Instructions for Suffering
More Instructions for Suffering
1 Peter 4:12-19
Introduction:
So far we have been looking at suffering and dealing with it
Last week we saw several reasons why Christians suffer
I believe that there are three types of suffering
1) Natural suffering: What everyone faces, like illness and loss.
2) Suffering brought on by disobedience/sin
3) Suffering that is a result of doing right, being faithful to the Lord
Job, Disciples, Paul, Daniel, others.
Peter called the suffering “fiery trial”
Why?
Seemingly unstoppable
Caused untold pain and misery
Spread quickly
An example of suffering was Polycarp
He was a 2nd century Bishop
He was arrested for his faith
He said, “86 years I have served Him and He never did me any injury. How can
I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”
He was then burned at the stake.
Much of what we face today is not anywhere near that severe
Yet many have been deeply hurt
Often coming from those closest to us.
Peter now gives more instructions:
I. Expect to Suffer v. 12
1. As a Christian our lives are different from world
As we talked last Sunday
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 talks about the difference
Christians base their lives on: truth, holiness, humility, pleasing God
Non-Christians base their lives on themselves
2. Examples of suffering:
Cain killed Abel in Genesis 4:1-8 Why? He did right
Could Cain have done right? Absolutely and he was told so by God
See 1 John 3:11-12
Disciples:
At the hand of religious leaders Matt. 10:16-18
At the hand of their own families Matt. 10:21-22
3. Encouragement in suffering
John 16:33 “I have overcome.”
Matt. 28:19-20
II. Rejoice in suffering vv. 13-14
What he is saying is to be “constantly rejoicing”
We may not often feel like rejoicing in the fiery trial
As we look at the following it may help
First thought it is important that we “partake in Christ’s sufferings”
That means make sure that we are suffering for the right reasons
Many claim to be suffering for right when they are wrong (Muslims)
1. In a sense it is a means of fellowship with Christ v. 13
Draws us closer when realize that He suffered for the same
Also draws us closer in faith, we are forced to rely on Him more fully
It also demonstrates that we are walking as He walked 2 Tim. 3:12
2. The sorrow will some day be turned to joy v. 13
World tends to believe that lack of suffering = joy
1 Peter 1:7-9
John 16:20 sorrow will be turned to joy
Example of a woman giving birth: pain turned to joy
The Olympics are coming up soon: Athletes put in many hours of practice, pain, and sacrifice. It is that which leads to glory and joy in end.
3. It is also a means to see the ministry of the Holy Spirit v. 14
4. It is a means to glorify His name v. 14
How often are our priorities out of focus?
How often it seems to be all about us and not about Him!
III. Examine you life vv. 15-18
That is the idea of judgment beginning in the house of God
We examine ourselves with several questions:
1. Why am I suffering? V. 15
Murder, stealing, evil doing, being a busybody?
If we are suffering because we are doing something wrong then we are getting what we deserve.
2. What is my attitude? V. 16 Ashamed or glorifying?
Romans 1:16
2 Timothy 1:12
Paul even encouraged Timothy that the suffering was worth it
3. What am I doing about the lost? Vv. 17-18
If God allows fiery trial on His children what will happen to the lost?
Times of persecution are times of testimony
Acts 16:31 Philippian jailor wasn’t saved because of the earthquake but by Paul’s concern for him.
IV. Commit yourself to God v. 19
1. Commit your souls to Him: like depositing money in the bank
2. Continue to do what is right
3. Count on Him: He is the faithful creator
Points to His power and security (He is faithful).