to help us see how Jesus is working in through those challenges. Let’s start
in verse 12:
1 Peter 4:12, “12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your
testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.”
I love that verse 12 starts off with “beloved.” “Beloved” is a term of affection the Father has
for those who are in Christ. And, the reason we are able to experience love from the Father
is because of Jesus!
God creates humanity, makes us in His image, we rejected Him in our sin (Genesis 3), and
yet God chases after us (Gospel). Jesus steps out of the heavens. He takes on flesh. He lives
a perfect life. He takes our sin at the cross, He conquers death, so that by grace through
faith in Jesus, we are called His Beloved! That’s the gospel!
Our cultures understanding of love is built around an affection or an exchange between two
people like a “feeling of warmth” or loving donuts, but God’s love being described in verse
12 is about identity. The passage we are reading about this morning is about our identity
as followers of Jesus, so that Peter starts off reminding them, reminding us that because of
Jesus, we are loved by the Father, we are “beloved.”
In addition, verse 12 starts to pull back the curtain on these challenges in life by writing,
“Beloved, do not be surprised by the fiery challenges in life.” Isn’t that great language,
because sometimes it feels like our lives are on fire, and that has been the primary focus of
1 Peter.
Chapter 1, verse 1, this letter is written to “scattered travelers in a foreign land.”
Remember? References to “various trials” in 1:7. Slandered as evil doers in 2:12. Unjust
government in 2:20. Physical harm in 3:13. Maligned in 4:14. Challenge, challenge,
challenge, therefore, beloved, why are you surprised by these “fiery challenges” because all
of life is full of fiery challenges!
Verse 12 says they are approaching these “fiery challenges” like something strange is
happening. Do you see that in verse 12? The word “strange” in the original language
means “foreign” as though these “fiery challenges” are out of place.
Let’s lean into this a little, because I think somewhere in our journey we created this
contract with life, “If I do what I am supposed to do, I should get a life without fiery
challenges.” Do you see that in life? We never consciously sign this “contract” but it’s like
we all live like we signed this contract.
Therefore, God’s Word is drawing out, “These fiery challenges in life aren’t a glitch in the
system. It’s a normal part of life.” The God of Scripture didn’t create those “fiery
challenges.” He created life to be perfect, but because of our sin, life is full of “fiery
challenges.” Look at verses 13-14:
1 Peter 4:13-14, “13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the
revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are
blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
Verses 13-14 take this ball of tension in our soul and says, “Rejoice.” Ugh! Rejoice? I know
that word might rub some of the wrong way to think about “rejoicing” at “fiery challenges”
so let’s slow down and make sure we are on the same page.
God’s Word isn’t calling us to “rejoice” in those “fiery challenges” as though God is someone
who loves inflicting pain. That’d be weird. The idea is that as a follower of Jesus we can
rejoice in those “fiery challenges” because we know this life of “fiery challenges won’t go on
forever. Write that in your notes!
Remember, last Sunday, verse 7, “The end of all things is near.” For those in Christ, this is
the closest we are going to get to the fire of hell, because One day Jesus is going to return to
make all things new, therefore, when it comes to our “fiery challenges” God’s Word calls out
to our soul, “Rejoice!” Amen? Rejoicing in those “fiery challenges” is not feeling happy
about “fiery challenges;” it’s recognizing whose hands are holding you in those “fiery
challenges.”
Second, I am not sure if it sounds confusing, but when you see this language “sharing in the
sufferings of Christ” it doesn’t mean Jesus’ work at the cross was lacking, so we need to go
through some “fiery challenges.” Like, Jesus did the cross, you can do a little “fiery
challenge.” That’s not it!
Jesus said at the cross, “It is finished!” 1 Peter 3 teaches us Jesus “died for sins once and for
all.” The judgment of our sin at the cross was taken completely by Jesus. As a follower of
Jesus, when you see this language “share in the sufferings of Christ” it is an invitation from
the Father into His very heart of restoration. I know that’s abstract so stay with me!
