Author: Charlie Garrett

Sunday, 15 December 2019

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16

Peter now turns from the negative traits that a person may suffer for, and to the highest and most glorious state for which a person might suffer. To contrast his thought from the previous verse, he says, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian.”

This is the third and last time that the title “Christian” is used in Scripture. The other two occurrences are in Acts 11:26 and Acts 26:28. The word simply signifies a follower of Christ. Countless commentaries state that the term “Christian” is one which was considered lowly and derogatory, even disgracefully used by others. This is an unfounded claim. The first use of the word states –

“Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. ²⁶ And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

There is nothing to suggest that the term here is used exclusively by those outside of the body of believers, or the other only by those inside the body. It is simply a statement of fact. Just as today a Presbyterian is identified as such, and just as a Baptist is identified as such. It is true that those outside may have used the term in a negative way – “Look at those holy-roller ‘Christians’ over there.” However, to a believer in the Greek-speaking world, the name is the only logical and proper title.

The word Christos is transliterated into “Christ,” and it has the same meaning as “Messiah.” Both mean “Anointed One.” As the majority of believers moved from Jews to Gentiles, as would be the case in Antioch, the title “Christian,” or “Christ-follower,” would naturally and gladly be used. There would be no hint of derision, but only a welcome bearing of the word.

For those on the outside who were not at enmity with the believers, it would be a name to be used without either derision or exaltation. And for those who disliked believers, it would be a title of derision. This is how any name is given. For a family – “Those ‘Garretts’ are a bunch of yahoos.” For a nationality, “I really respect those Americans.” For a type of car – “A ‘Ford?’ No way Jose! That means ‘Found On Road, Dead.’ I would never own a ‘Ford!’”

Peter, acknowledging this now commonly used term (the term “Christ,” which leads naturally to the use of “Christian,” is used almost 600 times in the New Testament) to instruct his audience. Remember that Peter is writing to Jews, but they are Jews of the dispersion. Therefore, the commonly used language would have been Greek. Therefore, writing in Greek, and using the term “Christian,” are in perfect harmony with that thought. And so, he says, “let him not be ashamed.”

One can see very clearly that the title was, in fact, also being used as a term of derision by those outside in his words. These Jews certainly were proud of the title, but family, friends, and other opponents used it in a negative way – just as Jews are proud to be Jews, but those outside will call them “Jews” in a negative way. Peter lets them know that the title should not be borne with any sense of shame at all. Rather, he says, “but let him glorify God in this matter.”

His words tell the believes that they should take what may be another’s form of derision and to turn it around and make it a point of honor – as if wearing it as a cloak which all could see and decide upon. In their conduct, in their attitude, and in their allegiance to Christ, they would exalt and bring glory to God. Each person who saw them as “Christians” would have to decide which way they would speak the term – as derogatory or as a compliment – but all would see that the intent of these believers was to bring glory to God.

Life application: Here is the account of when the apostles were beaten by the ruling leaders of their time –

“And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Acts 5:40-42

The apostles were called into the ruling council and strictly warned to not speak in Jesus’ name. They were beaten for their witness, and then were warned to not speak in the name of Jesus in the future.

One would think that facing the highest court in the land, and being threatened by those who sat there, would scare these men. Additionally, one would think that being beaten would make them timid about speaking out in the future. Instead, it says they departed “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”

The next sentence then proclaims that they “did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” If you think it through clearly, what is there to worry about if your faith is sound? We proclaim Jesus as Lord and that we believe His promises. One of them is that we are given eternal life through His name. Whatever little trouble we face in this world, if this promise is true (and it is!), then every trial and every pain is simply a temporary matter.

Jesus Christ has prevailed, and we really do have a sure hope. If you suffer for His name, don’t be ashamed. Instead, glorify God because of it.

We know in our hearts that Your word is true, and that Jesus Christ is Lord. O God, please help us to understand this in a rational way and never to forget that with this confession comes the promise of eternal life. What can man do to us when You are at our side? We are safe and secure in the hands of our Creator! Amen.

Saturday, 14 December 2019

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 1 Peter 4:15

Peter had just spoken of receiving reproach in the name of Christ, and when it occurs, as he said, “on your part He is glorified.” Now as a means of explaining that, he cites the words of this verse by saying, “But let none of you suffer.”

The Greek reads, “For let none of you suffer as a…,” which is followed by several negatives. He is expressing cause, not contrast, from the preceding verse. Peter’s words are precautionary because many Christians have come from the troubled of society. Not every believer is from a Christian home and raised in a godly atmosphere. People are brought out of all kinds of wicked lives. Further, even those who were raised in a godly home may think that they are immune from judgment because they were raised as Christians. In spite of the cause for their behavior, Peter will speak against those who do these improper things.

