The Grace Needed To Combat Suffering: Part 4
Notes
Transcript
Handout
The question I Peter seeks to answer is how believers in a local church ought to respond to suffering, to trials, and to tests. Our natural response is do whatever possible to get out of the pain as soon as possible.
I Peter 4 flies in the face of our natural response. Here, God shows us why suffering is positive and not negative. God shows us why we should anticipate, prepare, desire, and even rejoice in suffering.
We must equip our thinking with the resolve to suffer so that rather than running away from suffering we move towards suffering in order to live serious lives for God’s glory and even to live extremely joyful and happy lives by trusting in God’s good purpose for our suffering.
We must arm our thinking with a willingness to suffer
We must arm our thinking with a willingness to suffer
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
Χριστοῦ οὖν* ⸂παθόντος σαρκὶ⸃
Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh
καὶ ὑμεῖς τὴν αὐτὴν ἔννοιαν ὁπλίσασθε,*
Arm / equip (put on armor) yourselves also with the same mental attitude / way of thinking / resolve / purpose
Primary command- put on our armour = mental attitude / way of thinking / resolve / purpose.
Everything else in this chapter is like armor! These are the kinds of things we need to fill our minds with- it is the different layers of armor we need to put on- so that when the time comes we will not run away from suffering, instead exactly the opposite we will move towards suffering and embrace it and maybe even pray for it. What kind of resolve do you need to have to pray for suffering? How strong is your armor? What does the armor look like? What should it consist of? I want to show you your mental armor this morning!
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
1. Because suffering is part of what it means to be Christlike
1. Because suffering is part of what it means to be Christlike
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
Χριστοῦ οὖν* ⸂παθόντος σαρκὶ⸃
Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
2. Because suffering is a powerful tool in transforming your heart so that you no longer desire sin
2. Because suffering is a powerful tool in transforming your heart so that you no longer desire sin
1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
ὅτι ὁ παθὼν ⸆ σαρκὶ πέπαυται ⸀ἁμαρτίας
because the one who has suffered in the flesh is through with sin (finished with it / ceased from it / done with it)
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
3. Because every moment you spend in sin wastes the gracious gift of life bestowed on you by your Creator
3. Because every moment you spend in sin wastes the gracious gift of life bestowed on you by your Creator
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
3 ἀρκετὸς γὰρ* ⸆
For it is sufficient (already been enough time spent / 8 or 80 its enough!)
ὁ παρεληλυθὼς χρόνος ⸇
the time that is passing away
τὸ ⸀βούλημα τῶν ἐθνῶν κατειργάσθαι ⸁
for doing the will of the Gentiles
πεπορευμένους ἐν ἀσελγείαις,*
walking in self-abandonment (indulging in sensual pleasure unrestrained by morality, lack of any kind of self-restraint)
ἐπιθυμίαις,
evil desires (cravings, lusts)
οἰνοφλυγίαις,
drunkenness
κώμοις,
orgies (binge parties- an occasion for excessive eating or drinking with moral debauchery normally ensuing)
πότοις
drinking parties (parties that involved unrestrained indulgence in alcoholic behavior and accompanying immoral behavior)
καὶ ἀθεμίτοις εἰδωλολατρίαις.
And disgusting idolatry.
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
4. Because God will inescapably judge the full account of everyone’s sin
4. Because God will inescapably judge the full account of everyone’s sin
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
4 ἐν ᾧ ξενίζονται
In this they are continually surprised (standing with their mouths open)
μὴ συντρεχόντων ὑμῶν
when you do not run together with them (to hurry or rush with another to a location or a common purpose / plunge with them)
εἰς τὴν αὐτὴν τῆς ἀσωτίας ἀνάχυσιν*
into the same wild stream / flood of reckless deeds (what one does when the mind is absent)
⸀βλασφημοῦντες,*
And they slander you.
5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
5 ⸂οἳ ἀποδώσουσιν λόγον⸃
They will give an account
τῷ ⸄ἑτοίμως ἔχοντι κρῖναι⸅
to the one who is ready to judge
ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς.*
the living and the dead.
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
5. Because the gospel promises full vindication for your suffering
5. Because the gospel promises full vindication for your suffering
6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
6 εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ* νεκροῖς εὐηγγελίσθη,*
For this reason the gospel was also preached to those who are now dead
ἵνα κριθῶσιν μὲν κατὰ ἀνθρώπους σαρκὶ,
so that they might be judged one the one hand according to men in the flesh,
ζῶσιν δὲ κατὰ θεὸν πνεύματι.*
but, on the other hand, they might live according to God in the Spirit.
