SUFFERING CHRISTIAN

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Peter 4:16)

HERE IS ONE OF THE three places the word "Christian" is found in Scripture (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet 4:16). In all three cases, the word reflects the world's view of believers. In Acts 11:26, "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." In Acts 26:28, wicked Agrippa said to Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Our text speaks of suffering "as a Christian."

SOME TEACH THIS WAS a Divinely given name, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 62:2: "and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name." This view also appeals to the original word from which "called" is translated, saying it means "called by God," or Divinely named. There are reasons that do not allow for this interpretation, regardless of etymological concerns. First, no believer ever referred to himself as a "Christian." Second, no congregation of believers is ever called "Christians." Third, no promises are addressed to "Christians." It is inconceivable that these conditions could exist if the name "Christian" was Divinely given. God gave the name "Jesus" to His Son, and repeatedly referred to Him as such. He gave the name "Abraham" to Abram, and from that point on so referred to him. But this is not the case with "Christian."

THE WORD "CHRISTIAN" means "of or pertaining to Christ; a follower of Christ." Believers were referred to in this way because of their OBVIOUS identity with Jesus Christ. They were not merely His followers by profession, but in manner of life and teaching as well. As you already know, many people wear the name "Christian" who are received by the world, and treated as friends and associates. But this will not be the experience of anyone who exudes the life of Jesus. It will at once become apparent to the world such an one is separate from them. As a result, they will cause them to suffer,

AND WHAT IS THE SUFFERING-ONE to do under such circumstances? First, the child of God is not to be "ashamed." He is not the one who is wrong! "Shame" involves embarrassment, feeling defeated, and being disgraced. Those reproached for the name of Christ must not be ashamed of Him or His Gospel. Here, the believer must follow the Lord, of Whom it is said, He "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb 12:2). The world looks down upon the believer, but the believer looks down upon the shame, despising, or thinking less of, such an experience. This is involved in not being ashamed. I wonder if Peter did not vividly recall when He thrice denied the Lord out of a sense of shame – something from which he repented on the same night the denial occurred.

THE BELIEVER MUST, however, have more of a response than simply not being ashamed. He is to "glorify God

IN THIS MATTER," i.e., in the suffering itself. The perspective here is the same as that declared to the Philippians. "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Phil 1:29, NKJV). Believing AND suffering for Jesus' sake are both gifts from God. Both have been "granted" to us "in the behalf," or for the sake of, Christ. That is, God is honoring Jesus when He grants us grace to believe on Him. He also honors the Son when He grants us the privilege of suffering with Him that we might also reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12).

LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS involves two kinds of experience. First, we are brought into accord with heaven, and made suitable for Divine fellowship. Through God's great salvation, we are readied for heaven, tasting of the heavenly gift and the powers of the world to come. Our association with God through Christ brings great blessing and benefit to us. Second, we are thrown into conflict with this present evil world, which recognizes we no longer belong to its condemned order. That association produces suffering and reproaches.

BOTH OF THESE EXPERIENCES (believing and suffering for His sake) are from God. Therefore, we can glorify Him for both. The blessings associated with believing confirm that we are accepted in the Beloved (Eph 1:6). The reproaches of this world confirm that we have been so changed by the grace of God that the world knows we are separate from it. But, we must walk in the Spirit and live by faith to see these things. If we live too low, the clouds of doubt and fear will hide these realities from us. The earth generates a sort of spiritual fog that hides these perceptions from those who are close to it.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS USING PETER to lift us up into the realm where all things are clearly seen. From this higher vantage, suffering looks much different! Thank God for that!

– Given O. Blakely