As a follower of Jesus, are not only invited to look those “fiery challenges” in the face and
“rejoice” but through faith in Jesus we can also “share in the sufferings of Christ” as He is in
process of redeeming, rebuilding, and renewing all of creation to Himself.
This is what verse 14 means when see, “You are blessed, because the Spirit of Glory and of
God rests on you.” Remember, back in 2:21, “You have been called for this purpose.” Back
in verse 1, “Arm yourself with this purpose.” Back in verse 12, “Beloved.” We’re talking
about identity of who we are as followers of Jesus, so that through faith in Jesus we are
invited to be participants of restoration with Him! It’s the very heart of God! Let me let
that sink in for a second!
Last Sunday we saw verse 10 remind us that when we come to faith in Jesus we are
indwelled with the Holy Spirit and given spiritual gifts to serve one another, so that verses
13-14 are describing us as “co-laborers and co-builders” of heaven on earth.
I know that probably sounds cosmic, but think of it like when we gathered food for those in
need last Sunday. Gathering food for those in need is a small way to push back darkness
and invite heaven on earth. Sure, we’re barely making a dent in the brokenness of
humanity but as followers of Jesus, we get to participate! We get to “share in the sufferings
of Christ.”
When we sacrifice time for others and put them first, we’re turning from the power of sin.
We’re bringing heaven on earth. When we have conflict with one another it is a “fiery
challenge” but when we extend grace, forgive, and reconcile we are stomping out evil and
bringing heaven to earth in His name! The spirit of glory and of God rests on you!
Not because God needs our contribution. It’s an invitation for our good! Every time we
give away money we are tearing down idols of darkness. It’s hard! It is a “fiery challenge”
but it’s for His glory! Every time we pray with someone, give someone a ride, hold open a
door, encourage someone, resist bitterness, jealousy and gossip we are planting seeds of
grace, and Galatians 5 says, “One day, Jesus is going to return and we are going to reap a
harvest!” Amen?
It’s possible some of us could be a little cynical this morning about those “fiery challenges.”
It’s possible some of us could be a little wilted by those “fiery challenges” and we God’s
Word inviting us to “rejoice” and “sharing in the sufferings” and we are thinking, “Oh, great,
another thing to do!” I got a flat tire to fix and now I got to do a bible study to my heart!
Let’s be honest, sometimes our heart can get to that place.
But, here’s the reality, “fiery challenges” are going to come in life, whether we like it or not.
There’s no belief system or outlook on life that is going to give you fast pass on avoiding
“fiery challenges.” There’re no tricks. There’re no short-cuts.
At best, others guru’s in life will tell you to block out those “fiery challenges,” act like “fiery
challenges” didn’t happen, medicate yourself to escape from “fiery challenges,” but God’s
Word says, “He didn’t create “fiery challenges”, but because of our sin (Genesis 3), “fiery
challenges” are going to happen, but because of Jesus we can REJOICE!” 1. Pain isn’t going
to be around forever. New Heavens and New Earth are coming! 2. You can participate in
the rebuild! You can be the initial stages of New Heavens and New Earth. You don’t have to
fall into despair, anger and indifference. You can push back! Amen?
Maybe you’re thinking, “I can’t push back. I can’t help others. I don’t have anything to offer.
I’ve messed up too much. I am on empty. I barely showed up this morning.” I get it! But I
want you to know He calls you “Beloved!”
Our Heavenly Father knows the worst things about you, and with all your frailty, all your
limitations, all your weaknesses He is still inviting you to come and “participate in this
wonderful story of restoration.” You don’t have to! He’s going to do it! He is going to bring
New Heavens and New Earth, so it isn’t an obligation, but a joy to see what He sees. Amen?
