1 Peter 4:19
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.
The Christian, in his suffering, either by persecutors or by God’s just judgment, should always continue to do what is right, trusting God for their eternal soul.
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.
When we suffer for Christ (for being a Christian) we share His sufferings. For that we can rejoice; and we will rejoice much more when He comes; for we will be greatly blessed because the Spirit of God and His glory will be upon us.It will be a great party!
1 Peter 3:17
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
If one suffers for doing what is right he will have nothing to correct or feel guilty about. But if one suffers because of a sin, he must ask for forgiveness and correct his behavior.
1 Peter 2:23
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
Jesus was abused with hateful language (especially at His trial and during His crucifixion). But He did not say anything back. Mathew records (in Matt. 27:12-14): “And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ 14 And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.”
The reason why he remained silent is because He knew it was His time to suffer, and He also knew that only His Father could deliver Him. So, He entrusted Himself (handed Himself over) to God whom He knew would judge Him righteously. His Father would let Him be crucified to pay for our sins, but in the end He would be resurrected and returned to heaven.
1 Peter 2:21-22
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
We are called to salvation, and in that calling we are also called to suffer as Christ did. Hence, we have His example to follow. And He did suffer unjustly, since He committed no sin or was ever deceitful. He was a perfect man. And if we try to be as He was, we will suffer as He did, inflicted from the hands of sinful men, from Satan and his demons, from the sinful world, and from our own sinful flesh.
1 Peter 2:19-20
19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
God is pleased with you when you endure unfair treatment—because you are keeping a good conscience toward God. But if you are treated harshly because of some sin, we must know that our harsh treatment is fair and is what we had coming.
1. Practice consecration with prayer. Consecration is the act of giving ourselves completely to God through prayer for His will and service, recognizing that our life and all that we have is His. E.M. Bounds has said: “Prayer enters into every phase of a consecrated life…Consecration is really the setting apart of one’s self to a life of prayer.”
And how does all this affect holiness? If affects it directly and in every aspect. We cannot be holy without it. Why? Because consecration is that which prepares the heart for holiness. It is the act of giving ourselves to God by bringing our desires in line with His, thus by making our attitude right before him. Moreover, by consecration we both prepare ourselves for holiness and we enter into that holy life. A holy life in every phase is a life of consecration with prayer.
2. Practice…
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Stephen Nielsen 