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For let none of you suffer as a murderer, etc. The apostle is still dwelling on the "fiery trial." All trial to the Christian is a fire that

(1) gives great rain;

(2) destroys evil;

(3) purifies the good. Notice -

I. SUFFERING FOR WRONG-DOING IS CERTAIN AND IS SHAMEFUL. "Let none of you suffer as a murderer," etc. This is strange counsel to Christians. That it is thus given to them:

1. Reminds us of the classes from which the first converts were drawn. No doubt many were not only from the poorest, but from criminal, classes. Hence the apostle's reminder after he has described some of the basest of characters, "Such were some of you."

2. Suggests to us to be on our guard against sins to which before we became Christians we were addicted. The old taint is a peril. Perhaps tow now need fear being "murderers" or "malefactors," but many may be on their guard against being "meddlers." "Lay aside the sin that so easily besets." "Them that obey not the gospel." Here is another class whose sufferings will bring shame. The climax of judgment is for them. Who can tell what their" end" will be? "The house of God" is under his control, and all in it must suffer for their wrong-doing. Those who know the claims of the gospel, the possibilities it offers, and yet despise it and reject it, "do not obey it," must have even severer suffering than Christians who have blundered into error or been overborne by evil, for they at least have

(1) resignation;

(2) hope of better life;

(3) conscious fellowship with a forgiving God.

II. SUFFERING FOR RIGHT-DOING MAY BEFALL US, BUT WILL BE A SOURCE OF GLORY. This Peter noted in earlier paragraphs, and reverts to again. "Suffer as a Christian," that is, because he is a Christian. The very name was at first one of scorn. And the name of scorn has become a name that glorifies God. So with all the sufferings that the character of those who truly wear that name has ever brought upon them. Are they the sufferings of

(1) poverty,

(2) unpopularity,

(3) contempt,

(4) persecution?

They are sufferings none need be ashamed of, but in which they may, as the noblest of men have done, glorify God.

III. SUFFERING FOR RIGHT-DOING MUST BE ENDURED IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT. The words of the nineteenth verse, the final words about "the fiery trial," are addressed to those who suffer because they are Christians.

1. They "suffer according to the will of God."

(1) Because he wills it;

(2) along the course of his wise providence.

2. In such sufferings they are to "commit their souls, in well-doing unto a faithful Creator." Here is the obligation of:

(1) Trust. "Commit;" deposit the treasure.

(2) Dutifulness. "In well-doing;' keep on doing the right.

(3) Trust in and dutifulness towards God. Faithful Creator. He knows - he cares: he will be faithful to his creation, and emphatically to the trustful ones. He who gave the soul its existence: and knows its capacities and needs, is its loving Guardian. - U.R.T.

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KJV: But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

WEB: For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters.