Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 4:16
After warning us to be sure we do not suffer for acting fleshly, God comes right back in 1 Peter 4:16 and tells us, “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” The term “Christian” is only used THREE times in the New Testament. Of course, we see the term Christian used here in 1 Peter 4:16, and it is also used in Acts 11:26 and Acts 26:28. Most people don’t know this, but when the Romans first used the term “Christian” to describe the followers of Jesus, it was not used encouragingly. The Romans used the name degradingly, making fun of Christ’s followers. So, God used Peter to tell the first Christians, and us today, not to be ashamed if we suffer as a follower of Christ. As Christians, the fact that suffering is a part of this life should never surprise us. Even Jesus told us, several times in the Gospels, that this world would hate us and would do everything it could to stop us from sharing Him with this lost world (Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:9, Luke 21:17, John 15:18–19, 1 John 3:13). So, God told us to be sure and glorify Him in this name, “Christian,” as we live for Him. There never needs to be any shame for the way we live our lives if we are living for Christ. We must choose to live for Christ so that our Heavenly Father is completely glorified when we suffer as Christians.
Challenge & Application
· The term “Christian” was first used degradingly by the Romans to describe Christ’s followers. How has the term “Christian” been watered down today?
· How are you glorifying God through your suffering as a Christian?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!