Build This House – part 6
Build This House – “Fire-Tested Faith”.
1Pe 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.
- The Fire Is a Test—Not a Curse (v.12)
Peter calls it a “fiery ordeal”—not just a bad day or an inconvenience. This isn’t mild resistance; it’s refining heat. But it’s not here to destroy you—it’s here to reveal the quality of your faith.
Fiery trials
- Social and Cultural Persecution
- Personal Suffering That Tests Faith
This is the refining fire Peter describes — where faith is tested and purified like gold (1 Peter 1:6–7).
C . Spiritual Opposition and Inner Struggles
These are inner fires that prove whether your worship is about comfort or commitment.
God allows fire not to shame you, but to strengthen you. What gets burned away in the fire was unnecessary or a hinderance to your faith
- Suffering Is Participation with Christ (v.13–14)
1Pe 4:13 But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy.
1Pe 4:14 If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you–He whom they curse, you glorify]
Rejoice when
When you’re insulted for the name of Christ—
When you’re misjudged for your convictions—
When you’re overlooked because you won’t compromise—
Peter says: You are blessed.
Don’t internalize the insult. Wear it like a badge of honor. Not because you’re perfect—but because you belong to Him.
- Not All Suffering Is Spiritual (v.15)
1Pe 4:15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal [in response to persecution], or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others;
Don’t confuse consequences with persecution.
Sometimes we suffer because of poor decisions,
sinful choices, or
meddling where we don’t belong.
That’s not spiritual warfare—that’s personal fallout.
Check the source of your suffering.
Is it the cross you’re carrying—or is it the chaos you’ve created?
- 4. Don’t Be Ashamed—You’re Marked (v.16)
1Pe 4:16 but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name.
Suffering is an honor not a shame
Suffering confirms our identity
Suffering servants praise in the face of suffering
How Pearls Are Made — A Lesson on Suffering and Glory
- A pearl begins with irritation.
- The oyster responds by covering the pain.
- The longer the process, the greater the pearl.
- .
- The process takes time and patience.
“God turns irritation into transformation. Don’t reject the pain — let Him cover it with grace until your suffering becomes your pearl.”
- Judgment Starts in the House (v.17–18)
Time for the inspection
1Pe 4:17 For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18 AND IF IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS AND THE SINNER?
Before God purifies the world, He refines His house.
If we are asking God to build something strong, holy, and lasting, then we must allow Him to begin with us.
- Entrust Yourself to the Builder (v.19)
1Pe 4:19 Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must [continue to] do right and commit their souls [for safe-keeping] to the faithful Creator.
Keep doing good.
Keep showing up. Keep forgiving. Keep serving.
Entrust your soul to your faithful Creator.
Let the fire refine you—not define you.
Build anyway. Believe anyway. Rejoice anyway.