How Should Christians Respond to Persecution? | 1 Peter 4:12-16

Our text today is 1 Peter 4:12-16:

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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. — 1 Peter 4:12-16

Twenty-five years ago today, coordinated terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We remember the lives taken, the families who still carry that loss, the survivors, and those who risked their own lives to help others.

This anniversary reminds us that evil is real, life is fragile, and courage is often revealed under intense pressure.

Peter writes to believers facing a different kind of hostility. They were being insulted, rejected, and shamed because they bore the name of Christ.

He begins:

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you."

Notice the first word. Beloved. Before Peter names the fire, he names the people walking through it.

Their suffering did not mean God had stopped loving them. Their circumstances had changed, but their identity had not. They were still chosen, still known, and still held by God.

Peter tells them not to be surprised. He does not mean that pain should feel normal or that believers should seek suffering. He means they should not interpret opposition as proof that following Jesus has failed.

Christ was rejected.

Those who faithfully follow Him should not be shocked when they sometimes experience rejection too.