10/19/25 - Dishonored on Earth, Vindicated in Heaven - 1 Peter 4:12-19 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This week, we are approaching the final section of Peter’s letter, where he addresses how Christians are to live in a hostile world. Peter’s focus is on enduring suffering for righteousness’ sake while keeping our hope fixed on the eternal glory God has prepared for us. He reminds us that everything we do - our words, actions, and service - should glorify God, pointing others to His greatness and character. Living for God naturally draws opposition, and Peter warns that trials and ridicule are part of the Christian journey, designed not to harm us but to refine and strengthen our faith, much like gold being purified in fire.

Peter gives practical encouragement for facing these trials. Believers are to rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings, understanding that what appears as shame or loss in the world is actually a sign of belonging to Him. He reminds us of the example of the early apostles, who were whipped, insulted, and even died for preaching the gospel, yet rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s name. I think of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose courage, prayer, and vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand demonstrate how God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, gives strength, sustains His people, and confirms their ultimate vindication, even in the darkest moments.

Finally, Peter clarifies that suffering for Christ is blessed, but suffering for sin or misdeeds carries no honor. He urges believers to embrace the name “Christian” with Godly pride, recognizing that it signifies being part of a diverse and unified body of Christ. He explains that God’s judgment begins with His people to purify and prepare them, and that enduring trials faithfully point to the greater accountability of the world. Our response, then, is to entrust ourselves to the faithful Creator, who is sovereign over all life and circumstances, and to continue doing good, confident that God is at work for His glory.