Look at verses 15-16:
1 Peter 4:15-16, “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.”
First, I love that murder and stealing is grouped in with meddling. “Meddling” in the
original language is being a busy body. “Meddling” is poking your nose in someone’s life to
tell them what they should or shouldn’t do about secondary issues, and God’s Word groups
“meddling” in with “murder and stealing.”
But most important, in verses 15-16 we see a pivot in the tone of the letter from not being
“surprised by fiery challenges”, but to “glory in fiery challenges.” Do you see that shift?
Like, if you were on the edge of a biblical view toward “fiery challenges” then verses 15-16
just give us a big shove like, “We’re going to glory in those fiery challenges!” I mean, it’s
Jesus who says, “If you want to follow Me, then deny yourself, pick up your cross daily.”
Why are we surprised!
Therefore, the Apostle Peter, who heard those very words from Jesus writes, “Let us not
suffer for being murderers, thieves, and meddlers, but let us who are in Christ suffer for the
name of Jesus.” Boom! Look at verse 17:
1 Peter 4:17, “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?”
Look at this phrase, “Judgment begins with the household of God.” Welcome to Jesus! How
come we don’t hear that language from those pastors on TV? How many are seeing that in
the Bible for the first time? (Raise your hands)
First, we need to remember the language in verse 17 isn’t language of punishment but
language of identity; “Beloved, rejoicing, participants in New Heaven and New Earth.” If I
invite you over to dinner I don’t expect you to do anything. But if you start coming over
every Tuesday night, I am going to ask you to take out the trash. I am going to ask you to
unload a dishwasher. It isn’t punishment. It’s the “identity of our family.” It’s ownership of
the relationship we are building with one another. Amen?
Therefore, when Jesus invites us into relationship with Himself, and the Holy Spirit starts
poking on some areas of our live, often revealed through “fiery challenges,” it isn’t scrutiny
or punitive, it’s intimacy.
Think about it in other areas of life. When we show up to work we are paid to do a task, but
when our supervisor begins to trust us with more responsibility and empower us to move
beyond tasks, it isn’t abuse but the fruit of trust being built in the relationship.
In the same way, our relationship with God through faith in Jesus isn’t transactional. It is
relational. Therefore, as a follower of Jesus, when we see “fiery challenges” show up in our
life, we can rejoice, we can redeem, rebuild, and we can glory that we are in a cosmic fight.
Let us not be surprised by fiery challenges, but let us assume, like a military soldier, we are
in a spiritual war that matters. We’re pushing back darkness and decay! Let us assume,
like an athlete, we’re all running, but we’re going to actually win, therefore, let us run like
we’re going to win! Amen?
Listen to me, I am not saying this like someone who has this figured out. I am the first to be
faint-hearted in fiery challenges, so I need to hear these words as much as anyone. But,
let’s not be surprised that marriage is difficult. In fact, let’s glory in the difficulty of building
a strong marriage because it matters!
In our parenting, it is so easy to panic about our children. Self included! Instead, I want to
glory in the challenge of raising children and pointing my children to Jesus. It’s easy to be
indifferent toward our children. It’s easy to give up. It’s hard to fight for our children. Let’s
glory in the fight!
Look, I don’t know everyone’s story. For some of us, glorying in the fight is getting out of
bed! Hell yeah! You showed up! Punch life in the face for His glory! Glorying in the fight is
taking those dark thoughts captive and saying, “I am all done feeding my soul with dark
thoughts.” Glorying in the fight is showing up to reconcile with someone! Glorying in the
fight is asking someone to pray with you!
God’s Word is reminding us there’s no contract for a “life without fiery challenges.” Those
“fiery challenges” are going to come and His power is greater than those “fiery challenges.”
In fact, Scripture teaches us when we are weak from those “fiery challenges” He is strong
because in those moments we aren’t relying on our strength but His strength, therefore,
let’s build some war stories with Jesus! Amen?
