Hope & Hostility - 1 Peter 4:12-19

READ (1 PETER 4:12-19)

Peter is ending his letter to multiple churches through Roman provinces.

He returns to the theme of suffering.

Prison rodeo - “That was a violent situation.”

1. Don’t be suprised, but rejoice.

Peter wrote to expect suffering from people who don’t share the values of Christianity.

By sharing in Christ’s sufferings, we learn how to be like Jesus.

Not a time for fear, but a time for trust.

“Fiery trial” - “I will put this third through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’, and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” - (Zech 13:9)

Christians go through these events. There is a purpose.

You have the Spirit of glory and God on you.

v. 15 (“I ain’t praying for that.”)

“Christian” - only 3 times

Never used on themselves, but as a form of mockery.

“After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.” - (Acts 5:40-41)

Disciples desire to identify with Jesus.

2. Judgement molds and melts.

All must pass under God’s judgment.

The church first

The refining fire of judgment will leave no one untouched but Christians are being purified and strengthened by it - sins are being eliminated and trust in God and holiness of life are growing.

The world second.

Can’t hold up.

Forged by Fire

Your allegiance to God is eternally sustainable.

3. Trust God and do good.

What do we do in this circumstance?

Pursue God and trust in his promises.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles; He is a kind, compassionate Friend; If I but ask Him, He will deliver, And in my griefs with me He will blend.

Tempted and tried I need a great Savior, One who can help my burdens to bear; I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus; He all my cares and sorrows will share,

O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin! I must tell Jesus; He will enable Over the world the vic’try to win.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!   Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

Jesus can help me. Jesus alone.