1 Peter 4 | Christians Shouldn’t Be Surprised by Suffering

Christians are called to live differently, and in 1 Peter 4 we see a powerful reminder that following Jesus means embracing a life set apart. Peter makes it clear that believers should not return to old habits, sinful lifestyles, or the empty pleasures of the world. Instead, we are to live for the will of God, walking in holiness, and using our spiritual gifts to glorify Him. This episode emphasizes the tension between living in a culture that mocks faith and the call to live faithfully no matter the cost.

A major theme in this chapter is suffering. Peter explains that trials and persecution are not accidents, but part of the Christian journey. We should not be surprised when hardships come, but instead view them as an opportunity to share in Christ’s sufferings. In fact, he calls suffering for Christ a blessing because it shows God’s Spirit rests on us. This flips the world’s perspective, reminding us that difficulty for Christ’s sake is actually evidence of His presence and work in our lives.

Another highlight of 1 Peter 4 is Peter’s teaching on spiritual gifts. Every believer has received a gift from God, and those gifts are meant to be used to serve others and build up the church. Speaking, serving, leading, encouraging—each of these is only effective when done in the strength that God provides. The episode emphasizes that our call is not to sit back, but to engage fully with the gifts God has entrusted to us. When we live this way, people around us see Christ through us.

Peter also encourages believers to live with urgency: “The end of all things is near.” That means sober-mindedness, self-control, and above all, love. Love covers a multitude of sins, and hospitality reflects the heart of Christ. In a world full of selfishness and division, this is the radical difference Christians are called to embody—loving deeply, serving faithfully, and glorifying God with every action.

The final verses remind us to entrust our souls to God as a faithful Creator. Even in persecution, God is purifying His people, shaping us to look more like Christ. When believers embrace suffering as part of God’s refining work, it changes everything. Instead of discouragement, there’s joy in knowing that God is making us holy and using our lives for eternal purposes. This chapter calls us to boldness, faithfulness, and endurance, knowing that God is always trustworthy and His glory will be revealed.

 #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JesusSaves #DailyDevotional #FaithOverFear #1Peter4 #NewTestamentJourney #GodsP

Transcript

 1 Peter 4

1 Peter 4

Jenny Zook: [00:00:00] Hey everyone. Welcome to God's Plan, your Part year two, where this year we're reading through and studying the entire New Testament one chapter at a time. Thanks again for joining us in discovering God's plan and your part in it. 

Ryan Zook: Today we are digging into first Peter chapter four, and I'll tell you a spoiler alert, Jenny's hot take it, is that this is more of the same.

That's what she said. As soon as we can read it in a bad way, but it's 

Jenny Zook: definitely gonna be. Similar to what we've talked about for the last three days. 

Ryan Zook: Okay. We, we've been laying the groundwork here that Peter is doing a lot of talking about suffering and he is making the point that Christians will suffer.

Uh, and when we do suffer, we should at times do so willingly to the honor and glory of Christ. So there's a lot more of that here in the chapter. I'm curious what actually did stick out to you from the chapter? 

Jenny Zook: Um, I guess the first part, there were like two sections for me. I, I always like doing this. It always helps my mind to like mm-hmm.

Process what we, we've gone over. So the first part seems to be more [00:01:00] about, um, being gracious in a time of what will be full of persecution. But then the second part says, don't be surprised when these things happen. You have to endure. Mm-hmm. So that's kind of how I saw it. Mm-hmm. 

Ryan Zook: I, I would say like, as we read over, it's a pretty short chapter.

Again, you should go read it for yourself or listen to it for yourself. It's very important. Uh, God's words are more important than our words, so make sure you get 'em. Um, I would say as I'm reading through first Peter, um. Peter, I think comes across as though he has no context whatsoever for a person who calls themself a Christian yet does not completely live as though they are a Christian.

Jenny Zook: Wait, can you say that again? 

Ryan Zook: So Peter doesn't seem to make any space for somebody who says they are a faithful believer in Jesus talking and walking and are not. Walking that out in an active way. Right. And I, I would make that point, um, from verse three for the time that is, uh, for the time that is passed, suffices for doing what the gentiles want to do.

Living central alley [00:02:00] passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this, they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery and they malign you. Jenny thinks it's a debauchery, by the way. You can 

Jenny Zook: tell us 

Ryan Zook: stop, but they will give count. So like Peter's saying, Hey, look like you know what the world does.

He does call out specific things, uh, you know what the world does. It's gonna surprise the world when you're not involved in those things at all. And I know historically, like I guess in my own walk or my own background, uh, there was definitely a point in my life where I'm like, man, Christians just seem so lame when they don't.

At least partake a little bit, 

Jenny Zook: like engage at all. 

Ryan Zook: Yeah. And, and Peter's just making this very strong case. Like, Hey, you are a new man, you're a new woman. You don't live like that anymore, and you are living for the honor and glory of Christ. That is, you are drawing attention to Jesus at all times, in all situations.

And sometimes even today, I can, I can kind of feel like overwhelmed by that. Like, man, I don't, I don't, I don't get a break at all. Um, [00:03:00] but I think. I wanna encourage myself and I wanna encourage everybody that's listening. Um, we wanna set a high bar and we wanna rise to that high bar. Um, we don't want to see that that bar is high and think, ah, that's just, you know, that's just too high.

