5 Responses To Suffering

Introduction

As I was preparing for tonight’s study, I came across a poem called the “ABC’s of Trials.” It goes like this;

“Although things are not perfect Because of trial or pain, Continue in thanksgiving Do not begin to blame. Even when the times are hard, Fierce winds are bound to blow; God is forever able— Hold on to what you know Imagine life without His love; Joy would cease to be. Keep thanking Him for all the things Love imparts to thee. Move out of "Camp Complaining"— No weapon that is known On earth can yield the power Praise can do alone. Quit looking at the future, Redeem the time at hand. Start every day with worship; To "thank" is a command. Until we see Him coming, Victorious in the sky, We'll run the race with gratitude, Exalting God most high. Yes, there'll be good times; and, yes, some will be bad, but... Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!”—Unknown

We live in a world where suffering and trials will take place, and as we conclude chapter 4 of our study in 1st Peter, we are going to see how we as Christians are to respond in the midst of our trials and suffering. Turn with me to 1st Peter chapter 4 as we read verses 12 to 19.

1 Peter 4:12–19 CSB

Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name. For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.

(Pray)

5 Responses To Trials

1.) Don’t Be Surprised (Verse 12):

1 Peter 4:12 CSB

Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.

I find it interesting that Peter has mentioned twice in his letter about not being surprised. Last week he wrote that we shouldn’t be surprised when the world doesn’t agree with us, and now he mentioning don’t be surprised when you go through fiery ordeals or trials.

In the beginning of this series, when Quincy opened up the study, he mentioned that we would endure trials. Does anyone remember why?

Let’s look at what Peter wrote back in the first chapter.

1 Peter 1:3–7 CSB

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Our trials are to test and prove our character in the faith.

(Encourage to read Job 1-2)

God is aware of what is happening.

2.) Rejoice (Verse 13):

1 Peter 4:13 CSB

Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.

“Peter isn’t calling us to do something he wouldn’t do.”

(Acts 5:17-42)

“The temporary sufferings of today is nothing compared to being in the presence and glory of Christ.”

Romans 8:18 CSB

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

3.) You Are Blessed (Verses 14-15):

1 Peter 4:14–15 CSB

If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.

Matthew 5:11 CSB

“You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.

John 15:18–21 CSB

“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don’t know the one who sent me.

Not everything that happens in life means you are being persecuted for your faith. Let’s re-read verse 15

“If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into people’s affairs.”-1st Peter 4:15 NLT

Examples:

Getting An F on your homework.

Getting grounded for not honoring your parents requests.

Getting a speeding ticket for driving too fast.

Relationship Problems. (Are you cocky/arrogant, always looking to pick a fight, making up stories about others that aren’t true.)

4.) Don’t Be Ashamed (Verses 16-18):

1 Peter 4:16–18 CSB

But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name. For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?

5.) Entrust Yourself To God (Verse 19):

1 Peter 4:19 CSB

So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.

“Entrust”: to put into the care or protection of someone.

Psalm 31:5 CSB

Into your hand I entrust my spirit; you have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.

Luke 23:46 CSB

And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last.

Jesus was able to entrust His life to the Father, even to the point of the death. Why? Because He knew the Father would care for Him. And God did show He cared for His son by raising Him from the grave three days later, proving that Jesus is the Messiah.