Believers are “in Christ,” and when they are reproached as Christians, it is “in the name of Christ,” just as he said in the previous verse. It is contrary to being “in Christ” to be one of the negatives which he will next state. If one is reproached as a Christian, God is blasphemed by them, but he is glorified by the believer. So how can God be glorified by something negative?

The suffering itself is not the thing which brings blessedness to the individual and glory to God. Rather, it is the faith and endurance of the believer which brought about the reproach, and which then brings about the blessedness and glory. This is the thought that is being presented, and it is why the Greek word gar should be translated as “for” and not “but.”

With that in mind, he begins with, “as a murderer.” The idea of murder is that of an action which is unsanctioned and which results in death. Killing in war is not murder. Executing a capital criminal is not murder. It is an act defined by the Fifth Commandment in the Old Covenant, and it is sanctioned under the New (see Galatians 5:21 and elsewhere).

Next, Peter cites being “a thief.” The word is kleptés. One can see the root of the word kleptomaniac there. It is a thief, someone who steals in secret, rather than someone who does so openly and with violence.

Peter then says as “an evildoer.” The Greek word is used in Scripture only by Peter. This is the last of three times he uses it. It is someone who makes trouble and looks for opportunities to injure others or cause unnecessary damage.

Finally, he says, “or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” This is a word found only here in Scripture. A literal translation would be an overseer in the affairs of others. In other words, he takes authority in matters which he has no right to meddle in. Thus, it speaks of a busybody, sticking his nose into the business of others and failing to mind his own business.

Life application: All of us are susceptible to doing wrong and falling back into evil patterns, and we need to be continuously on guard about how we conduct our lives. Should we fail and turn back to the things Peter mentioned, we are bound to get caught and suffer for our actions.

His point then is that we should rather suffer for Christ than for something so inappropriate.

Also, realizing the severity of the first three categories mentioned – those of murderers, thieves, and evildoers, it is notable to see the fourth item in the list, that of busybodies. Most of us would agree that being a murderer is a really bad thing. Thieves are a scourge in all societies, and there are usually strict penalties when one is caught stealing. Likewise, the term “evildoer” isn’t the type of label most people would want to be associated with. There are plenty of modern terms we use to describe a person who is a general evildoer, none of which are light and flowery.

But here Peter adds in something which carries the same weight, and yet which is as common as birds chirping in the morning – busybodies. We tend to dismiss this type of person as someone not to be trusted and to stay away from, but they don’t receive prison sentences, nor do we have colorful metaphors we direct towards them. From a biblical perspective though, this type of behavior is held on the same level as murder!

This is because being a busybody destroys the lives of those it touches. It infects and ruins congregations, and it never accomplishes anything but unhappiness and disaster. The next time you are tempted to mention a private matter, get involved in someone else’s business, or interfere in some unwanted way, remember that Jesus will hold you to account for your actions. Determine now to be the epitome of ethical behavior in all of your dealings.

Lord Jesus, we pray that you keep us from the willful desire to get involved in areas that are none of our business. Should we hear a busybody in action, please don’t let us get sucked into their poisonous trap, but rather keep us from them so that harmony may prevail. This is a tough area and we pray that You keep us safely from it. Amen.

Friday, 13 December 2019

If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 1 Peter 4:14

Peter continues with the same general idea as he has written about for the past two verses. He mentioned the fiery trial of believers, and of partaking in Christ’s sufferings. These things are to be expected and actually are to be a point of honor for those who face them. As he now begins to say, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ.”

The Greek reads, “in the name of Christ.” In other words, this is not speaking of suffering which is a result of faith in Christ as much as it is a title of honor for bearing the name of Christ. The reproach is because of the honorable name the believer bears, but which is used as a reproach by those who do not bear it. It is a title which can belong, and only belongs, to a “Christian.” This will become evident in verse 4:16.

If one is reproached in this way, Peter says, “blessed are you.” One who bears the name of Christ, and who is reproached for bearing that name, carries with him a blessing. In being a Christian, it means that something happened when they became a Christian. That is then seen with Peter’s next words. He says, “for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”

Very few translations properly render these words. Vincent’s Word Studies explains –

“Lit., the spirit of glory and that of God. The repetition of the article identifies the spirit of God with the spirit of glory: the spirit of glory, and therefore the spirit of God: who is none other than the spirit of God himself.”