Like, can I just stay right here? Um. That keeps us from growing, uh, spiritually and, and probably like, uh, personally as well. Um, but it also does not bring the glory and honor to Christ that we are supposed to be bringing to Christ. Mm-hmm. Um, and another way that I'll make that point is, uh, verse 10. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's very grace.

Whoever speaks as one who speaks Oracles of God, whoever serves as one who serves by the strength, God supplies. So he's saying like, Hey, if you're good at speaking, um. When you speak, it should be by the power of God. If you're good at serving when you serve, it should be by the power of God. Uh, it's not like this, Hey, we have a need.

Can you fill it? It's like, man, I am passionate about serving this way or speaking this way, or [00:04:00] teaching this way because God has called me to it and God will strengthen me to do it. So that's encouraging me today. I hope it's encouraging to you as well. Um, any other things that you wanna point out in this thing?

Jenny Zook: Well, I, I guess that goes along. We were just talking right before this about spiritual giftings and we were talking about how God has gifted each one of us with specific skills and, uh, giftings for whatever the work is that he has set out for us. Mm-hmm. And I mentioned that I was questioning just a conversation that I had heard about, well, this is my gift, so this is what I'm good at.

I'll help you with whatever, I guess, but this is what I'm good at. You know what I'm saying? Mm-hmm. Like is this, this seems to be kind of along those same lines. No, I think 

Ryan Zook: sometimes we can, we can try to make that argument 'cause we just don't wanna do stuff. Okay. Yeah. And, and I think that God's calling us to do stuff.

I realize that's like a severe oversimplification. Um, but we should be. Meaningfully engaged in moving the needle for Christ in our culture. Mm-hmm. Uh, and it is [00:05:00] so, so, so, so tempting to take a backseat and think, well, somebody else is doing that. Or that that person has a loud voice. They're taking care of it.

The pastor's dealing with that the teacher is teaching that the guy on TikTok is doing the thing on TikTok. Like, no, no, no, no. All of us have a part to play in this, and all of us should be engaged in playing that part. Imagine if tomorrow everybody who calls themself a Christian decides to be 110% engaged in living out their faith as though they are a Christian.

We would see a noticeable difference immediately. Mm-hmm. And so I think, uh, I just wanna encourage everyone, uh, to be that difference. Wherever you are. And I know myself, like there are times I had lunch with a guy today and, uh, we were talking about sharing the gospel and he was like, you know, I just wanna make sure that I'm actually sharing and presenting the gospel at all times.

And while I was talking to him, I felt it in my, my own heart, soul, and spirit. Like, oh, if I did that, I would, I would seem weird and I don't wanna seem weird. And it's like, man, what whatcha [00:06:00] doing? You know, I think. I don't love blaming things on Satan, but I bet, I bet Satan loves that. Uh, when it's like, well, I don't wanna do that.

That would be weird. And I, I think I can directly connect that. I can directly connect that to, uh, verse 14, if you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Okay? So it's like. We don't live like the world lives, we shouldn't be ashamed of that, and we should be drawing attention to that.

Not in a prideful, arrogant way, but like, Hey, I have something and you need it. So, uh, Paul says, follow me as I follow Christ. Do what I'm doing. Bring honor to Christ. Is that gonna get people to be like, what is up with you? Yeah, of course it is. And when people think you're weird because you're trying to actively serve the, the gospel, you're trying to actively serve Christ and build his kingdom, that's a great thing and we should be thankful for it.

So my response to that guy at lunch should have been, I, I didn't actually say any of this, uh, but my response should have been. Huh. I would seem really weird [00:07:00] if I did that. And that would actually probably be a really helpful, good thing because it would be drawing attention to Jesus. And if I could just do one more thing to draw attention to Jesus, that's what I want to do.

And I gotta grow in this guys. I, I, I need to. Um, and my guess is you probably need to too. 

Jenny Zook: Yes, that is true. When I'm not distracted by all of our kids. Yes. Um, no, but I think verse. Let's see, verse 12. So that's like where the news section starts. So it's after, um, being gracious regardless of the fact that you will indeed have persecution in your lives.

I like Verse 12, it says, 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 the glory is revealed or his glory is revealed. So I like that it spells that out for us because I think sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we.[00:08:00]

We feel that persecution, I guess if you will, like people make fun of you for what you believe or they think you're crazy for what you believe. If you have family that is like that, or friends that are like that, or people you work with that are like that or have that mentality. It says right here. Don't be surprised when those things happen.

So I think that is, although a strange verse to be encouraged by it is because like we're supposed to expect that people that haven't experienced Christ's love or the gospel in their own lives, they don't understand this until Jesus has made that difference in their life and they allow him to do so.

So. I guess I really like that point specifically, like don't be surprised when this happens. 'cause it will. 

Ryan Zook: Okay. My, my final point comes from verse 17 for it is, it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God, first point, um, historically in the Old Testament, when, when, uh, when you hear household of God, that's talking about Israel, God's [00:09:00] people.

