December 27, 2010 by Allen Coleman 0 comments

Posted in: Suffering

Ministry is hard. In fact, being a Christian is hard. That's not a new headline, however. Observe:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (1 Peter 4:12-19)

When Peter penned the words, "Do not be surprised," the initial readers knew exactly what he was talking about. Peter most likely had in mind all that was going with the notorious Emperor Nero. Nero initiated the hatred against the Christians, which eventually became a policy of persecution under future Roman emperors. There were honest judges who were tried to acquit the believers of false charges against them but were overpowered or just simply ignored. As a result, the false charges of anarchy against a civilized society stood firm against them. As horrible as one can imagine, many Christians were used as human torches to light Nero's garden parties. History tells the stories of Christians sewn inside wild animal skins for hunting dogs to devour, nailed to crosses, and were the objects of other horrible acts. H.B. Workman in his book Persecution in the Early Church says,

"For two hundred years [from Nero on] the leaders among the Christians were branded as 'anarchists' and 'atheists,' and hated accordingly....To become a Christian meant the great renunciation, the joining of a despised and persecuted sect, the swimming against the tide of popular prejudice, the coming under the ban of the Empire, the possibility at any moment of imprisonment and death under its most fearful forms.... He that would follow Christ must count the cost, and be prepared to pay the same with his liberty and life.... The mere profession of Christianity was itself a crime. Christianus sum [I am a Christian] was almost the one plea for which there was no forgiveness, in itself all that was necessary as a 'title' on the back of the condemned.... For [many] the Name itself ... meant the rack, the blazing shirt of pitch, the lion, the panther, or in the case of maidens an infamy worse than death" ([Cincinnati: Jennings and Graham, n.d.], pp. 103-04).

First Peter was probably written just after that persecution began, toward the end of A.D 64. The believers were experiencing “the fiery trial" indeed. The Apostle Peter told them how to respond to their suffering. In a way these words sum up all his previous instruction about their trials. Many wanted to give up...throw in the towel. I live in a county where the name of Jesus is synonymous with "those who commit hate crimes." At the time of Nero, Christians were labeled anarchists and atheists. In my culture today, we are labeled ignorant and intolerant. In fact, even within Christianity, a biblical presentation of Jesus and the hypostatic union will insite disdain from those who (arguably) consider themselves followers of Jesus.

As a Christian, I've had no shortage of trials. As a church planter, this truth is even more-so. I have to confess this Christmas season has been one of the hardest in recent memory. I have had moments when I have been unsure of my vision, unsure of those who are "with me", and unsure if I've had any impact. It is in times like this that I want to run and hide, throw my hands up in defeat, and go work for a church in Orlando (or some other saturated Christian market where this would be easier).

But there is only one way to get through seasons like this. Only one posture can yield the supernatural perseverance needed to prevail. In fact, Peter pointed it out right away: GIVE UP.

"Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (1 Peter 4:19)

When I say that "I want to give up", I do not mean that I wish to concede my efforts. To do so would bring no honor to Jesus. Rather, I mean what Peter means. He exhorts us to give up our 'will'. Our 'will' decieves us. By 'will', of course, I mean the faculty by which we decide on and initiate action. It is the source of our angst and frustration. My will is that this would be easier. My will is not to suffer. My will is that I'd be sitting in a recliner somewhere watching the game on a new HDTV. Peter, however, speaks of our Master's will. Verse 19 seems to capture the entire thrust of First Peter. That those of us who profess Christianus sum, suffer in accord with God's will. He rules over everthing that happens to us. He is the sovereign Creator, but is also loving and faithful, therefore I can entrust my entire life to His will. Because left to my own will, I choose eject every time. Jesus had to go through the same process of giving up:

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

I can surrender my will to His in the full knowledge and assurance that He doesn't make bad plans. And because His will is about His glory and my good, then I can expect fiery trials. I, therefore, shouldn't be surprised when they arise. I should instead embrace the Spirit of God that rests upon me because I am blessed. I trust Him more than I trust my feelings or thoughts. Such trust manifests itself in steadfastness. And steadfastness is a practical key to my sanctification (James 1:4).

No doubt this season will pass (Ecclesiastes 3:1). No doubt some of you are experiencing trial, suffering or persecution. The answer is not to give up your efforts because of what you 'will'. Instead, give up your 'will' entirely. That's where I'm at. That's what I want to give up. May we all want to 'give up', likewise.