KNOWING THAT THE SAME EXPERIENCES OF SUFFERING ARE BEING ACCOMPLISHED BY YOUR BRETHREN WHO ARE IN THE WORLD:
What I like is word study of the text. We have been in First Peter 5:9-14 for some time in our series in First Peter.
Having an understanding of the meaning of the words make for understanding the meaning of the text:
Peter now adds a strong incentive to stand firm in their faith. Satan wants believers to believe their trial is unique and they are alone in their struggle. Don’t believe his lie says Peter.
Knowing (1492) (eido) is the verb that describes absolute, positive, beyond a chance of a doubt type of knowing something.
Beyond a chance of a doubt
The perfect tense speaks of the permanence of their knowing. Thus their knowledge of the truth which follows (“same experiences of suffering… “) is permanently settled in their soul and can be called into use “in the nick of time” or as physicians say “PRN” (as needed for relief”).
So be encouraged to endure your trials because you know beyond a shadow of doubt that your fellow-Christians are suffering the same things around the world. Suffering is the common lot for believers – you are not alone (cf Heb 13:4-5). Others have survived, therefore so can you (read Hebrews 11)
Why and how should Peter’s readers have known beyond a shadow of a doubt? Peter has been writing about suffering for the preceding four chapters. In chapter 1 Peter said “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.” (1 Peter 1:6)
In chapter 2 he said “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” ( 1 Peter 2:21).
In chapter 3 he wrote that “even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” (1 Peter 3:14).
In chapter 4 he warned the saints not to “be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes
you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.” (See note 1 Peter 4:12; 4:13)
Paul warned Timothy that “indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (See note 2 Timothy 3:12)
Faithful believers must expect persecution and suffering at the hands of the Christ-rejecting world and if you know this truth beyond a shadow of a doubt you won’t be surprised when you suffer for the sake of the gospel.
“And after (Paul and Barnabas) had preached the gospel to that city (Derbe) and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must (it is necessary, inevitable and not optional) enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
All believers need to be reminded to expect hardships and persecution so that they will not be dismayed and overwhelmed by them. Perseverance in the Christian life is a ceaseless warfare against the forces of evil.
Paul reminded the Corinthians that “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” ()
Calvin writes that It is another consolation, that we have a contest in common with all the children of God; for Satan dangerously tries us, when he separates us from the body of Christ.”
Rivers Of Joy Baptist Church 