Trust The Lord And Do What Is Right - Danish Thomas

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Key Points

Here are the key points from the sermon on suffering and faith:

1. Key Verse and Theme:
   • 1 Peter 4:19: Those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to a faithful Creator and do what is right.
   • Focus: Trusting God and doing right amidst suffering.
2. Background of 1 Peter:
   • Written by Apostle Peter around 60 AD to encourage persecuted Christians scattered across Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (1 Peter 1:1-2).
   • Christians faced intense persecution, forcing them to flee their hometowns.
3. Suffering According to God’s Will:
   • Suffering is not always due to sin but can be a test of faith, which God values highly (1 Peter 4:12-14).
   • Believers should fix their eyes on the faithful Creator, not their circumstances, during trials.
   • Suffering for Christ brings blessing and the Spirit of glory (1 Peter 4:14).
4. Avoid Wrongful Suffering:
   • Avoid suffering due to sinful actions like murder, theft, or meddling (1 Peter 4:15-16).
   • Suffering as a Christian is honorable and glorifies God.
5. Judgment Begins with God’s Household:
   • Judgment starts with believers, and greater responsibility comes with greater knowledge of God’s will (1 Peter 4:17-18, Luke 12:47-48).
   • Disobedience to God’s will (e.g., unforgiveness, unrighteousness) brings accountability.
6. Response to Suffering:
   • Trust God, knowing nothing happens without His knowledge, and do what is right (1 Peter 4:19).
   • Avoid human schemes to escape suffering; rely on God’s provision.
7. Example of Stephen:
   • Stephen, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, faced persecution humbly (Acts 6:5, 7-8).
   • Despite false accusations and stoning, his face shone like an angel, reflecting a pure heart (Acts 6:12, 15, Acts 7:54-60).
   • He forgave his persecutors and saw heaven opened, trusting God fully.
8. Example of Job:
   • Job lived righteously with a clear conscience (Job 31:1, 33, Job 29:15-16).
   • Despite losing family, wealth, and health, he worshiped God and accepted adversity (Job 1:20-21, Job 2:7-10).
   • Job silenced the devil by trusting God’s will.
9. Human Resistance to Suffering:
   • Naturally, people resist suffering and seek comfort, as seen with James, John (Mark 10:33-37), and Peter (Matthew 16:21-22).
   • Peter’s transformation came through the Holy Spirit, enabling him to embrace suffering.
10. Suffering Leads to Glory:
    • Tested faith results in praise, glory, and honor at Christ’s return (1 Peter 1:7).
    • After suffering, God perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes believers (1 Peter 5:10).
    • The apostles rejoiced in suffering for Christ’s name (Acts 5:41).
11. Christ as the Example:
    • Jesus suffered without sin, reviling, or threats, entrusting Himself to God (1 Peter 2:21-23).
    • Believers are called to follow His example in suffering.
12. Testimony of Sabina Wurmbrand:
    • Sabina’s suffering in prison led to her son Mihai’s conversion, showing the power of faithful witness.
13. Role of the Holy Spirit:
    • The true baptism of the Holy Spirit transforms how believers view suffering, enabling them to rejoice and trust God.
14. Closing Reflection:
    • The sermon concludes with the hymn “Into the Heart of Jesus,” emphasizing surrender, following Christ’s cross, and finding joy amidst sorrow.
    • Believers are encouraged to seek God’s will and trust Him, knowing He sustains through trials.

Organized Notes

Introduction and Key Verse

Brothers and sisters, good morning and praise the Lord. This morning, I don’t have a new message but an old message from an old book. The verse in my heart is from the First Epistle of Peter, chapter 4, verse 19:

1 Peter 4:19
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

This verse emphasizes that those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do what is right.

Background of the Epistle

Most of us are familiar with the background of this letter, written by the Apostle Peter around 60 AD, when Peter himself was around that age. A few years later, he faced persecution and was killed. The purpose of this letter was to encourage and remind the Christians of that time, who were persecuted for their faith. Let’s look at the opening verse of the epistle to understand its context:

1 Peter 1:1-2
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood.

These Christians were chosen by God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and called to obey Jesus Christ. However, they were scattered due to their faith, forced to leave their hometowns and flee to different places because of intense persecution, which was far greater than what we see or hear in our days. Peter felt a burden to encourage them through this letter.

Persecution and suffering were not uncommon in those days. In fact, when the Apostle James writes in the Book of Revelation, he identifies himself as a brother and a fellow partaker in the tribulation:

Revelation 1:9
I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

John was sent to the island of Patmos, where he suffered, yet he counted himself as a brother enduring alongside them.

