Where Wisdom is Found (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Where Wisdom is Found 1 Peter 4:12-19 Introduction • Peter has been preparing us for the certainty of trying times. Mental preparation is an important them in Peter’s letter: 1. 1:13 – Minds alert and fully sober 2. 3:15 – Always prepared to give a reason for our hope 3. 4:1 – Be alert and of a sober mind 4. 4:7 – Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal 5. 5:8 – Be alert for your adversary is on the prowl • We will observe 5 Christian responses to the fiery ordeal. Be Ready for the Fiery Ordeal (4:12) 1. The Old Testament uses the fiery ordeal as a common metaphor for suffering: • • • Isaiah 48:10 – I have tried you in the furnace of affliction Zechariah 13:9 – I will … refine them as one refines silver/gold Isaiah 43:2 – “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned and the flame will not consume you” see Daniel 3. 2. God uses the fire to test: • • • God’s test is not an exam where your performance is graded God’s test is a proof, an opportunity to demonstrate an item’s genuineness. God’s proving also improves. Rejoice in God’s Blessing (4:13-14) 1. Peter instructs suffering believers to rejoice: • • • Common New Testament command – Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; Matthew 5:10-12 Afflictions show that you share in Christ’s sufferings Afflictions prepare you for vindication at Christ’s return 2. Peter encourages the insulted that they will experience God’s blessing: • • The Spirit of glory rested on Christ prior to a life of affliction and insult – you can share the same approval and comfort. Christ calls the Spirit the Comforter – you will experience His supernatural attention, encouragement, and help. Examine Yourselves (4:15) 1. Peter warns that Christians can bring hardship on themselves with bad behavior – he does not call that suffering, but the consequence of our own actions. 2. Notice the descent from worst to least: Murder – Meddler. 3. Meddlers are gossips, busy-bodies, or people who generally don’t mind their own business. They frequently play the victim when confronted for their divisiveness. Discern God’s Way (4:16-18) 1. Peter encourages us to hold our head high because God is doing something on a cosmic scale through afflictions. 2. Peter demonstrates this worldwide and timeless scale by referring to two passages: • • Ezekiel 9:6 Proverbs 11:31 3. By referring to these two passages, Peter is showing that affliction is the way of God, the way of the cross, and the way of Christianity. Entrust Yourself to God (4:19) 1. “Entrust” comes from the financial sector – a trustworthy expert who manages another’s finances. 2. Peter’s command is present and personal – give yourself to God now and keep giving yourself to him over and again. 3. Peter chooses his words carefully – entrust yourself to all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful Creator who is trustworthy, faithful, and effective. Conclusions • We do well to remember Peter’s first command (“Don’t be surprised …”) and allow it to frame how we see life. • Peter had the experience of the storms at sea – he learned that fears flee when we put our eyes on Christ.