In this Scripture we consider Peter’s reference to Satan, our adversary, in light of the victory God provides in this life and the life to come.
1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
“In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other” (Eccl. 7:14).
Four causes of suffering:
(A) We suffer because we live in a fallen world where Satan and sin reigns (1 Peter 5:8)
(B) We suffer because of our own foolishness. We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-9)
(C) We sometimes suffer because it is God’s discipline (Heb. 12:6)
(D) We may suffer persecution because of our faith (2 Tim. 3:12)
The nature of suffering:
(A) Suffering is Painful. Suffering is hard; it is never easy (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6: “distressed” = lupeo, “to cause pain, sorrow, grief”).
(B) Suffering is Perplexing. Why now? What is God doing? Answer: getting our attention.
(C) Suffering is Purposeful. Suffering is not without meaning in spite of its disorientation. It has as its chief purpose of the formation of Christ-like character (Rom. 8:28-29) and trust in the Almighty.
(D) Suffering is Inevitable. The question we must each face is not, ‘if’ we are going to have trials in life, but how will we respond to them? 1 Peter 4:19: “Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
(E) Suffering is Predetermined or Appointed. 1 Peter 4:12: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.”
(F) Suffering is a Process. As a process, it takes time. The results God seeks to accomplish with the trials of life require time and thus also, endurance (James 1:3-4).
(G) We suffer as a testimony, as a witness (2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17).
In the mist of our lives:
In the Roman world, “charis” was commonly understood as a favor or gift given without expectation of return, often to cement social bonds or express goodwill. In the New Testament, this concept is deepened and transformed to express the profound and unconditional love of God towards humanity, which is not based on human merit but on God’s own character and purpose.
God calls us to salvation for service, demonstrating his authority and glory.
This word was commonly used in various contexts, such as mending fishing nets, setting broken bones, or preparing an army for battle. The term conveys a sense of bringing something into its proper condition or function. In the New Testament, this word is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual restoration and preparation, reflecting the early Christian emphasis on community, healing, and readiness for service.
In Jesus day (and our own) the concept of stability and firmness was highly valued, especially in the context of architecture and construction. The early Christian community, facing persecution and doctrinal challenges, would have found great comfort in the idea of being founded in their resolute faith.
The concept of being strengthened was not only about physical prowess but also about inner fortitude and resilience. In the New Testament, this term describes the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live out their faith in a challenging world with unchangeable Godly conviction.
Firmly based in Scriptural truth; spiritually insightful; unwaveringly faithful.
In the mist of or lives: there is God in the midst.
