1 Peter 4:16
As a Christian, you should not be ashamed of Christ and His Gospel, but rather glorify God in suffering and recognize it as a gift.
John Gill emphasizes the significance of suffering as a Christian, encouraging believers not to feel ashamed of their faith or the trials they face for it. He highlights that the name 'Christian' is a badge of honor, first given to the disciples, and urges Christians to endure suffering with the same resolve as Christ, who bore the cross. Gill reminds the congregation that suffering for Christ is a gift and an opportunity to glorify God, urging them to embrace their trials joyfully and patiently.
Text
Ver. 16. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian,.... Because he is one, and professes himself to be one. This name was first given to the disciples at Antioch, either by themselves, or by the Gentiles; however, it being agreeable to them, was retained; it is only mentioned here, and in Ac 11:26,
let him not be ashamed; neither of Christ, and his Gospel, for which he suffers, nor of the name he bears, nor of the punishment he endures, however ignominious and shameful it may be among men; but let him, as his Lord and master did, endure the cross, and despise the shame, Heb 12:2
but let him glorify God on this behalf: that he bestows this gift upon him to suffer for Christ, as well as to believe in him; and that he does him so much honour to call him to such service, and to strengthen him in it, so as to take it joyfully, and endure it patiently and cheerfully. The Alexandrian copy, and some others, and also the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, instead of "in this behalf", read "in this name"; that is, of a Christian.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Name of a Christian
- A. Given by the disciples at Antioch
- B. Retained as a title of honor
- II. Not Ashamed of Christ and His Gospel
- A. Suffering for Christ is a badge of honor
- B. Endure the cross and despise shame
- III. Glorify God in Suffering
- A. Recognize God's gift of suffering for Christ
- B. Take joyfully and endure patiently
Key Quotes
“Let him not be ashamed; neither of Christ, and his Gospel, for which he suffers, nor of the name he bears, nor of the punishment he endures, however ignominious and shameful it may be among men.” — John Gill
“But let him glorify God on this behalf: that he bestows this gift upon him to suffer for Christ, as well as to believe in him;” — John Gill
Application Points
- You should not be ashamed of Christ and His Gospel, but rather take pride in suffering for them.
- You can glorify God in suffering by recognizing it as a gift and taking it joyfully and enduring patiently.
- Your Christian identity is a title of honor, and you should not be ashamed to bear it.