The Blessing of Suffering!

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Oswald Chambers wrote, “Remember that spiritual vision depends on our character---it is “the pure in heart” who “see God.” …… It is through our bodily life coming in contact with other people and other points of view that we tend to become tarnished…… If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things. And some things that are acceptable for others will become unacceptable for us.”

Shane Pruitt wrote, “When opinions contradict the Bible, it’s not the Bible that needs to change.”

1 Peter: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Expect Suffering

Not expecting to be so hatefully persecuted, the believers to whom Peter wrote were understandably surprised, troubled, and confused by their suffering. Perhaps they expected life to be full of blessing, benefits, and divine protection. However, believers’ expectation for suffering is bound up in the words of Jesus, who told the apostles, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18); Paul’s admonition to Timothy, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12); and the apostle John’s warning, “Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13). For Christians, the confrontation with sin and the world often results in suffering, which is part of the promised cost of discipleship (cf. Matt. 10:38–39; 16:24–26; John 12:24–26). Counting the cost is behind Jesus’ words that no one builds a tower or enters battle without first calculating that cost (Luke 14:28–32).

If you are willing and able, please stand for the reading of God’s Word.

1 Peter 4:12–16 NKJV

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Pray.

Thank you. You may be seated.

Christians must expect suffering!

James 1:2–4 NKJV

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Rejoice in sufferings!

1 Peter 4:13 NKJV

13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Give glory to God in our sufferings!

1 Peter 4:16 NKJV

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

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Invitation!