Suffering According to God’s Will

Peter reminds the believers that there is a suffering according to the will of God. When they face such suffering, they should not focus on their circumstances but fix their eyes on the faithful Creator who made them, controls the universe, and is a sovereign and mighty God. Let’s read from 1 Peter chapter 4, starting at verse 12, to explore this further:

1 Peter 4:12-14
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; 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. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

These believers faced a fiery testing, but God values faith, and tested faith is even more precious in His eyes. The trial was not to punish them but to refine their faith. Human thinking often attributes suffering or sickness to sin, as seen when the disciples asked Jesus about a sick man:

John 9:2-3
And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

Similarly, Job’s friends assumed his suffering was due to hidden sin, but God’s plan was different. Peter reminds us that God permits the testing of faith in His sovereign wisdom, not to shame us but to strengthen us. As Isaiah says:

Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.”

God desires children who trust Him through trials. Those who suffer for Christ should rejoice, for they will experience great joy at His return, like a bride meeting her bridegroom. Those who are reviled for Christ’s name are blessed, as the Spirit of glory rests upon them.

Avoiding Wrongful Suffering

Peter also warns against suffering for the wrong reasons:

1 Peter 4:15-16
Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

Suffering as a Christian is honorable, but suffering due to sinful actions—such as murder, theft, or meddling in others’ affairs—is not. We must avoid trouble caused by following our own desires or acting without godly counsel.

Judgment Begins with God’s Household

Peter further reminds us that judgment begins with God’s household:

1 Peter 4:17-18
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?

This echoes Jesus’ teaching about responsibility:

Luke 12:47-48
And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

Those who know God’s will but fail to obey—whether in forgiving others, living righteously, or trusting Christ alone—face greater accountability. We must align our hearts with God’s truth and live without compromising.

Trusting God in Suffering

Returning to our key verse:

1 Peter 4:19
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

This reminds me of the hymn: “Courage, brother, do not stumble, though your path be dark as night; there’s a star to guide the humble, trust in God and do the right.” Whether facing sickness, trials, or persecution, we need not be shaken. When unexpected challenges arise, our first response should be to trust God, knowing that not even a hair falls without His knowledge. He is a caring Father, and we should do what is right rather than scheming to escape.

Example of Stephen

Let’s consider Stephen, a man who exemplified trusting God in suffering. In Acts chapter 6, we read:

Acts 6:5
The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.

Stephen was chosen to serve in the early church, described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit—not for his credentials or background, but for his devotion. This is an encouragement for all, especially young believers, that God values faith and the Spirit’s presence above worldly achievements.

Acts 6:7-8
The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

Despite his powerful ministry, Stephen remained humble. However, he faced persecution:

Acts 6:12, 15
And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council... And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel.

Even under persecution, Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s, reflecting a pure heart free from bitterness. In Acts chapter 7, he boldly shared the gospel, concluding with a rebuke:

Acts 7:54-60
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one mind. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.

Stephen trusted God and did what was right, even to the point of death, forgiving his persecutors. His example shows that an open heaven may come with suffering, but God’s presence sustains us.

Example of Job

Another example is Job, who faced suffering not through persecution but through loss and sickness. Job was no ordinary man, living with a clear conscience:

Job 31:1
I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?

Job 31:33
Have I covered my transgressions like Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom?

Job 29:15-16
I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I investigated the case which I did not know.

Job lived selflessly, helping others. Yet, he faced sudden loss—his home, relatives, and health. His response was remarkable:

Job 1:20-21
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job’s first response was worship, not questioning God. Later, when his suffering intensified:

Job 2:7-10
Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin with his lips.

Job silenced the devil by accepting God’s will, trusting Him through adversity.

The Natural Human Response to Suffering

Embracing suffering is not natural; our flesh craves comfort. When Jesus spoke of His suffering, the disciples struggled to accept it:

Mark 10:33-37
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again.” James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.”

James and John focused on glory, not suffering. Similarly, Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking of His suffering:

Matthew 16:21-22
From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.”

Peter’s human wisdom resisted suffering, but later, through the Holy Spirit’s work, he embraced it.

The Glory Beyond Suffering

Peter’s epistle repeatedly pairs suffering with glory:

1 Peter 1:7
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

The apostles’ perspective changed through the baptism of the Holy Spirit:

Acts 5:41
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.

