God Loves You

Over the last few posts Peter has shown us in 1 Peter 4:1-11 that we are no longer to live in the past before we were saved but to live our lives glorifying God in everything that we do. He showed us that Christ's return is imminent and that we are to live the rest of our life here on earth making every moment count for eternity.


Now over the next few posts we will be covering verses 12-19; here Peter is once again reminding us that we are to expect suffering, that as Christians we should not think it strange when fiery trials come our way; that we are to rejoice in suffering when the suffering is for Christ's sake. My friend, we need to make sure that our suffering is not because of our own sin but because of our testimony for Jesus Christ.

Let’s begin our study as we look at 1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you". Notice Peter starts off here with the word "Beloved" What a term of endearment; It is from the form of love that is God's divine love. (agapētos). You could translate it to be "divinely loved ones". Peter uses this word as a descriptive title, reminding the recipients of this letter, who were going through much suffering because of persecution, that they were loved in the heart of God. What a beautiful comforting thought. Being reminded of God’s love for us in the midst of trials is so comforting. To know that we are His children and He takes care of us.

I look forward to studying these verses with you. Until next time, have a blessed day.