However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Summary: Peter warns us about one of the ways the enemy of God tries to make Christians suffer; by shaming them. He also tells us what to do. Praise God!
There are three things here that bear discussion. The first is what it means to “suffer as a Christian.”
To be a Christian is to believe in Jesus. More than that, the believer is also one who obeys Jesus. (James 2: 17) If you are suffering for any other reason, today’s passage is not about you.
Yesterday, we discussed what it means to meddle in other people’s business. Meddling is the opposite of what Jesus teaches. In Matthew 22: 37-40, Jesus sums up the whole of God’s law by teaching the are to love (agapē) God above all else, and our neighbors as ourselves. To suffer for being a Christian means that you suffer because you love God above all else and because you are loving (agapē) towards all people.
Why do people attack Christians? As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2:16, “To those who are dying, we are the smell of death. To those who are being saved, we are the perfume of life.” (NIRV) It is not so much what we do as Christians, but rather the reaction others have to what we do.
So there you are; a believer in Jesus, not trying to hurt anybody and doing something nice when – POW! – you find yourself suffering an unjust attack. The second thing Peter tells us is, “do not be ashamed.”
Shaming is a powerful weapon used by the enemies of God. Putting shame on someone is a way of manipulating them. The thing about shaming is that like the tango, it takes two to make it happen. Peter says, “do not be ashamed.” Don’t let them shame you.
That brings us to the third point Peter makes. The antidote to shaming is to keep our eyes on God. Praise God that you bear the name of Jesus. Look to God as Stephen did when he was before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7). Don’t focus on the accusation, instead focus on God.
Application: Keep Peter’s advice in mind when someone tries to shame you for being a Christian.
Food for Thought: How does praising God that we bear the name of Jesus counteract shaming?
1 Peter 3: 15 – 17
Great verses anonymous.
I think you said it well Jeff, if we praise God it keeps the focus on Jesus instead of the shame and makes it all worthwhile. Acts 5: 40 – 42
How does praising God that we bear the name of Jesus counteract shaming?
All those who reject Gods Holiness for the worlds temporary pleasures experience shame because right and wrong is written in their hearts or they are convicted by the Holy Spirit.
John 1:12 Believers have become children of God. Romans 8:1, There is no condemnation in those who are in Christ and do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Believers have become a new creation. We are no longer part of this world system. Being blessed by God through Jesus Christ, we remain on this world as His witnesses. There is no shame in those who live in Humble obedience to God.
Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
The Holy Spirit within us will restrain and neutralize any and all shaming and thus make it ineffective in the life that has been indwelled. God loves our praise and wants nothing but good things to be coming from out of our mouths,..
What’s cool is that even when we are shamed and the name of Jesus is being said,.. He is being glorified,..the one shaming probably has no idea that he or she is glorifying God’s One and only Son Jesus Christ, but that’s what is taking place,..rejoice in that name because that is the only name that came to save,..
There is a verse that comes to mind for me here,..2 Timothy 2:15,..Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. It is this truth that sets us free from being shamed in any way,..
His blood has set nations free, It’s undeserved, misunderstood and yet a necessity, the cross cries out indeed to you and me.