A more suitable translation would be, “the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God.” It is a note implying the doctrine of the Trinity – One essence with individual “Persons” within the Godhead.

The blessing, then, is that this Spirit of Glory, meaning the Spirit of God, rests upon the person who bears the name of Christ. This is what Paul refers to in Ephesians 1 –

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14

A person has the Spirit of God resting upon them, because they have trusted in Christ. In trusting in Christ, he bears the name of Christ. Peter calls this a blessing because it is the sign and the seal that we are restored to God. Therefore, to be reproached in the name of Christ can only be the highest honor of all.

Peter then explains this by saying that the reproach does not fall on the believer as much as it does on Christ (the subject of the verse) in whom the believer is reproached. As he says, “On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” Christ is blasphemed when people reproach “Christians,” it is true, but Christ is glorified at the same time by those Christians who are willing to stand and receive reproach in His name, because it is He who is honored by the believer in the process.

The contents of the verse are important to follow properly, because Jesus says elsewhere these words –

“And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.” Luke 12:10

It is these words which were probably on Peter’s mind. In Peter’s words, he speaks of being reproached in the name of Christ – something which can be forgiven. It is not the Holy Spirit who is being reproached, but rather the name of Christ. Those who reproach Christians because of the title they bear are doing so for exactly that reason. The Spirit has sealed the person and rests upon him, but that is unseen to the one who is reproaching. It is the name of Jesus, the Christ, who is the Subject of Peter’s words.

Life application: A few points to consider –

1) You cannot logically be reproached for the name of Christ if you are not a Christian;
2) Normally and rightfully, you won’t be reproached for the name of Christ, even if you are a Christian if you keep it a secret;
3) You can’t expect the blessing promised here if you are not reproached for the name of Christ, but this doesn’t mean you won’t be otherwise blessed.
4) Having the Spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, upon you is not necessitated upon bearing reproach for the name of Christ.

These four points should be obvious, but some people tend to miss one or more of them. For example, some people in the church age have been openly belligerent in their Christian life, seeking to be reproached and even martyred. They did this expecting a greater blessing in the afterlife (see point 4). This kind of thinking is abnormal. We are to live our lives in a manner which brings glory to Jesus, not to ourselves.

This then leads back up to point 2. You cannot bring glory to Jesus if you keep it a secret. What is the point of growing in the knowledge of Jesus if we don’t share it with others? Being timid about His role in your life is like being timid about eating dinner. When you share your faith in, and love for, Jesus – whether you are reproached or not – you can expect the Lord to favor it and bless you (see point 3). No matter what you face, a pat on the back or a punch in the head, you will be rewarded.

Don’t worry about your here and now! Instead, look to the needs of those who haven’t heard about Jesus, and share His name with them. If you do, the Spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, will lead you and support you because He rests on you. Have no fear in what man can do; the Lord can do so very much more!

Heavenly Father, how glorious You are. May we be willing to openly, and without timidity, stand on the title which we bear – Christian. Overwhelm our reticence, and give us the desire, ability, and action necessary to proclaim the name of Jesus. Whether we suffer reproach or thanks, may our words be filled with His great name! Amen.

Thursday, 12 December 2019

…but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:13

To keep the context, the entire thought should be considered –

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; ¹³ but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

In contrast to thinking it strange for a believer to face fiery trials, Peter says that they are to “rejoice.” To think something strange is to indicate a lack of understanding why something is occurring. There should be no doubt as to why believers face trials, and they are to not only accept them, but to rejoice in them.

Peter then provides the exact reason for this seemingly contradictory state. He says you are to rejoice “to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings.” The translation is incorrect. It says, “in the sufferings of the Christ” (YLT).

Believers do not suffer in the same sufferings as Christ. Rather, they participate in sufferings which are the same model as those which Christ suffered. The difference is similar to the concept of the Catholic mass (transubstantiation) and communion. We do not actually participate in eating the body and blood of Christ. Rather, we participate in a remembrance of that act. Likewise, our sufferings may be emblematic of the sufferings of the Christ, but we are not participating in His actual sufferings.

The sufferings, which we participate in, are because of our being in Christ, and they are a point by which we are to rejoice. Peter then explains why this is so by saying, “that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

Again, the translation is lacking. The word translated as “be glad” is the same verb as at the beginning of the verse, and it is followed by a second verb to highlight the state. It should say, “rejoice exulting.”

