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Suffering, Submission, and Sovereignty

February 27, 2025
General

Introduction: Trusting God in Trials

1 Peter 4:19 states:

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

This verse is a powerful call to faithful endurance, trust, and righteous living in the face of suffering. Peter encourages believers who endure hardship for Christ to entrust their lives to God’s sovereign care while continuing in righteous actions. This verse carries a message of submission, steadfastness, and spiritual security.

1. The Purpose of Pain: Suffering in Submission to God’s Will

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will…”

This phrase affirms that not all suffering is meaningless. Suffering that comes from living righteously and standing firm in Christ is within God’s will.

Supporting Scriptures on Suffering for God’s Purpose

  1. Suffering Purifies the Soul – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
  2. Suffering Prepares Us for Glory – “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
  3. Suffering Produces Perseverance – “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” – Romans 5:3
  4. Suffering Shares in Christ’s Experience – “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” – Philippians 3:10

Christological Implications

  • Christ suffered according to God’s will, fulfilling the Father’s plan for redemption (Isaiah 53:10).
  • His suffering brought salvation—we endure trials knowing that God works through suffering (Hebrews 5:8-9).
  • As Christ suffered for righteousness, we are called to do the same (1 Peter 2:21).

2. The Power of Providence: Entrusting Ourselves to God

“Entrust their souls to a faithful Creator…”

To “entrust” means to commit fully, to place everything in God’s hands. In suffering, faith grows when we surrender to God’s sovereignty.

Supporting Scriptures on Entrusting Ourselves to God

  1. God is a Refuge in Trials – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.” – Psalm 18:2
  2. Commit Your Ways to Him – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” – Psalm 37:5
  3. God’s Plans Are Good – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
  4. Trusting in the Unseen – “We walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Christological Implications

  • Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father’s will in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).
  • He committed His spirit to God at the moment of death (Luke 23:46).
  • Because of Christ, we can entrust ourselves fully to God without fear (John 10:28-29).

3. The Faithfulness of the Father: Trusting in God’s Character

“To a faithful Creator…”

Peter emphasizes God’s unchanging faithfulness—He is not just a powerful Creator, but a personal, trustworthy Father.

Supporting Scriptures on God’s Faithfulness

  1. God is Unchanging – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
  2. God is Our Strength – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
  3. God’s Promises Never Fail – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
  4. God’s Love is Steadfast – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Christological Implications

  • Jesus revealed the faithfulness of the Father through His perfect obedience (John 17:4-6).
  • Because God is faithful, we can endure trials knowing He never abandons us (2 Timothy 2:13).
  • Through Christ, we are eternally secure in the Father’s hands (John 10:27-29).

4. The Path of Perseverance: Doing Good in the Midst of Suffering

“While doing good.”

Believers are not called to simply endure suffering passively, but to continue in righteous actions despite trials.

Supporting Scriptures on Doing Good in Trials

  1. Do Not Grow Weary – “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
  2. Overcome Evil with Good – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
  3. Continue in Righteousness – “Whoever does righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous.” – 1 John 3:7
  4. Love Your Enemies – “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” – Luke 6:27

Christological Implications

  • Jesus continued doing good even in suffering—healing, teaching, and showing mercy (Acts 10:38).
  • On the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34).
  • Through Christ’s example, we learn to do good, even when suffering unjustly (1 Peter 2:23).

5. The Strength to Stand: Holding Firm Until the End

Believers must persevere in faith, knowing that suffering is temporary, but God’s reward is eternal.

Supporting Scriptures on Standing Firm in Suffering

  1. Stand Firm in Faith – “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
  2. God Gives Strength – “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.” – Isaiah 40:29
  3. Endurance Leads to Reward – “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial.” – James 1:12
  4. Suffering Prepares Us for Glory – “If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him.” – 2 Timothy 2:12

Christological Implications

  • Jesus endured suffering to bring us salvation (Hebrews 12:2).
  • His resurrection proves that suffering is not the end—glory follows (Romans 8:17).

How Then Should I Live as a Christian?

  1. Live in Faith – “The righteous shall live by faith.” – Romans 1:17
  2. Live in Prayer – “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  3. Live in Love – “Love one another as I have loved you.” – John 13:34
  4. Live in Obedience – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” – James 1:22
  5. Live in Hope – “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13

Conclusion: Faithful Until the End

1 Peter 4:19 calls believers to trust God completely in suffering, knowing that He is faithful, sovereign, and working for our good. As Christ endured suffering for our salvation, we endure trials knowing that God’s promises are sure.

We entrust our souls to Him, stand firm in faith, and continue doing good—until the day He calls us home.

How Does Jesus Suffer With Us in Light of 1 Peter 4:19?

1 Peter 4:19 states:
“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”

This verse teaches that suffering is not meaningless—it is part of God’s plan for refining and strengthening His people. But we are not alone in our suffering—Jesus Himself suffers with us.

Christ is not only our Savior who suffered for us, but also our companion who suffers with us. His suffering was both redemptive and relational—He endured suffering to secure our salvation and continues to identify with us in our trials. Here’s how:

1. Jesus Suffers With Us by Sharing in Our Humanity

Jesus fully took on human nature, experiencing every kind of suffering that we face.

Scriptural Support

  1. Jesus Understands Our Weaknesses – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:15
  2. He Became Flesh to Share in Our Pain – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” – John 1:14
  3. He Experienced Sorrow and Rejection – “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” – Isaiah 53:3
  4. He Knows the Weight of Temptation and Struggle – “Because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” – Hebrews 2:18

Christological Implications

  • Jesus did not remain distant—He entered into our world, our suffering, and our struggles.
  • Because He became fully human, He understands every pain, loss, and sorrow we endure.

