Untitled Sermon (9)

1 Peter 4:12–19 ESV

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. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 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? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, 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.

What realistic advice might you give to someone about to enter a marathon race or embark on climbing a mountain?

1 Peter 4:12-13

In what ways is Peter’s opening advice in verse 12 similar?

Why might it be a surprise when believers go through suffering?

What is Peter asking of us do in this verse 13? What is Peter's reasoning?

Read vrs 14. Have you been insulted? What emotions did you have? How did you want to respond? How does Peter tell us to respond? Why?

read vrs 15-16 -- Is it possible to suffer for the wrong things? Why is Peter making this distinction? What is the sole purpose of suffering?

read 17 - Is there a difference between Judgement and a fiery test? What is the consequences of Divine judgement?

vers 18-19 How does Peter Propose we handle trials?

In what ways does knowing the outcome or the ending help us to keep things in perspective (see vv. 13, 17, 18)?

How do we entrust ourselves into the care of the creator?

How could joy become a more dominant feature of our lives as Christians?

ii) How does this passage help us to support and pray for the suffering church throughout the world?