There is a time ahead which will put all sufferings of Christ’s faithful into its proper perspective. Today, if we have joy, it will be remembered for the rest of our lives. However, if we have sickness or trouble, the memory – though maybe still painful to an extent – will fade. This is all the more so as joys of life fill up the painful thoughts. When believers come before the Source of all joy, the trials and the sufferings that were once faced will be completely forgotten as they are consumed by the everlasting joy which fills the once painful space of our memories.

Peter was probably thinking of Christ’s words which were spoken on the Mount of Beatitudes. Though spoken under a different dispensation, the truth of what Christ said is an eternal truth concerning suffering for the sake of Christ –

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11, 12

Life application: When you suffer as Christ did, as a believer you are likewise partaking afflictions as He did. This is obviously of great value to the Lord and something for which you will be rewarded, so don’t be disheartened. Like Matthew above, Luke also speaks of this in Luke 6:22, 23.

Paul also used this same terminology in 2 Corinthians 7:4 when he said, “I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” Jesus set the pattern, Paul and the other apostles confirmed the pattern, and we are to live by it to the greatest extent possible.

Peter likewise suffered in this way, both as recorded in the book of Acts and at the end of his life – something he will mention later in his writings. Peter isn’t asking us to do anything that he and the other apostles hadn’t already endured. Be firm in your convictions now that you will be willing to suffer for Christ. When He appears, you will be exceedingly joyful at the approval He lavishes upon you!

Jesus, if we are to face persecution and reviling, we ask that You fill us with Your Spirit of grace so that we may be a pleasing example of patience and faithfulness during the fiery trial. This we ask so that You – You, O Lord – will be glorified through our sufferings. To Your honor and glory we pray. Amen.

Wednesday, 11 December 2019

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1 Peter 4:12

Peter now returns, once again, to the idea of suffering and trials. In doing so, he again uses the word translated as “beloved” as he did in verse 2:11. He is tenderly addressing his flock and asking them to consider his words as a heartfelt truth that must be considered. In this, he says, “do not think it strange.”

Here, he uses the same word as in verse 4:4. It signifies “to receive as a guest.” Thus, it is something surprising. They are not to be surprised or alarmed “concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.”

Here, the verb is a present participle. It should read, “the fiery trial which is trying you.” They were already facing fiery trials, and they should not consider that this is something unusual or which was unexpected. The word translated as “fiery” is introduced here, and it will be seen two more times in Revelation 18 when speaking of the burning of Babylon. It is that which burns for purification. In this case, it is combined with another word, translated as “trial,” to signify a test of burning which purifies. One can think of silver being refined and purified through the work of the refiner.

Peter says that there should be no surprise in this. If believers are the Lord’s, and we are imperfect, fallen beings, then we require purification through such testings in order for us to grow and mature. Therefore, it should not be in their minds that this is “some strange thing.”

This is how God worked with Israel while under the law –

“For My name’s sake I will defer My anger,
And for My praise I will restrain it from you,
So that I do not cut you off.
¹⁰ Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
¹¹ For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it;
For how should My name be profaned?
And I will not give My glory to another.” Isaiah 48:9-11

As Peter’s audience is first and foremost Jewish believers, they would be aware of the words of the Lord, and they should understand that the Lord purifies His people in order that His name would be glorified. Hence, such testing was for their good and for His glory. Peter says this is why the trials “happened to you.”

Again, it is a present participle. Therefore, it should read “are happening to you.” It is something that had begun, and it is something that will continue until the end of this age. God’s hand of purification will continue until His people are finally glorified.

Life application: Each person who attempts to live a godly life will be facing their own trials. These are allowed in our lives to try us, to test us, to strengthen our armor, and to build our Christian character. However, none of these things are allowed without the approval of the Lord.

To understand God’s sovereign hand in all things – even in calamity – read the first two chapters of Job. Satan had to get permission to bring trial and disaster on Job. The Lord allowed these things to happen, and He will allow difficulties to come about in our lives as well. This doesn’t in any way demonstrate an uncaring or unloving attitude in the Lord. Instead, all things are brought about for our benefit (whether we understand it at the time or not) and for His glory.

In the end, we will see the wisdom of everything that has happened to us in our lives. The thing for us to remember now is that it is a demonstration of God’s confidence in us and our ability to learn and grow from what has occurred, or is occurring, in our lives.

Heavenly Father, we don’t like the fiery trials we have faced in the past, and we certainly don’t look forward to the ones yet to come, but we know that You have ordained them for our learning and growth. When they come, remind us of this, so that we can bear up under the pressures they bring about. In the end, we know that You will be glorified, and we will be edified. Amen.