2. Jesus Suffers With Us Through His Presence in Our Trials

Even after His resurrection, Jesus does not abandon us in suffering. He walks with us through our pain, giving comfort and strength.

Scriptural Support

  1. He Is Always With Us – “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
  2. He Never Leaves Us in Trouble – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” – Isaiah 41:10
  3. He Strengthens Us in Weakness – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
  4. He Gives Us Peace in Suffering – “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Christological Implications

  • Jesus is not just a historical figure—He is alive and present with His people today.
  • He walks with us through our suffering, giving us peace in the midst of pain.

3. Jesus Suffers With Us by Carrying Our Burdens

Jesus does not just witness our suffering—He carries it for us.

Scriptural Support

  1. He Bore Our Sorrows – “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” – Isaiah 53:4
  2. He Invites Us to Lay Our Burdens on Him – “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
  3. He Gives Us Strength When We Are Weak – “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” – Psalm 55:22
  4. He Took Our Pain on the Cross – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” – 1 Peter 2:24

Christological Implications

  • Jesus did not only suffer in the past—He actively carries our burdens now.
  • Through the cross, He took the weight of our sin and suffering, freeing us to walk in faith.

4. Jesus Suffers With Us Through the Persecution of His People

Jesus identifies personally with the suffering of His followers. When we are mistreated for our faith, He takes it personally.

Scriptural Support

  1. He Suffers When His People Suffer – “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” – Acts 9:4
  2. He Is Present in the Fire – “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? But I see four men unbound… and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” – Daniel 3:24-25
  3. He Is with Those Who Suffer for Righteousness – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
  4. The World Hates Us Because It Hated Him First – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” – John 15:18

Christological Implications

  • Jesus sees the suffering of His people as His own suffering.
  • When believers face persecution, He is present, strengthening and sustaining them.

5. Jesus Transforms Our Suffering Into Glory

Jesus does not waste our suffering—He uses it for our good and His glory.

Scriptural Support

  1. Our Suffering Has Purpose – “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” – Romans 8:28
  2. Suffering Produces Endurance and Hope – “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
  3. We Will Share in His Glory – “If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him.” – 2 Timothy 2:12
  4. Pain is Temporary, Glory is Eternal – “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Christological Implications

  • Jesus turned the greatest suffering—the cross—into the greatest victory.
  • Because He rose in glory, we have the assurance that suffering will not last forever.

Conclusion: The Faithful Creator Who Suffers With Us

1 Peter 4:19 reminds us to entrust our souls to our faithful Creator in suffering. Jesus is not distant—He suffers with us, walks with us, and carries us through every trial.

How Should I Live in Light of This?

  1. Trust in His Presence – “I am with you always.” – Matthew 28:20
  2. Cast Your Burdens on Him – “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
  3. Persevere in Faith – “Do not grow weary in doing good.” – Galatians 6:9
  4. Rejoice in Suffering – “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.” – 1 Peter 4:13
  5. Hold on to Hope – “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:13

Jesus does not just observe our suffering—He enters into it with us. Because He suffered for us, suffers with us, and sustains us, we can entrust our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good.

In His Hands

I walk through days of sorrow,
The weight is heavy on my heart,
The road is long, the path unclear,
But I know I am not alone,
He is near, even in the storm.

I do not understand the reason,
Why the pain, why the waiting,
Why the burden that does not lift,
Yet I hear His voice whisper,
“Trust Me, I am faithful.”

I lift my hands though they are weak,
I open my heart though it is weary,
I give Him all that I cannot hold,
For He carries what I cannot bear,
And He does not let me fall.

The world may turn against me,
But He is my refuge and strength,
The fire may come, the waters may rise,
Yet He is my shelter in the storm,
My faithful Creator, my steady rock.

I will not hold my pain in fear,
I will not fight this battle alone,
For He has called me to surrender,
To place my soul in His hands,
To trust that He is good.

When the night is long and silent,
And the answers do not come,
Still, I will walk forward,
Still, I will keep believing,
For He is not far from me.

He sees every tear I cry,
He knows the weight of my soul,
Not one moment is forgotten,
Not one struggle is wasted,
He is working in it all.

So I will not give up today,
I will not turn from His call,
I will entrust my soul to Him,
For He is faithful, He is true,
And He will carry me through.

The pain is not the end,
The suffering will not last,
His hands are stronger than my fears,
His promises are greater than my pain,
And His love will never fail.

I will walk in faith, not fear,
I will stand firm in His name,
For He has called me His own,
And He will never leave me,
I am safe in His hands.

Held by His Hands

Verse 1
The road is rough, my heart is tired,
The weight is heavy, the days are long,
But I will trust, I will stand,
For He has never failed me yet,
His hands are holding me still.

Verse 2
The fire burns, the waters rise,
Yet He is near, He does not leave,
In the storm, in the trial,
He whispers, “Do not be afraid,”
For He is my faithful God.

Verse 3
Though I suffer, though I weep,
I will not turn away from Him,
For He is strong when I am weak,
He will finish what He began,
I am safe in His hands.

Verse 4
I entrust my soul to Him,
I will walk where He leads,
Through the valley, through the fire,
Still, I will follow His voice,
For He is my faithful Creator.

Chorus
He is near, He is strong,
He has held me all along,
Though I suffer, though I weep,
Still, He carries me.