This transformation came not from hearing messages or testimonies but from the Holy Spirit’s work, changing how they viewed suffering.

Christ as the Example

The heart of Peter’s letter is Christ, who suffered as our example:

1 Peter 2:21-23
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.

Peter saw Jesus’ humility on the cross, entrusting Himself to God without retaliation. This is the example we are to follow.

Testimony of Sabina Wurmbrand

I’ve heard of Sabina Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned for years. Her son, Mihai, visited her in prison at age 11. Despite her suffering, she bore witness to Christ, leading to Mihai’s conversion. This shows we are called to follow Christ’s footsteps, and the Holy Spirit can empower even the least of us to do so.

Complete Notes

Brothers and sisters, good morning and praise the Lord. This morning, I don't have a new message. I have an old message from an old book.

The verse in my heart is from the First Epistle of Peter, chapter 4, verse 19:
"Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

"Those who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

Most of us know the background of this letter, this epistle written by the Apostle Peter. It was written around 60 A.D., and Peter himself was around that age. A few years later, he was persecuted and killed. The purpose of this letter is to encourage and remind the Christians of those days—and as we know, they were persecuted for their faith.

Maybe we can look at the first verse to get an idea. 1 Peter 1:1:
"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood."

So, they were Christians. They were chosen by God, no doubt. They were separated by the work of the Holy Spirit to obey Jesus Christ, but they were scattered because of their faith. They had to leave their hometown and go to different places because of persecution.

In the first century, the magnitude of persecution was much higher than what we see or hear in our days. But Peter felt a burden to encourage them, and he wrote this letter for that purpose.

You don’t need to turn there, but it was not uncommon for words like persecution and suffering to appear in those days. In fact, when the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation, he reminded them:
"I, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation..." (Revelation 1:9).

He counted himself as a brother and reminded them, "I am like you." He was sent to the island of Patmos and suffered there.

But in the midst of all these things, Peter is reminding them:
There is a suffering according to the will of God. And when you suffer according to the will of God, don’t fix your eyes on your circumstances. Fix your eyes on a faithful Creator who created you. He controls the whole universe. He is the sovereign God, the mighty God. Fix your eyes on Him.

Maybe we can turn to the same chapter again—1 Peter 4. I’d like to read from verse 12 onwards.

1 Peter 4:12-19:
"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; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

They had to go through a fiery testing. God values faith, and our faith is precious in His eyes. But a faith that is tested is more precious.

This trial did not come to punish them. You know, the human way of thinking is that any suffering or sickness is because of sin. That’s what the disciples thought when they met a man who was sick. They asked Jesus, "Who sinned, this man or his parents?" (John 9:2).

They had no doubt—this must be because of sin. But God had a different plan. Even Job, when his friends came and observed his suffering, they said, "No, an innocent man cannot suffer like this. There must be some hidden sin in your life."

Beloved, let us remember: God permits, in His sovereign wisdom, the testing of faith—not to put us to shame. We heard that memory verse: "Those who believe in God will not be put to shame." It’s taken from Isaiah 28:16:
"Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.'"

And Psalm 125:1 says:
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever."

This is what God wants—children who trust Him in the winds of trials.

Again, coming back to 1 Peter 4:13:
"But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation."

That is great joy. You know, when the Lord comes, I believe it will be a very joyful day for those who trust Him, those who walk in the light, those who walk in obedience. Just like a bride meets her bridegroom on the wedding day, it will be a joyful day when the Lord returns. But for some, they will rejoice with exultation—those who suffered, those who partook in the sufferings of Christ.

And verse 14:
"If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

You know what the mark of God’s blessing is? Brothers and sisters, what is the mark that the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of Christ, is resting upon us? Some say it’s speaking in tongues, or always being full of joy and grace. Yes, that is true. But here is another mark:
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, and the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

The next verse speaks about the wrong kind of suffering:
"Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler."

Yes, we can suffer by doing wrong things—getting involved in matters that don’t concern us, unwisely stepping into things that are not God’s will, acting outside our boundaries, not taking godly counsel, following our own natural strength and courage. We can fall into trouble. But Peter reminds us: Don’t do that.

But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed (verse 16).

Verse 17:
"For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

This verse reminds us that the judgment of God begins with the household of God. I believe, to whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48).

You know, when Jesus told the story of the slave, I can quickly read Luke 12:47:
"And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes. But the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more."

