Suffering - A Part of Our Lives

Scripture: I Peter 4:l8...'If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what
will become of the ungodly and the sinner'?

In I Peter 4, Peter challenges believers to understand that suffering
and difficulty will be part of our lives. (I Peter 4:l2). Even in that
suffering, we should continually rejoice because one day Christ will be
revealed in glory and we with Him...(I Peter 4:l3).

In this context, Peter says, 'If you suffer as a Christian, do not be
ashamed but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for
judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us what
will be the outcome for those who do not obey to the gospel of God.
It is worth remembering that Peter had tried to escape the potential of
suffering for Christ when Jesus was arrested. Rather than being
associated with Jesus, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. By the
time he wrote the epistles, Peter had come a long way and had indeed
suffered for Christ throughout his ministry. He would untimately die as a
martyr because of his preaching of the gospel of Christ. In encouraging
to rejoice even in his suffering for Christ, Peter exhorts them that they
should not suffer for doing wrong...(I Peter 4:l5)...believers should be
cautious not to do wrong. We should be'holy'..(I Peter l:l5-16). But,
when believers suffer for being associated with Christ, that glorifies
God...(I Peter 4:l6).

As Peter cautions us against doing evil, he reminds that judgment
begins with the household of God. Peter states...If God takes
righteousness seriously that He judges His own people then how
serious will the judgment be for non-believers?..(I Peter 4:l8).
Peter recognizes that God's saving grace has been provided. (I Peter
l:3-5). Peter knew first hand what that provision cost. God's grace is
free to all who will receive it by belief in Jesus but it is not free to God...(I
Peter l:l8-19). Jesus paid the ultimate price to provide us with that gift
and all three Persons of the Trinity/Facet exerted effort to ensure our
salvation.

The Father chose us to be in Christ, to 'be holy and blameless' as His
adopted sons...(Ephesians l:4). The Son redeemed us by shedding His
blood as a substitution, dying in our place..(Ephesians l:9). The Holy
Spirit seals us as God's pledge that we have been redeemed and have
eternal life...(Ephesians l:l3-l4).
These are just a few examples of what God does on our behalf.
While nothing is difficult for God, Peter recognizes that the righteous will

'scarcely be saved'...(I Peter 4:l8). So, if God has done so much to
express His love and kindness to those who don't deserve it, how grave
will things be for those who reject His grace and kindness by not
believing in Jesus Christ?
Quote...'You can't walk with both Jesus and the world.
They're going in two different directions.'