Haven’t we spent enough time with insecurity, fear, doubt, anxiety, and self-pity? I am not
saying we can just snap and be done with those things, but God’s Word is inviting us into
the mindset of stop wallowing in those emotions so easily, and instead turn to Jesus and
ask for His help to glory in Him!
There is strength in those tears. The sadness we feel in life with Jesus isn’t the absence of
our faith but the evidence of our faith. When we turn to Jesus and admit we are weak,
those are “earth-shaking” moments. When we turn to others and invite them into our
weaknesses those are “awe and wonder” type moments. Amen?
But, in all that goodness, I am guessing this phrase “judgment in the household of God”
might still be confusing, so think about it this way. Did you know in a 2-mile radius around
this building there are 75,000 people?
Statistically, 6K of those people are connected to a local church so that means 69,000
people around us in a 2-mile radius that are struggling through marriages, struggling
through raising children, struggling through financial struggles, doctor appointments; fiery
challenges, and verse 17 is a way for those people to look at the follower of Jesus and see
them walk through “fiery challenges.”
Those 69,000 people get to watch the “household of God” go through struggling marriages,
children, and finances, and doctor appointments just like them, so that sometimes they will
get to see the follower of Jesus “glory in those fiery challenges.”
Jesus never said, “I will remove fiery challenges.” Jesus said, “I will be with you always,
even in those fiery challenges.” Amen? It isn’t performing through those “fiery challenges”
for others to see. It is “enduring through those fiery challenges” with humility, weaknesses,
confession and repentance that stands out. Amen? Hebrews 12 says, “Let us run with
endurance, looking to Jesus, because we know that He is with us!”
Please know I haven’t figured this out. You will probably need to remind me at lunch
today! I am not asking you to have this figured out. I am asking you to grow with me in this
area. I am asking you to help me build this identity into our church family. Help us build
war stories of Jesus’ work in us on earth as it is in heaven for His glory. Will you do that
with me? Look at verses 18-19 as we close:
1 Peter 4:18-19, “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 shall
entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
Verse 18 is a quote from Proverbs in the Old Testament as a reminder that these truths
aren’t new. This has been God’s plan all along. Through faith in Jesus, we are invited into
His family, His identity, His purpose, and as a testimony, “If judgment begins with the
household of God, how much more will He follow through on those who don’t know Him?”
The “judgment of fiery challenges on the household of God” is a sign that all of humanity
can trust Him to follow through on His Word. Does that make sense? The “judgment of
fiery challenges on the household of God” is a warning to take His Word serious. It is an
invitation to know Him.
If you don’t know Jesus. You should meet Him today. If you have people in your life that
don’t know Jesus, why would we not talk to them today. Fiery challenges aren’t going to
stop!
You can give your life over to busyness, substances, eating, shopping, sleeping, but none of
them bring resolution. None of them bring lasting peace. They all promise lasting peace,
and none of them deliver. Jesus is the only One.
You don’t have to wait for heaven. You can taste of heaven on earth. Therefore, trust in
Jesus today. Invite Jesus into your life today. Make Him Lord of your life today. Confess
with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Believe in your heart that Jesus conquered death.
In that moment, the Holy Spirit will come to live inside you. Your soul will be ushered into
the presence of God. The heavens will rejoice and you will be welcomed into the family to
be with Him in all things. Won’t you do that this morning?
North Village Church
This sermon is brought to you by North Village Church, a non-denominational church in Austin. established in 2009 and built around Jesus and Bible teaching.
Are you looking for a church in Austin? At North Village Church we put Jesus at the center of our church family. We worship together every Sunday at 10:30am, encourage Christ centered fellowship through groups, and host special events such as Bible studies and Theological Training, to ensure that we are rooted in in God’s Word. We also serve our local community in association with several Austin based organizations.
North Village Church is made up of professionals, married couples, singles, and families who are wanting to experience the life-transforming power of Jesus. If you are a family with children or teens, we can support you with either or both our Kids Ministry and Youth Ministry.
You are welcome to contact us if you would like more information.
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