How are the Christian Life and God's Administration Parallel?
1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings, so that when His glory is revealed, you may also rejoice with exultation."
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Category |
Detailed Content |
Related Scriptures |
|---|---|---|
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Reason |
- Triune God went through a long process, becoming the life-giving Spirit, dwelling in believers - Believers are reborn with spiritual life, but still in the old creation |
1 Peter 1:3 (hope of rebirth) John 3:6 (what is born of the Spirit is spirit) |
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Two Aspects |
- Life Aspect: Reborn with divine life - Administrative Aspect: Needing God's discipline and refinement |
1 Peter 4:12-13 (fiery trial) Hebrews 12:6 (whom the Lord loves, He disciplines) |
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Metaphor |
- Smelting Furnace: Persecution and trials - Silver and Gold: Believers' life - Dross: Parts of life that need to be refined |
1 Peter 4:12 (fiery trial) Proverbs 27:21 (crucible for silver) Psalm 66:10 (tested us as silver is tested) |
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Destiny |
- Suffering in this world is the destiny of Christians - God ordains trials for believers in this world - Not a destiny for eternity, but a process of life growth |
1 Peter 4:12-13 (normal trials) 1 Peter 4:17 (judgment beginning at the house of God) |
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Application |
- Realize trials are normal - Sharing in Christ's sufferings - See the spiritual meaning behind persecution - Maintain joy in trials |
1 Peter 4:13 (rejoicing in Christ's sufferings) Philippians 1:29 (not only believing in Christ but also suffering for Him) |
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Purpose of God's Administration |
- Refine believers' lives - Remove life's dross - Conform to Christ's image - Prepare believers to appear with Christ in glory |
1 Peter 1:7 (faith more precious than gold) Romans 8:29 (conformed to the image of His Son) |
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Spiritual Significance |
- Persecution is not an accidental outsider, but a spiritual refinement - Witnessing Christ in suffering - Elevating personal suffering to Christ's suffering |
1 Peter 4:16 (not be ashamed, but glorify God) Colossians 1:24 (fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions) |
This table demonstrates how the Christian life and God's administration run parallel, emphasizing that in the process of life growth in this world, God's discipline, trials, and refinement are expressions of His love, with the purpose of making us more like Christ and preparing us to enter His glory.
*Please refer to the 2024 Thanksgiving International Blending Conference: Living the Christian Life and Church Life Under God's Administration for His Economy - Message Two: Living the Christian Life Under God's Administration
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