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1 Peter 2:20 – Patient Suffering

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Will

For what fame is it if sinning and being harshly treated, you endure it? But if doing good and suffering for it, you endure it, this finds favor with God.

Truth to Learn

When we patiently endure unjust punishment for having done good deeds, God is pleased.

Behind the Words

The word translated “fame” is kleos, which is derived from a shortened form of kaleō, meaning “to call.” Kleos refers to “calling out the goodness” of someone. Hence, it is often translated as “renown,” “glory,” “favor,” or “credit.”

The word “sinning” is translated from hamartanō, meaning “to miss the mark.” It is often translated as “transgress” or “sin.” “Harshly treated” is translated from kolaphidzō, which means “to strike with the fist.” Both of these words are expressed as present participles indicating current ongoing activity.

The expression “you endure it” is translated from hupomenō, which is made up of hupo, meaning “under” and menō, meaning “to remain.” It literally means “to remain under.” It is a picture of a beast of burden remaining under a heavy load and is often translated as “persevere” or “endure.”

“Doing good” is from agathopoiōn, a word we looked at back in verse fourteen. It refers to doing good deeds.

The word “suffer” is from the Greek word paschō, which refers to an intense emotion, usually suffering.

Meaning Explained

Peter is making a very profound statement that should be taken to heart by all who call themselves Christian. If you do wrong, are punished for it, and take it with patience, there is no glory or recognition given to you except that you got what you deserved. If, on the other hand, you have done good deeds, are falsely punished for it, and you take it patiently, this is joyous, or well-pleasing, with God.

When we suffer wrongfully, our Heavenly Father is aware of it. If our attitude is right, He is pleased with us. Peter says nothing of God’s attitude toward our actions when we complain and raise a ruckus because we have been falsely accused or punished unjustly. But he says that God is pleased when we endure it patiently. Peter is clearly thinking back on the unjust beating and suffering endured by Jesus Christ when he paid for our sins. In the following verses Peter will refer to Christ’s wrongful suffering as a perfect example of how we should act. He was innocent and was supremely punished by men and accepted it patiently. We, on the other hand, are guilty before God and do not receive the just punishment for our offenses.

Application

All Christians have experienced situations where we did what was good and ended up suffering for it in one way or another. Can you remember such a time? How did you handle it? Did you endure it quietly and patiently, or did you fuss and complain to God about how unfair it was? How will you react the next time this happens to you? Quietly and patiently, I hope!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:17 – Suffering Heirs

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:17 – Suffering Heirs

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Truth to Learn

We are God’s heirs and we will suffer for it.

Behind the Words

The word translated “heirs” is the Greek word klēronomos, which means “one who is receiving an inheritance.”

“if indeed” is translated from the Greek word eiper, which carries with it the notion of “if it is so, and it probably is.” By implication it means “since.” So, Paul is saying “since we suffer together …”

The word translated “glorified together” is sundoxadzō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and doxadzō, meaning “to give honor” or “to make glorious.” It is expressed in the passive voice indicating that it will be done to us.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we saw that it is the Spirit of God who gives witness to our spirit that we are the children of God (if we have been saved). Now Paul goes on to say that if we are children of God (as confirmed by the Holy Spirit of God living in us), then we are heirs.

Note here that only legitimate children can be heirs, and under the Jewish laws of the times adopted children were legitimate children. In fact, an adopted child could not be disowned or dis-inherited the way a natural born child could be. So the fact that we are adopted children means that our inheritance is guaranteed!

So what are we inheriting? Some say we are inheriting heaven, but that’s not all we will inherit. This verse says we are heirs (inheritors) of God himself. That is not to say that we will become gods as some religions believe. It simply means that we are heirs of the eternality of God. Just as Jesus (the man) received an eternal body and shares in eternal fellowship with God the Father, we also will receive an eternal body as God’s heirs and will share eternal fellowship with Him.

Paul now throws a bit of a wrinkle in here. He says “since we suffer together with Him, we also may be glorified together (with him).” This should be both a challenge and an encouragement to us all. It says that we will suffer as Christians! But it also says that Jesus Christ suffers with us when we suffer. Here is another verse from Paul’s second letter to Timothy that talks about that suffering:

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2Timothy 3:12)

We should be prepared to suffer because we will if we are His children and we are pursuing a godly life. But when we do, He is right there with us. He knows the most intimate details of the trials that we’re going through because He is suffering with us.

Application

If you are a Christian then you have been legally adopted into God’s family, and you are an heir to all that God has to offer. Because you are in His family, however, his enemies will hate you like they hate Him and you will suffer for it. Are you ready for that? Consider this: He suffered to pay for your sins. Are you willing to suffer for Him?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 4:15 – Improper Suffering

Posted on February 25, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

Truth to Learn

Suffering for righteousness is pleasing to God. Suffering for wrongdoing is not pleasing to anyone.

Behind the Words

“Evildoer” comes from the Greek word kakopoios, which is a compound of kakos, meaning “bad or evil” and poieō, meaning “to make or to do.” So, kakopoios means one who does bad things.

The expression “a busybody in other people’s matters” comes from the single Greek word allotrioepiskapos. This, again, is a compound word that combines allotrios, meaning “those things which belong to someone else” and episkiopos, meaning “an overseer.” Hence, this word means “someone who is overseeing someone else’s matters” or “someone who sticks their nose in other people’s business.”

Meaning Explained

After a number of verses intended to comfort us in our times of trial and suffering, Peter now interjects a solemn warning lest we think that any type of suffering is glorifying to God.

