How to Respond to Suffering

Our confidence is that suffering gives way to a far greater eternal glory.

Be Ready to Answer (3:13-17)

The reasonable expectation of life is that if you do what is right you will be treated fairly.

However, we can suffer for righteousness sake as a believer. In fact, we have seen that take place over the last year in various places.

Don’t fear, have faith! Sanctify, honor, reverence Christ in your heart. Esteem Christ of so much value that following him is worth any temporary suffering.

This will cause people to ask why? That has been the case all throughout the history of the church.

Our confidence is that suffering gives way to a far greater eternal glory.

Be ready to share your hope in Christ! Be ready to witness!

Remember Christ’s Example (3:18-22)

Remember that Christ suffered on your behalf to reconcile you to God.

Remember that there is a spiritual reality that is greater than this temporary physical body.

Jesus went in his death to proclaim his victory over the fallen

Remember your salvation!

Just as in the days of Noah, this world is under sentence of judgement and is passing away.

You have been saved through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is a witness to this fact!

Remember that Christ is Lord of over all! He is at the right hand and all the spiritual

Remember that suffering in this list gives way to far greater eternal glory for those in Christ!

Be Resolved to Follow (4:1-2)

Suffering helps to clarify what is important. What really matters when all is said and done?

Relationship with others.

Most important, your relationship with God.

Suffering lessens them attractiveness of this world’s glittering toys as we see the far greater value of eternity with Christ.

So, the bottom line is to follow Jesus!