We don’t need to fear coming to church if our heart’s motive is to obey the Lord and follow Him. But if we come to a church that proclaims the truth of the gospel, the truth of God’s Word without compromise, and yet we do not obey—we must fear.

Because if you know God’s will and don’t obey it—it is God’s will that we must forgive, that we must live righteously, that we should not put our confidence in anything else but Christ—not in our own works. But if you don’t obey, it says, if you know His will and don’t do it, you will receive many lashes.

Coming back to verse 19:
"Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

I was reminded of a song. The lyrics go something like this:
"Courage, brother, do not stumble, though your path be dark as night; There’s a star to guide the humble, trust in God and do the right."

"Though your path be dark as night, there’s a star to guide the humble, trust in God and do the right."

When the path is dark—it can be sickness, a trial, persecution—no matter what we go through, we need not be shaken. It says we can entrust our souls to a faithful Creator and do what is right.

You know, when we face something we didn’t anticipate—when we expect one thing, but something else happens—immediately, panic hits. Why is this happening to me? Why did God allow this? Is something wrong?

The first thing we can do is trust the Lord. Without the Lord’s knowledge, not even a hair on your head falls (Luke 12:7). He is a caring Father. So we can trust Him.

Second, do what is right—not to somehow escape. God will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13), but not by our own schemes.

I want to point out two examples in Scripture who followed this principle.

First Example: Stephen (Acts 6-7)

Most of us know the incident where heaven opened at the baptism of Jesus Christ. A voice came from heaven: "This is My beloved Son."

Is there any other place in the New Testament where heaven opened?

Yes—at the transfiguration. Any other place?

Stephen.

We can turn to Acts 6.

Acts 6:5:
"The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit..."

They chose Stephen, and only two things are written about him:

1. He was full of faith.

2. He was full of the Holy Spirit.

That should really encourage us, brothers and sisters. Not his certificates, not his bank balance, not his family background—what is precious in God’s sight? He was a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit.

Every young person can be like this. We don’t need to understand complicated doctrines. Yes, you can learn and understand and memorize God’s Word—all these things are true. But Stephen was in a new church, not a very old, mature one. It was a new movement, a new beginning. Yet, he was full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit.

Stephen was chosen according to God’s plan.

Acts 6:7:
"The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith."

Acts 6:8:
"And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people."

God’s grace was upon him. He was doing great wonders and miracles among the people. What blessed me here is that God could use him, yet he remained humble till the end. No matter what God accomplished through this young man, he remained humble. He remained small in his own eyes. That’s a great challenge for us.

Then we see how they treated Stephen.

Acts 6:12:
"And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council."

They put forward false witnesses. Here was a young man, not experienced, but full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He had to face persecution. I don’t know if he anticipated it, but suddenly, people turned against him. False witnesses came, accused him, and dragged him.

There was physical and mental torture.

Acts 6:15:
"And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel."

What an encouragement! Even though he faced persecution and difficulties, his face was like the face of an angel. I believe the reason was that his heart was pure. There was no root of bitterness.

Yes, we can put on a plastic smile when we have worries, cares, and fears in our heart. But if we follow the footsteps of men like Stephen—walking in forgiveness, not giving place to the devil—our face can be like Stephen’s.

I look back at my own life. The reason I feel heaviest is when someone misunderstands me. I find it difficult to rejoice inside and say, "This is something God permits." A strong pressure builds up: I have to clarify! I have to justify myself!

Not Stephen. His heart was full of forgiveness and mercy. And when he got a chance to witness, he used that opportunity.

Acts 7: He shared a brief message.

Toward the end (Acts 7:54-60):
"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' But they cried out with a loud voice and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!' Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' Having said this, he fell asleep."

Here was a man who trusted God and did what was right—what was right in God’s eyes.

The mark of open heaven is not always joy. Sometimes, the mark of open heaven is stones coming at us.

Brothers and sisters, many of the questions that come to our hearts—Can I do this? Can I wear this? Can I go here?—these yes-or-no questions are often an indication of shallow consecration to the Lord and the church.

But if we say, "Lord, I have come to do Your will," then we’ll have only one question: "Lord, is this Your will? If it is, I want to do it. If not, I don’t."

There is rest and peace when we come to that point. I believe Stephen was like that. He wasn’t worried. His eyes were fixed on heaven, on the Lord.

The Lord is not partial, brothers and sisters. If you are like Stephen, I don’t believe He will shut heaven for you. If we follow his footsteps, the Lord will open heaven for us.

Second Example: Job

This is an example of suffering not from persecution, but from personal loss and sickness.