Peter mentions four types of actions for which suffering does not bring glory to God. Two of them are specific crimes and the other two are more general in nature. The first two things he identifies are murder and theft. Certainly none of us would seriously consider murder as a reasonable action because it is so horrific and final. Stealing, on the other hand, is a different matter. We tend to categorize stealing two ways: intentionally taking something that doesn’t rightfully belong to us and “borrowing” or using something that isn’t ours but that the rightful owner will never miss or doesn’t need if we don’t return it. If the matter were truth telling we would call this latter one a “white lie,” so I’ll refer to it here as a “white theft.” Unfortunately for us, in God’s book there is no difference between a white theft and any other kind. If we get caught in the act and suffer for it we do not bring glory to God.

The other two things that Peter mentions for which we should never suffer are being an evil-doer and being a meddler. Evildoer is pretty broad in scope and includes all those things that we do that aren’t pleasing to God. Lest we try to split hairs here, Peter is not saying that we shouldn’t get caught, but that we shouldn’t do these types of things. If we don’t do these things, we won’t have to suffer for them.

The fourth thing that Peter tells us not to suffer for is “a busybody in other people’s matters.” I’m sure we all know or have known someone like that. This should never be the case with a Christian. After all, we have enough to do just to keep our own sin nature in check without looking into or trying to fix anyone else’s problems.

So, to put today’s verse in perspective, let me summarize what Peter is telling us. If we suffer for righteousness sake, we are blessed and we bring glory to God, but it does not glorify God when we suffer for our sins.

Application

I know that some of you are suffering right now as the result of a number of different issues. Remember, that’s pleasing to God – as long as it’s for doing what is right!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 3:17 – Good Suffering

Posted on January 28, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 3:17

For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Truth to Learn

Sometimes God chooses to have us suffer even when we are doing what we know is right.

Behind the Words

“Better” is translated from the Greek word kreitton, which is the comparative form of kratus, meaning “strong.” So, kreitton literally means “stronger.” However, used figuratively as it is here, it refers to something that is “better.”

The word translated “will” in today’s verse is thelēma, a form of thelō, which refers to what God has determined. There are two words that are commonly translated as “will” in the Bible. They are boulomai (desirous will) and thelō (determined will). It’s like a child going into a store to buy candy with a limited amount of money. There is his desirous will (to have all the candy) and his determined will (the specific candy purchased with his limited funds).

If we look carefully we see that Scripture refers to God’s will in both ways. An example of God’s desirous will can be found in 2 Peter 3:9, where it says:

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

This is a use of boulomai in reference to God’s will. Hence, God does not desire that any should perish.

Meaning Explained

Peter has not been talking about our suffering as being discipline, though it sometimes feels that way. Let us not miss the truth that he is teaching us. When we suffer for doing good, we have a tendency to turn to God and say, “Hey, wait a minute, God! I did the right thing! Why am I suffering for it?”

In today’s verse, the use of thelema indicates that God has determined that in some cases we will suffer for doing what is right and good. Peter is telling us that even if that is the situation for you or me, it is better than suffering for doing evil. When we suffer for doing good we can, with a good conscience, turn our hearts toward God and give Him the glory for our suffering, knowing that it is part of His plan. When we suffer for doing evil, we can only hang our heads in shame and wish we hadn’t done something so stupid.

In the next chapter of this letter, Peter will say a similar thing about suffering:

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. … Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (1Peter 4:16, 19)

Incidentally, the word translated “will” in 1 Peter 4:19 is also thelēma; that which God has determined.

Application

Are you suffering right now because you have done what is right and you can’t understand why? If so, get on your knees and thank God for finding you worthy to suffer for Him. Then, be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have in Him!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 1:14 – Unlikely Suffering

Posted on January 25, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 3:14

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

Truth to Learn

We probably won’t suffer for behaving the way God expects us to. But if we do, we are fortunate, and we should not be afraid.

Behind the Words

There are 4 types of conditional sentences in the Greek grammar of the New Testament. This sentence is closest in form to the least common of those, the 4^th class conditional sentence. The 4^th class condition indicates “less probable future condition.” In other words, “while it is possible, it is not likely that this will happen.”

There are two Greek words that are commonly translated “bless, blessed, or blessing.” They are eulogeo (“good words” or “well spoken of”) and markarion which means “supremely fortunate” or “supremely well-off.” The word in today’s verse is the latter.

Meaning Explained

In the previous 2 verses Peter told us that God is looking over us and is attentive to our prayers. This promise is not to all mankind. Peter is writing this letter to “the elect,” those who have been chosen by God.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father … (1Peter 1:1, 2a)

If you are a born again Christian then this promise is for you. As we said in the previous verse, however, this does not mean that nothing bad will ever happen to you.

If we behave as God has commanded us, keeping our tongues from speaking badly, turning away from evil, and pursuing peace, then we know that God is watching over us and listening to our prayers and nothing bad is likely to happen to us, but even if we should suffer because of righteousness, we are blessed.

Even if we should suffer for doing what is right, though it is very unlikely, then we are still extremely fortunate. We have been adopted by the great Lord of all creation, and we are to be the bride of His Son, and He loves us with a perfect love!

Because of that, Peter says in the last half of this verse, “then don’t fear their threats nor be troubled.” Even if you should suffer, don’t let it make you fearful. Here’s what our Lord said:

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:28-31)

Application

In John 16:33 Christ told His disciples that in this world we will suffer tribulation. If we behave like our Heavenly Father wants us to and if we are a constant witness for Him, the world will hate us. And if we should suffer for it, we are to count it a joyous thing, and we are not to fear because God is for us!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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