Mm-hmm. We've, we've talked about that earlier in a couple episodes. Um, Peter here is purposely shifting that and recognizing that the household of God is the people of God. I made the point earlier. One of our previous episodes that the people of God have always been God's chosen people. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, God's chosen people are always the people who obey God.

Um. He, so he's, he's making that extension that all of us throughout the world who are following Jesus are part of that household God and judgment here is not final judgment, it's actually purification. Hmm mm-hmm. So, um, when we are striving to live a life that honors Christ, we do fall under correction.

And sometimes God uses hard things in our lives to bring correction. That's a good thing. Mm-hmm. Okay. And it can be tempting to think, I don't want this. I can't endure this. This is too much. Whatever. That thing I said earlier, if people think you're weird because you're following Jesus, that's a good thing.

It's probably a good thing. It's actually gonna make you stronger, and it's very likely that it's going to make them stronger. 

Jenny Zook: And all the glory to God and 

Ryan Zook: all the glory goes to God. We don't live for ourselves. We live for God. And um, I, I think probably like a really [00:10:00] pointed, tangible takeaway is just, just if you want extra credit, make a list of some of the things that you do every day.

Like a actual list, write 'em down, and then look at that list of things that you've written down and say, how can I honor God in that thing in a public manner? Um. I think you'll see a difference in your life. I think you'll, I think you'll start to think through like how you can actually leverage your daily decisions for God's glory.

Because I do think there are opportunities that we miss a lot of times because we don't wanna be weird or we don't wanna work harder. Um, but God is glorified when we experience hard things and to his honor and glory, we jump up to that bar instead of falling away from it. 

Jenny Zook: Mm. Final verse though, I think is what pulls it all together.

And I don't know if you wanna 

Ryan Zook: go for it. 

Jenny Zook: I mean, I guess you did kind of your part, but it does like, sum up all of it. Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will and trust their souls to a faithful creator while doing good. So just because you're feeling persecution not a big deal. 'cause it's actually doing good.

Uh, you're entrusting your [00:11:00] soul to a faithful creator. Um, so I think that's pretty. 

Ryan Zook: I actually love how Peter in charge consistently calling us to practical. Good. Mm-hmm. Um, a lot of times we can, we can get kind of stuck. I've seen it done lots of times, uh, where we're not saved by works, we're saved by faith.

Right? Um, but once we are saved by faith, once we receive that free gift of salvation that is from Christ, that God has given to his elect, um, um, we. Live good works because of the good work that's been done in us. 

Jenny Zook: I guess imagine for a moment if you have been, uh, if your salvation story involves the. The works of someone else.

Yeah. Imagine if that person would have only been a faith not works person. Yeah. And how that would have directly impacted you. So I think that's a good way to think about it too. 

Ryan Zook: So sometimes we unintentionally cut works outta the picture because it seems like it's. Just such a bad word or something.

Right. I'm so sorry. Um, but you're not saved by good works. You're saved to good works. Mm-hmm. So we do good things that honor Christ. We live some [00:12:00] kind of way to honor Christ, um, because we are working out and showing the salvation that is in us. So we are sanctified every day. That is, we're made more and more like Jesus every day, uh, by striving to live like Jesus every day.

And we don't wanna make excuses for ourselves. Mm-hmm. I think we're probably all pretty good at that. Um, and you know yourself really well, so you're pretty good at making the, the right excuses for yourself. Yep. Uh, but again, don't, don't shrink away from that bar. Rise up to meet it. And I, I just, I, I am growing to love this letter.

I'm enjoying it even though it is a lot about suffering. Um, I think it's really good. Encouragement. So I hope you're encouraged. There is only one chapter left in first Peter chapter five. It's a, it's a shorter one as well. Uh, so we'll be talking about first Peter five tomorrow, and then we will be jumping into second Peter.

We'll see you then. 

Jenny Zook: Hey guys, if you enjoyed the episode today and are enjoying God's plan, your part, we would love it if you could help us in two ways. First, if you would. Give us a rating and review for our podcast. We would really appreciate that. And second, tell your friends, tell all your people [00:13:00] that you rub shoulders with every day, uh, to listen to the podcast and also give us ratings and reviews as well.

That being said, here is the reading for today, 

Ryan Zook: first Peter, chapter four. Since therefore, Christ suffered in the flesh arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh, has ceased from sin so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh. No longer for human passions, but for the will of God.

For the time that is passed, suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this, they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery and they malign you, but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead. That though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. The end of [00:14:00] all things is at hand. Therefore, be self-controlled and sober minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly.

Since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another. As good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles of God, whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies, in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.

Amen. 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.

[00:15:00] But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief, or an evil doer, or as a medler. 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 in the sinner. Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing good. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of God's Plan, your Part. Don't forget, you can find us on just about every social media platform and YouTube.

Let us know what you thought of today's episode, and if you have any questions, go ahead and post them there. You can also reach out to us directly at God's Plan, your part@gmail.com. As always. If you don't have a Bible or if you'd like to use the one that we use, uh, reach out to us via email and we'll be happy to send one to you.

Thanks again [00:16:00] for listening. We'll see you again tomorrow.