The People of God (D5)

Discussion Five: The People of God – A Suffering People.(1.6-7; 2.19-21; 3.13-18; 4.1-4; 4.12-19; 5.6-11)

Note: Three most often used large words in 1 Peter. 6x-ὑποτάσσω-subject, subordinate.6x-ἀναστροφή-behavior, conduct, way of life11x-πάσχω-suffer, etc.

Note: Three most often used large words in 1 Peter. 6x-ὑποτάσσω-subject, subordinate.

1. Reality of Christian suffering (entire passage).

6x-ἀναστροφή-behavior, conduct, way of life

The constant reference to suffering reminds us of its reality.Let us note some special points about its reality:a. There are various kinds of trials (4.12; 1.6) ***”trial” – test to determine worthiness. Illus-medical exam. b. There is suffering among all God’s people-a common bond (5.9). c. There should not be surprise at this suffering. “Not strange” (4.12).***fiery trial- “ordeal” – proverbs 27.21 used for smelting gold and silver.

11x-πάσχω-suffer, etc.

2. Reasons for Christian Suffering

1. Reality of Christian suffering (entire passage).

We may not always know why we are suffering, but Peter gives us some reasons.a. Christians should not suffer:i. Because of our faults (2.18-20).ii. Because of our evils (3.17; 4.15). b. Christians should be willing to suffer because of the example of Christ (2.21-25; 3.18; 4.1). c. Christians may suffer:i. To be tried and purified (1.6, 7).ii. To be able to testify for Christ (3.15-17).iii. To be made stronger (5.10). “May strengthen you”***Illus-Anything worth it that draws us closer to God.iv. To glorify God (3.13-14; 5.11).

The constant reference to suffering reminds us of its reality.

Whether or not we understand, there is relief.

Let us note some special points about its reality:

a. There are various kinds of trials (4.12; 1.6)

3. Relief from Christian Suffering.

a. Remember:i. The sufferings of Jesus. ii. The reasons for suffering. b. Rejoice in:i. The priviledge of sharing in the sufferings of Christ (4.13) and for “righteousness sake” (3.13-14). ii. The temporary nature of suffering. “awhile” (5.10, 1.6).iii. The beneficial results of suffering.(1) God is glorified (5.11; 4.13; 4.16).(2) We can testify (3.15-17).(3) We are purified (1.6,7).(4) We are strengthened (5.10).The eternal rewards of suffering “called to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus” (5.10) “Forever and ever” (5.11). c. Remain:i. Committed to God (4.19).ii. In fellowship with GodIllus: .2Illus: How? Prayer-Bible-Appetite-Put off those things that destroy spiritual appetite. Conclusion: Do not SEEK suffering. Accept it when it comes. Search your heart (4.16). Is God judging you? (4.17) If not, seek to know why suffering has come. If there is no evidence, praise God for being able to share in the sufferings of Christ. Ask Him to be glorified in your life.

***”trial” – test to determine worthiness. Illus-medical exam.

b. There is suffering among all God’s people-a common bond (5.9).

c. There should not be surprise at this suffering. “Not strange” (4.12).

We all are to be servants of God – all of us who have been saved by grace. It is interesting how the theme of service runs throughout First Peter. We could outline the book under this theme. The saved are called to serve. We serve as we are sanctified. We serve because God has selected us. We serve as we are submissive, and we serve through suffering.For the purpose of this study we will concentrate on the teachings if and 5.1-5. We will also note related verses.NOTE: (4.10): This is our stewardship: “minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” or “God’s varied grace.” “Stewards” come from the Greek οἰκονόμος (oikonomoi) which originally meant house manager.(1) Each is responsible according to the gift he has received (4.10).(2) Each is responsible for the ability God has given (4.11).

***fiery trial- “ordeal” – proverbs 27.21 used for smelting gold and silver.

We can serve God...

2. Reasons for Christian Suffering

1. …as We recognize The Serious Nature of Christian Service (4.7).

Note: “Self controlled” and “Sober-minded” in Greek means “Sound judgement” and “sober spirit”.a. We are to be sober because the end of the age is drawing near.b. We are to be sober through watchful prayer.

We may not always know why we are suffering, but Peter gives us some reasons.

2. …as We Recognize We are all Gifted for Christian Service.

a. Christians should not suffer:

a. Every Christian is gifted to serve God (4.10). “each one has received a gift”i. All of us serve as witnesses (5.1). (See and 10.39).ii. All of us serve through love (4.8).iii. All of us serve through cheerful hospitality (4.9). b. Every Christian is gifted differently. i. 4.10-We are all gifted variously “varied (esv) or “Manifold grace”ii. 5.1-2 illus. that some are shepherds. c. Every Christian represents Christ as he/she Serves.Note: 4.11-“Speak as the oracles of God.

i. Because of our faults (2.18-20).

3. …as We Recognize the Right Motive for Christian Service...Glorifying God!

ii. Because of our evils (3.17; 4.15).

Our service is to be for the glory of God. “that God may be glorified through Christ Jesus (4.11). Also see 1.7; 2.11; 4.14; 4.16; 5.11.God is glorified as we:a. Speak for Him (4.11). (And we will!)b. Minister for Him (4.11). (And we will!).c. Live for Him (4.8-9).d. Worship Him (4.7)e. We serve with the right attitude.i. We are to serve willingly (5.2). “not under compulsion, but”ii. We are to serve honestly (5.2). “not for shameful gain”iii. We are to serve eagerly (5.2). “of a ready mind”iv. We are to serve humbly (5.3). “not domineering over”v. We are to serve by example (5.3) “examples to the flock”f. We serve is his strength (4.11).KJV-“ability”, (Greek iskuos)

b. Christians should be willing to suffer because of the example of Christ (2.21-25; 3.18; 4.1).

c. Christians may suffer:

i. To be tried and purified (1.6, 7).

ii. To be able to testify for Christ (3.15-17).

iii. To be made stronger (5.10). “May strengthen you”

***Illus-Anything worth it that draws us closer to God.

iv. To glorify God (3.13-14; 5.11).

Whether or not we understand, there is relief.

3. Relief from Christian Suffering.

a. Remember:

i. The sufferings of Jesus.

ii. The reasons for suffering.

b. Rejoice in:

i. The priviledge of sharing in the sufferings of Christ (4.13) and for “righteousness sake” (3.13-14).

ii. The temporary nature of suffering. “awhile” (5.10, 1.6).

iii. The beneficial results of suffering.

(1) God is glorified (5.11; 4.13; 4.16).

(2) We can testify (3.15-17).

(3) We are purified (1.6,7).

(4) We are strengthened (5.10).

The eternal rewards of suffering “called to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus” (5.10) “Forever and ever” (5.11).

c. Remain:

i. Committed to God (4.19).

ii. In fellowship with God

Illus:

Illus: How? Prayer-Bible-Appetite-Put off those things that destroy spiritual appetite.

Conclusion: Do not SEEK suffering. Accept it when it comes. Search your heart (4.16). Is God judging you? (4.17) If not, seek to know why suffering has come. If there is no evidence, praise God for being able to share in the sufferings of Christ. Ask Him to be glorified in your life.