1 Peter 4:12-19 Cameron Jungles 3-13-2013

Suffering as a Christian 1 Peter 4:12-19

Review

Ø Called to salvation by the mercy of God (1:3-2:10).

Ø Live as God’s exiles in a hostile world for God’s glory (2:11-4:11).

Ø Final Exhortations (4:12-5:14)

o Persevere while suffering as a Christian (4:12-19).

Main Idea:

Our identification with Christ will sometimes cause us to suffer as we live as exiles in this world.

We should respond to this testing of our faith with joy, trust in God, and holiness.

1. As Christians, we should anticipate suffering in this world that tests our faith.

2 Timothy 3:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

1 Peter 4:12

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 1:6

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

1 Peter 1:7

These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1. Our suffering for Christ is a reason for joy and praise.

Because it identifies us with our Savior who suffered for us.

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:15

If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

1 Peter 4:16

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Philippians 3:10-11

I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Because in suffering we are blessed with the gracious presence of God.

1 Peter 4:14

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Suffering purifies us in the present and prepares us for the glory to come.

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:17

For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

1. Our suffering for Christ should cause us to trust in God’s sovereign will and renew our commitment to live holy lives.

1 Peter 4:19

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Main Idea:

Our identification with Christ will sometimes cause us to suffer as we live as exiles in this world.

We should respond to this testing of our faith with joy, trust in God, and holiness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cameron Jungels Eastside Baptist Church March 13, 2013 Wed PM

Unless otherwise noted, the verses are in NIV.