Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."
Introduction
Chapter 5 of 1 Peter continues the themes of Chapter 4, reminding believers of essential aspects of Christian life:
- Holy Living (1 Peter 4:1-5)
- Christ suffered in the flesh; we should arm ourselves with the same mindset.
- We are called to live according to God’s will, not worldly desires.
- The world may not understand our transformation and may speak against us.
- Serious Praying (1 Peter 4:7)
- The end is near, so we must remain sober and devoted to prayer.
- Continual Loving (1 Peter 4:8)
- Fervent love among believers covers a multitude of sins.
- Faithful Serving (1 Peter 4:9-12)
- Show hospitality without grudging.
- Use your gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God’s grace.
- Trials and suffering should not surprise us—they refine us.
- Expected Suffering
- 1 Peter mentions suffering more than any other book in the Bible.
- Persecution under Emperor Nero (64-67 A.D.) was severe.
- Peter encourages believers to hope in Heaven rather than the present world.
Key Revelation: "After This"
During prayer, God revealed the words "After This" with the word "This" displayed as:
- T written as a Red Cross
- His in white letters
This symbolizes Christ’s Cross, which has already won the victory and prepares us for what comes after our suffering.
Encouragement to Different Groups
To Pastors & Elders
- Their mission is to reach, teach, preach, lead, love, and protect.
- They must serve with humility, avoiding greed for money or power.
- Provide hope during troubled times.
To the Youth
- Submit to the elders and trust God’s timing for exaltation.
- Cast your cares on Him because He cares for you.
Be Watchful & Alert
- The enemy is always plotting and tempting.
- Resist him by remaining firm in faith.
The Purpose of Suffering
Suffering does not strangle us but strengthens us. God uses it to:
- Perfect us – Sanctification through holiness.
- Stablish us – Strengthen our faith.
- Settle us – Ground us deeply in the Gospel.
Conclusion: Whatever suffering we endure, it is temporary. "After This" comes restoration, strength, and victory in Christ.