Contrast between God’s judging the LIVING and the dead, and here the gospel being preaching to those now DEAD.
Those still living in their sin slander believers- especially those who have died. If we all die what difference does it make? I lived it up and had fun and died. You suffered and didn’t have any fun and you died. We both end up at the same place right? WRONG- The gospel promises that even if we are judged according to men in the flesh- we suffer, because we know Christ and we have believed the gospel, and we were willing to suffer for the gospel- we will live in the Spirit the way God does! And what a life that will be- better than any party this world could ever offer. That is the biblical idea of vindication!
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
6. Because suffering causes you to be ready for the moment when you will stand face-to-face with Jesus
6. Because suffering causes you to be ready for the moment when you will stand face-to-face with Jesus
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
7 Πάντων δὲ τὸ τέλος ἤγγικεν.
Now the end of all things is nearing.
σωφρονήσατε οὖν
Therefore, be serious-minded unto self-control
καὶ νήψατε
and sober-minded unto self-restraint
εἰς ⸆ προσευχάς*
unto prayer
Read from John Payton Book
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
7. Because suffering forces us to greater disciple-making, one-another ministry which results in God’s greater glory!
7. Because suffering forces us to greater disciple-making, one-another ministry which results in God’s greater glory!
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
8. Because suffering for Christ results in unending rejoicing and extreme happiness
8. Because suffering for Christ results in unending rejoicing and extreme happiness
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
*12 Ἀγαπητοί, μὴ ξενίζεσθε ⸆
Beloved, do not be surprise (stand with your mouth open)
τῇ ἐν ὑμῖν πυρώσει πρὸς πειρασμὸν ὑμῖν γινομένῃ
at the burning ordeal when it comes upon you
ὡς ξένου ὑμῖν συμβαίνοντος,*
as if something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
13 ἀλλὰ
BUT
καθὸ κοινωνεῖτε τοῖς τοῦ Χριστοῦ παθήμασιν,
as much as you share in the sufferings of Christ
χαίρετε,
rejoice,
ἵνα καὶ ἐν τῇ ἀποκαλύψει τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ χαρῆτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι.*
so that you also may rejoice with extreme happiness in the revelation of His glory.
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
9. Because in the moment of your darkest suffering the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you
9. Because in the moment of your darkest suffering the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The Lexham Textual Notes on the Bible 1 Peter 4:14
1 Peter 4:14
ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς ἀναπαύεται
If you are reviled on account of the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Some manuscripts include another clause at the end of the verse: “On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified.” The presence of this clause is not reflected in most early and reliable manuscripts. Due to its explanatory nature, many (Metzger, Omanson, Comfort) consider it a scribal gloss.
14 εἰ ὀνειδίζεσθε ἐν ὀνόματι Χριστοῦ,
If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,
μακάριοι,
(then) you are blessed (you are highly favored by divine grace)
ὅτι τὸ τῆς δόξης ⸂καὶ τὸ τοῦ θεοῦ⸃ πνεῦμα ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς ⸀ἀναπαύεται⸆.*
because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Read from John Payton book
I’m scared to go through suffering! I am scared to die, or to see a loved one die, I don’t think I can do it. And the answer is YOU can’t. But, if you are insulted, if you are suffering for the name of Christ- you are blessed, and in your darkest hour the overwhelming Holy Spirit of glory and of God will rest upon you. And God will guide you closer to Himself, and He will guide you even to the doorway of death itself. Nothing else in this lifetime draws us closer to the glory of our God.
Why would you ever pray for suffering?
10. Because suffering as a Christian purges our lives of sin and causes us to avoid the very real and serious judgement of God
10. Because suffering as a Christian purges our lives of sin and causes us to avoid the very real and serious judgement of God
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
4 And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.”
5 And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity.
6 Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.
7 Then he said to them, “Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain. Go out.” So they went out and struck in the city.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
18 καὶ εἰ ὁ ⸆ δίκαιος μόλις σῴζεται,
And if the righteous is saved with difficulty,
ὁ ⸂ἀσεβὴς καὶ ἁμαρτωλὸς⸃ ποῦ φανεῖται;*
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
We must equip our thinking with the resolve to suffer so that rather than running away from suffering we move towards suffering in order to live serious lives for God’s glory and even to live extremely joyful and happy lives by trusting in God’s good purpose for our suffering.