The early Christians faced trials that were both genuine and serious. The suffering that those followers of Jesus endured in the first century was not some sort of fantasy. The trials and sufferings which they knew so well were not matters that they read out of a book that told about what was happening to someone else that lived far away from them or in a different period of history. No, their suffering was real. It was part of their lives. For them, it just came with the territory of serving the One Who suffered and gave His life for all of us.

To those 1^st-century saints of God that served as slaves, the apostle Peter by the Spirit sent a message about the suffering which they might have to endure: "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:20,21).

The two verses quoted above are only one small portion of the teaching that is recorded for us in the Book of 1 Peter about the trials and suffering of God’s children. Let us take a look at some of those instructions and see what we can learn from this encouraging epistle about that topic, remembering that if Jesus faced trials and willingly suffered on our behalf, then it is only right that we should be prepared to do the same for Him. [All emphasis in the quotes below is mine, rdc].

First, any trials and suffering that we might have to endure are only temporary. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials" (1 Peter 1:6, NKJV). "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you" (5:10).

Second, the trials that Christians must face are not limited to one type, but rather come in different shapes and fashions. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials" (1:6, NKJV).

Third, the testing of our faith is compared to the testing through which gold must pass. "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1:7). Just as the hottest fire indicates which gold is of the best quality, so the genuineness (or lack thereof) of our faith is shown by how well it stands up under the most severe trials or testing.

Fourth, suffering can be a good thing. The general principle is this: suffering is good when one suffers for righteousness’ sake: "But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy [blessed, NKJV] are ye" (3:14). It is further written that suffering is good when one suffers wrongfully for the sake of conscience. "For this is thankworthy [commendable, NKJV], if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully" (2:19). We are also taught that it is good when Christians suffer for wrongdoing and through it all maintain their patience. ". . . But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God" (2:20).

No child of God should suffer because he/she has done evil. We are not at all suggesting that Christians are exempt from punishment for wrong deeds, but rather if you and I must endure suffering, then let us make sure that such discomfort is not something that we have brought on ourselves by lawless conduct. "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing" (3:17). "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters" (4:15).

Sixth, whether we like it or not, some people will count us as strange and speak badly about us if we will not join in their sins. "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you" (4:3,4). Most likely, all of us have experienced such treatment to one extent or another. Though it is not pleasant to know that others think we are weird or even speak out against us, yet, in all honesty, people’s thoughts and antagonistic words are not a severe form of persecution, regardless of how such things might cause us inward hurt.

Seventh, while others might look at us as being strange because of our unwavering commitment to our Master, we personally should not count it strange that we have to suffer for Jesus. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (4:12). Trials are just a part of life for both saints and non-saints alike. The truth is, as Christians, we face some additional trials that people outside the Kingdom do not have to deal with. Such just comes with the territory when we walk with the King.

As we suffer for Jesus, we ought to rejoice. "But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (4:13). From the standpoint of pain, no suffering is pleasant (cf. Hebrews 12:11). Yet, through the eye of faith we can see the unseen Christ and His sufferings on our behalf, and in our hearts thank God that we can suffer for Him and His Cause. In this connection, there should never be a sense of shame in us if it be our lot to suffer for our Lord: "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (4:16).

Ninth, we would do well to keep in mind that we are not the only ones that suffer or face afflictions – brethren in other places face the same. ". . . the devil . . . Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions [sufferings, NKJV] are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (5:9).

The Book of 1 Peter plainly shows that it is possible that any or all of us might "suffer according to the will of God" (4:19). The trials and sufferings that 21^st-century Christians must face and endure, when compared to the trials and sufferings of our brothers and sisters in the Lord of nearly 2000 years ago, are, in most cases, minimal in both number and intensity. What you and I face is usually not nearly as severe, painful, or life threatening as that which our fellow-saints of yesteryear endured.

Let us close this study with an earnest appeal. Let each of us resolve that we will not become a whiner – one that is a chronic complainer and always anxious to tell any and all that will listen about how tough he/she has it in life. When you and I face trials, difficulties, and maybe even a touch of persecution, our struggles and pain are real. No one can deny the reality of such. And yet, we must not appeal for pity by portraying ourselves as the most pitiful or most abused person that has ever lived in the world. The truth is, regardless of what comes our way, others have "been there and done that." Whatever we might face in life, we need to trust in God and work with Him to maintain a good, positive attitude, knowing that the testing of our faith can produce good results (James 1:2,3). To God be the glory.

-- Roger D. Campbell