You have heard of the expression “cancel culture.” Wikipedia defines “cancel culture:” Cancel culture is a cultural phenomenon in which an individual thought to have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner is ostracized, boycotted, shunned, fired or assaulted, often aided by social media. This shunning may extend to social or professional circles—whether on social media or in person—with most high-profile incidents involving celebrities. Those subject to this ostracism are said to have been “canceled”.
God’s people have nearly always endured “cancel culture.” You recall that during the days of the prophet Elijah, Queen Jezebel was killing prophets left and right because they were rebuking her for her idolatry and immoralities. The account is found in 1 Kings 18. She even put a price on Elijah’s head.
The Christians to whom Peter writes are being persecuted, “cancelled,” and could potentially face sometime more drastic. Peter writes them to stay faithful to Jesus Christ and His message and he wants to comfort them by stating that when they suffer, they participate in Christ’s sufferings and they will receive their reward.
SUFFERING FROM THE UNGODLY – 1 Peter 4:1-6:
Peter meditates on the sinful lives they had lived before, following the desires of the Gentiles (non-Christians), who live for the flesh and do not care for the will of God. Peter says enough time has been spent living like that.
Christians find sinful behavior troubling. But, those who do not respect Jesus Christ and His gospel are going to pay a high price one day. They will not escape punishment, especially if they abuse God’s children. God will judge the “living and the dead.” God will hold every accountable to His message of salvation (2 Cor. 5:10) and He will not overlook ignorance in this day and time (Acts 17:31), not with the Gospel so widely available now for people to read and study.
THE CHRISTIAN GLORIES IN HIS / HER SUFFERING – 4:12-19:
Peter warns Christians that suffering is not unusual for God’s people. For Christ’s people. Suffering is a part of the Christian experience. It is, in fact, a means of testing their faith and their convictions.
There is a difference between suffering unjustly as a Christian versus suffering justly as a sinner. Peter gives several types of sinners and then warns Christians not to be like them. The word translated “busybody” is related to the word for “bishop” or “overseer;” this word refers to “overseeing someone else.” That is, being a busybody.
When the world mocks the Christian’s convictions, when the world tries to “cancel” their preaching the truth, the Christian should kindly and patiently stand for righteousness and defend his fellow Christian against slander.
Cancel culture may try to silence us, but we will speak boldly for the truth of Jesus Christ. Let’s stand firm in our faith!
Paul Holland