Job was not an ordinary man. He walked with a clear conscience.

Job 31:1:
"I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?"

He was not super-spiritual, pretending there was no temptation. He said, "I made a covenant with my eyes."

Job 31:33:
"Have I covered my transgressions like Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom?"

He didn’t cover his sin. He honestly acknowledged it before God.

Job 29:15:
"I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy."

He didn’t live a selfish life. He lived according to the light, with a clear conscience, and sought to help others.

But suddenly, something happened. Things didn’t go as he expected. He lost his home, his relatives, and his health.

How did he respond?

Job 1:20-22:
"Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.' Through all this, Job did not sin nor blame God."

The first question from Job’s mouth was not, "Lord, why is this happening to me?"

He worshiped.

Job 2:7-10:
"Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, 'Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!' But he said to her, 'You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?' In all this, Job did not sin with his lips."

He saw that this was God’s permission. He shut the mouth of the devil.

Brothers and sisters, if you are going through suffering, you have an opportunity to shut the mouth of the devil. You need to decide what you want to do, and God can help us.

This Is Not Natural

Our flesh naturally likes comfort.

In Mark 10:33-37, Jesus told His disciples:
"The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes; they will condemn Him to death, mock Him, spit on Him, scourge Him, and kill Him. And three days later, He will rise again."

But James and John came, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."

When Jesus asked, "What do you want?" they said, "Grant that we may sit on Your right and left in glory."

They had no interest in Jesus’ suffering. Their eyes were fixed on the glory, not the cross.

Peter was like that too. In Matthew 16:21-22, when Jesus foretold His suffering, Peter took Him aside and said, "No, Lord! This shall never happen to You!"

Words of self-pity, human wisdom. This is not God’s way.

But when Peter wrote his first epistle, the word suffering is repeated many times—along with the word glory.

1 Peter 1:7:
"So that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The testing you go through today can result in praise, glory, and honor at Christ’s coming.

1 Peter 5:10:
"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

How did this transformation happen in Peter’s life?

Acts 5:41:
"So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name."

They counted it as gain to suffer for Christ.

How did this change happen? Brothers and sisters, I believe the only reason is the genuine baptism of the Holy Spirit. Not hearing a message about suffering, not reading a testimony—but the real, true baptism of the Holy Spirit.

It didn’t change their circumstances, but it changed how they looked at their circumstances.

Peter had seen Christ. When he wrote this epistle, the center was not suffering or glory—it was Christ.

1 Peter 2:21-23:
"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, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously."

Peter saw Jesus silently enduring suffering, not reviling in return.

I’ve heard of Sabina Wurmbrand (wife of Richard Wurmbrand), who was imprisoned for years. Her son, Mihai, was 11 when he visited her in prison. She was so changed by suffering that he barely recognized her. But her witness led to his conversion.

Brothers and sisters, we are called to win. We are called to follow Christ’s footsteps. The Holy Spirit can help the least of us. If He could change Peter, He can change any of us.

May the Lord give us that faith and open our eyes.

Self Check

Self-Check and Self-Reflection Prompts

1. Trusting God in Suffering

• Scriptural Basis: “Therefore, those who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (1 Peter 4:19).
• Reflection Questions:
  • When I face trials or suffering, do I instinctively trust God, or do I focus on my circumstances and question why this is happening?
  • How often do I entrust my soul to God, believing He is a faithful Creator who controls all things?
  • What steps can I take to shift my focus from my problems to God’s sovereignty when difficulties arise?

2. Response to Suffering

• Scriptural Basis: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing” (1 Peter 4:12).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Do I view suffering as a test of faith that God uses to refine me, or do I see it as punishment or unfairness?
  • How do I react when unexpected challenges occur? Do I panic, complain, or seek God’s guidance and strength?
  • Am I doing what is right in the midst of suffering, or do I try to escape through my own schemes?

3. Suffering for the Right Reasons

• Scriptural Basis: “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed” (1 Peter 4:15-16).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Is any suffering in my life a result of my own sinful choices or unwise actions (e.g., meddling, disobedience)?
  • If I face hardship for my faith, do I embrace it as an honor, or do I feel ashamed or resentful?
  • How can I ensure my actions align with God’s will to avoid unnecessary suffering?

4. Obedience and Accountability

• Scriptural Basis: “And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes” (Luke 12:47).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Am I aware of God’s will in areas like forgiveness, righteousness, and trusting Christ alone, and am I obeying it?
  • Do I take my responsibility as a believer seriously, knowing that more is required of those who are given much?
  • Where in my life am I knowingly disobeying God’s will, and what steps can I take to align with His truth?

