A few months ago, I took my son on a trip to Oklahoma and showed him around my old college campus. I walked him through a few buildings and showed him some of the rooms I had classes in. We talked about the different sizes of classrooms and the different types of classes that take place in them. Some classes are pleasant and enjoyable, with light coursework. Others are difficult and require your maximum effort. Looking back, some of the hardest classes I took ended up being my favorite because I learned a lot through the hard work.

Oftentimes our lives are like classrooms, and suffering is one of the ways God teaches us spiritual lessons. He often uses these difficult times to reveal who He is and how much we need Him. As we rely on Him completely, He develops us into people who look and operate like Jesus. Knowing that difficulty is a part of life, the end of 1 Peter gives a lot of lessons we can learn in the school of suffering.

12 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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgement 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? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 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

10 Lessons

The end of 1 Peter 4 gives us a few lessons we learn through suffering:

  1. We can expect suffering
  2. We can have joy in the midst of suffering
  3. You are blessed for honoring Christ
  4. We are helped by Holy Spirit
  5. It’s not honoring to God to suffer for sin
  6. Suffering for our savior does honor God
  7. God judged Christians first
  8. God judges the lost last
  9. God is in control: Suffering is a part of His plan
  10. God is Creator: He is still working

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. – 1 Peter 5:6-14

10 Commands

The end of 1 Peter 5 gives us a few commands to help us practically live out these lessons:

  1. Wait on God to exalt you
  2. Cast your cares upon the Lord
  3. Be sober-minded
  4. Be alert concerning the ways of the devil
  5. Resist the devil
  6. Know that you’re not alone in the struggle
  7. Rest in the promises of God
  8. Stand firm in grace
  9. Rejoice in God’s family
  10. Rest in God’s blessings

As followers of Jesus, we are sojourners- this world is not our home. We take the path He leads us on knowing that it will involve suffering. During those difficult times, we endure because God is teaching us about His love for us and shaping us to be more like Him. We can be joyful as we remember that eternal glory awaits us at the end of this path. This life and its hardships will not last forever, we are just passing through.