2010-10-24
1 Peter - Rejoicing in Suffering and Persecution
Steve Lane

A. Review

1 Peter 4: 8
Above all, love each other deeply/fervently
Fervently loving one another from the heart produces fertile soil for spiritual growth

B. Introduction
The beauty and comfort of obedience - you have chosen this path and are a sojourner
Acts 14: 22; 2 Timothy 2: 3; 1 Thessalonians 3: 2 - 3
There is a call to all sorts of suffering
Not chosen suffering, and chosen persecution: both are, in a sense, chosen by you
Romans 8: 28 - 29
All suffering is for our good, and will conform us. But, we must stay on the path.
You must acknowledge suffering to embrace it and get the good from it—even the daily trials
Acts 14: 22
Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God
James 1: 2
This is about viewing life differently! Then, we grow.
Romans 5: 3 - 5

C. Why am I Suffering Like This?

1 Peter 4: 12
Suffering: sin/the curse; sinful nature of man; personal sin; God's loving discipline; refinement.
You are shocked when you have to suffer?
1 Peter 1: 7; Romans 5: 3 - 5

D. Don't Just Accept it—Rejoice in Your Trial!

1 Peter 4: 13
Suffering and persecution have always been tied up in the spread of the gospel.
Colossians 1: 24 - 26 Paul said that his sufferings filled up what was lacking in the sufferings of Christ.
Revelation 6: 11; Revelation 12: 11 And it will be this way until the end.
Philippians 3: 7 - 11 In using our sufferings...
1 Corinthians 15: 19 How many can say, "To live like I am foolish if there is no resurrection"?

E. Suffering for the Name of Christ

1 Peter 4: 14
If you accept the insults and the suffering in the Name of Jesus, He will give you the strength
Psalm 73: 16 - 17a; Psalm 119: 71 - 72; Matthew 5: 11; Hebrews 11: 26

F. Make Sure Your Suffering has a Purpose
1 Peter 4: 15 - 16
Your suffering can be used for the cause of Christ by trusting Him fully in it.
2 Corinthians 12: 7 -10

G. Don't Waste Your Trial—Prepare Your Mind for Action

1 Peter 4: 19
Psalm 73: 16 - 17a
Press on in serving with the gospel and building up the body.

Difficult Questions:
Will you commit to joyfully accept the difficult parts of the journey?
1 Peter 1: 7
1 Peter 4: 13
James 1: 2 - 3
Acts 14: 22
Romans 5: 3 - 5

Will you believe that your trials are for you good, and for the benefit of the gospel? Will you be willing to participate in suffering for the sake of the call?
Romans 8: 28 - 29
Philippians 3: 7 - 11
2 Peter 4: 13
Colossians 1: 24 - 26
2 Corinthians 11: 27

Will you receive God's discipline as love?
Hebrews 12: 7 - 11