Our living God Pt 16: Oppression
1Peter 4:14-19 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will, should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Insulted because of the name of Christ
Many of us believers have struggles in our lives, sometimes rising to the level faced by those in some 3rd World countries where belief in Jesus can be almost a death sentence. This passage is a particularly strong reminder to stay strong amid suffering. Peter reminds us that suffering should not be a surprise, nor is it a sign that we have been abandoned by God. Instead, it is something that believers should expect, endure, and ultimately embrace as part of their walk with Christ. This passage lays out how we should view suffering and how we should respond to it, especially when it comes as a result of our faith in Jesus. Peter tells believers not to be surprised when they experience trials as though something strange were happening. Many people, especially new believers, may think that following Jesus means an easy and trouble-free life. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Jesus Himself warned that His followers would face opposition because of His name (John 15:18-20).
To be insulted for Christ’s name means to face ridicule, rejection, or even persecution simply because we align ourselves with Him. This could take the form of being mocked for our faith, being ostracized by friends or family, or even facing harsher consequences in some societies. However, Peter tells us that when we suffer for Christ, we are actually blessed because “the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you”. This is a profound encouragement—our suffering is evidence that God’s presence is with us.
The world often views Christian values as outdated or even offensive. When we stand firm in biblical truth, we may find that people insult or attack us. But instead of responding with anger or despair, Peter calls us to rejoice. Why? Because suffering for Christ connects us to His own suffering. If Christ endured rejection and insults, we should not expect to be treated any differently. Our willingness to suffer for Him shows our devotion and deepening of our faith.
Bear that name
Peter then urges believers to bear the name of Christ with honor. He makes a clear distinction between suffering for doing wrong and suffering for doing right. He warns against suffering as a criminal or wrongdoer, but when we suffer as a Christian, we should not be ashamed. Instead, we should glorify God because we bear His name.
In the early church, the term “Christian” was sometimes used as an insult by outsiders. To be called a Christian was to be associated with a rejected and crucified Savior. But Peter turns this into a point of honor. If we suffer because we belong to Jesus, we should see it as a badge of faithfulness rather than a source of shame. Our willingness to endure hardship for Christ’s sake demonstrates that our faith is real and that we truly identify with Him.
Bearing the name of Christ means more than just calling ourselves Christians; it means living in a way that reflects Him. We are called to love our enemies, do good to those who persecute us, and respond to hatred with grace (Matthew 5:44). When we endure suffering with patience and joy, we show the world the power of Christ in us.
Judgment begins with God’s household
One of the most challenging parts of this passage is verse 17, where Peter says, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household.” This might sound alarming: Why would judgment begin with believers? Isn’t judgment reserved for the wicked?
To understand this, we must recognize that Peter is not talking about condemnation. Rather, he is referring to God’s refining process for His people. Throughout the Bible, God often allows His people to go through trials in order to purify and strengthen them. Just as gold is refined by fire, so too are believers refined through suffering (Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3).
Suffering is one of the ways God shapes His people, helping them grow in faith, obedience, and endurance. When we go through trials, we are forced to rely on God more deeply. We learn humility, patience, and perseverance. This refining process is part of God’s love for us—He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).
Peter then makes a sobering comparison: If believers, who are saved by God’s grace, experience trials as a means of purification, how much worse will it be for those who reject God? If God allows His own children to be tested, those who have turned away from Him will face an even greater judgment. This serves as both a warning and a motivation. We are reminded to remain faithful, but we are also called to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Christ. The eternal consequences of rejecting God are serious, and our suffering as believers should not discourage us, but rather, encourage us to live out our faith boldly and invite others to do the same.
Commit ourselves to our faithful Creator
Peter concludes this passage with a final encouragement: “So then those who suffer according to God’s will, should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19). This verse is incredibly powerful because it reminds us that our suffering is never outside of God’s control. He is our faithful Creator, which means He is both powerful and loving. He made us, He knows us, and He will sustain us through every trial.
When we suffer, we might be tempted to give up, compromise our faith, or question God’s goodness. But Peter urges us to do the opposite—to trust God even more. Instead of focusing on the hardship, we should focus on God’s faithfulness. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Not only should we trust God, but we should also continue to do good. Suffering should never be an excuse for bitterness, laziness, or selfishness. Even in the midst of trials, we are called to love others, serve faithfully, and stand firm in our faith. When we keep doing good despite our hardships, we become living testimonies of God’s grace and power.
What about me?
Suffering is not about pain or discomfort; it’s about attitude. Are we really sold-out for Christ? Do we really love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? These questions are easy to ask and the answer to each is sobering: We probably are not. We are not as committed as we think we are. Nonetheless, Jesus wants the full commitment of our heart, and the more we strive for that commitment, the more we get the attention of the world.
Satan is feeling the encroachment of God’s Kingdom, and the closer the Kingdom comes to his the angrier he gets. We must commit ourselves fully to our faithful Creator, trusting in His goodness and continuing to live for Him no matter the cost. In doing so, we reflect the light of Christ in a dark world and bring glory to God through our unwavering faith.
Do we bear his Name with honor? Do we reflect His glory and majesty? Not as much as we wish. Believer, I want to challenge you to be active in your faith; not living as a hermit, but naming the Name, and walking the talk. Satan will notice and begin to turn up the heat of temptation, ridicule, and accusation. We are called to bear His name with honor, embracing the trials that come with being a follower of Jesus. As God refines us through hardships, we must remain faithful, knowing that He is preparing us for eternal glory.