Peter: An Example of Progressive Sanctification
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13
I take great comfort in reading Peter’s epistles and so should you. The main reason is because I’ve read the Gospel accounts and I know who he used to be. He was Mr. impetuous, immature, hot-headed Peter. This is who you get, for the most part, in the Gospels. But when we read 1st and 2nd Peter, it’s a whole different guy! Who is this spiritually mature man being used by God to encourage, shepherd, and feed the exiled Church? This couldn’t be Peter, could it? Yes, one and the same, but different.
When we read Matthew’s account and then go to 1st Peter, we see the miracle of progressive sanctification. Herein records the wonderful reality that born-again believers (like Peter) are being fit for heaven, day by day, becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus Christ. And do you know the primary means that the Lord uses to do this good work in us? Trials, hardship, difficulties, persecution, and pain. God allows or brings these things to come into our lives to produce in us the fruit of sanctification.
For example, the Lord allowed Peter to go through a kind of “hell on earth” as he failed to support or even acknowledge that he knew the Lord Jesus Christ during his earthly trial. He denied Jesus not just once, but 3 times. Peter’s guilt and anguish tore a deep wound into his own soul, but one that the Lord used mightily after restoring him to service. The spiritual maturity that Peter needed later in his life to shepherd the exiled flock of Christ was attained largely, by the pain and suffering that he himself had to endure earlier on. Here’s the point…if you’re a born-again believer going through difficulty, hardship, or trial today, be encouraged and know that all these things are working together for your good and for His glory. So, do not be surprised at the fiery trial. The pain you are experiencing has purpose.
-Pastor Craig