5. Following Christ’s Example

• Scriptural Basis: “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21-23).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Do I model my response to suffering after Jesus, who did not revile or threaten but entrusted Himself to God?
  • How can I cultivate a heart of humility and forgiveness, even when I am wronged or misunderstood?
  • What practical ways can I follow Christ’s footsteps in my daily life, especially during difficult times?

6. Purity of Heart

• Scriptural Basis: Stephen’s face was “like the face of an angel” despite persecution, reflecting a pure heart (Acts 6:15, Acts 7:54-60).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Is my heart free from bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness when I face opposition or misunderstanding?
  • Do I allow the Holy Spirit to keep my heart pure, or do I harbor negative emotions that affect my witness?
  • How can I cultivate a heart that reflects God’s peace, even in the face of trials?

7. Faith in Adversity

• Scriptural Basis: Job worshiped God despite immense loss, saying, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:20-21).
• Reflection Questions:
  • When I experience loss or adversity, is my first response to worship and trust God, or do I question His goodness?
  • Do I believe that everything I have is from God, and am I willing to accept both good and adversity from Him?
  • How can I strengthen my faith to respond like Job, trusting God’s purpose in all circumstances?

8. Seeking God’s Will

• Scriptural Basis: Stephen’s focus was on God’s will, not his own concerns, as he faced persecution (Acts 7:54-60).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Are my decisions and actions driven by a desire to do God’s will, or am I guided by personal desires and comfort?
  • Do I ask, “Lord, is this Your will?” in all areas of my life, or am I preoccupied with superficial questions about what I can or cannot do?
  • How can I surrender more fully to God’s will, trusting Him to guide my path?

9. The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Scriptural Basis: The apostles’ transformation came through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to rejoice in suffering (Acts 5:41).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Am I relying on the Holy Spirit to change how I view and respond to suffering, or am I depending on my own strength?
  • Have I sought a deeper filling of the Holy Spirit to empower me to face trials with joy and faith?
  • What steps can I take to invite the Holy Spirit to work in my heart, transforming my perspective on suffering?

10. Hope in Glory

• Scriptural Basis: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace… will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Do I hold onto the hope of future glory, knowing that suffering is temporary and leads to praise and honor (1 Peter 1:7)?
  • How often do I focus on the eternal perspective rather than temporary trials?
  • What can I do to remind myself of God’s promise to perfect and strengthen me through suffering?

11. Living with a Clear Conscience

• Scriptural Basis: Job lived with a clear conscience, making a covenant with his eyes and helping others (Job 31:1, Job 29:15-16).
• Reflection Questions:
  • Am I living with a clear conscience, avoiding hidden sin and striving to please God in all areas?
  • Do I make intentional choices, like Job, to guard my heart and actions against temptation?
  • How can I live more selflessly, seeking to help others as Job did, even in my own difficulties?

12. Witness in Suffering

• Scriptural Basis: Sabina Wurmbrand’s suffering led to her son’s conversion, showing the power of a faithful witness.
• Reflection Questions:
  • Does my response to suffering reflect Christ and draw others closer to Him?
  • Am I aware that my trials are an opportunity to demonstrate faith and shut the mouth of the devil?
  • How can I bear witness to Christ’s love and grace, even in the midst of personal hardship?

13. Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

• Scriptural Basis: The hymn “Into the Heart of Jesus” speaks of “peace in the midst of pain, joy in the midst of sorrow.”
• Reflection Questions:
  • Do I experience God’s peace and joy during trials, or am I overwhelmed by fear and sorrow?
  • How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus to find joy and peace, regardless of my circumstances?
  • Am I fully surrendered to Christ, allowing Him to mold and make me through suffering?

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Application

• Prayer: Ask God to reveal areas where you need to trust Him more, obey His will, or rely on the Holy Spirit in suffering.
• Action: Identify one specific trial or challenge in your life. Commit to entrusting it to God and doing what is right, following the examples of Stephen, Job, and Jesus.
• Accountability: Share your reflections with a trusted friend or mentor, and pray together for strength to live out these principles.
• Meditation: Reflect on the hymn’s lyrics, particularly “trust in God and do the right,” and let them guide your response to trials.

These prompts encourage a deeper examination of your faith, response to suffering, and reliance on God, aligning your life with the sermon’s call to trust and obey in all circumstances.