Sermon Outline 1 Peter 4:12 19

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2 WEEK FIFTEEN October 30th November 5th Sermon Outline 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 19 So then, those who suffer according to God s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. I. INTRODUCTION A. We should not be surprised when suffering comes to a Christian. B. In fact living for Jesus and suffering go together. (1 Peter 4:12) C. Christian suffering comes to test (prove, refine, purify) us. (1 Peter 1:6 7) Christians can rejoice in the hope in Christian suffering. II. WHAT IS THE BASIS OF THAT HOPE? A. We rejoice in the hope that we are participating in the suffering of Jesus. (1 Peter 4:12 14) 1. Christians who live for Jesus and suffer because of it are sharing in the ongoing suffering of Jesus in His body, the church. (1 Peter 4:12 14; Colossians 1:24 29) 2. If we share in His sufferings we will also share in His glory. (Romans 8:16 17; 1 Peter 1:6 7; 4:13 14) 3. It was this understanding of participating in the suffering of Christ that allowed the apostles and early church to face suffering and death with purpose and joy. (Acts 5:27 33; 40 42; 6:7) 4. When you realize your life and your suffering have a purpose and you participate in that suffering with Jesus to advance His kingdom you have the hope that comes in Christian suffering. B. We rejoice in the hope that suffering means we are members of God s household. (1 Peter 4:15 19) 1. Our suffering identifies us as belonging to God. 2. Peter said God s judgment begins with God s household. a. Judgment separate, select, choose

3 1 Peter WEEK FIFTEEN Sermon Notes b. Christians have been judged in regards to their faith and obedience to the gospel and their suffering confirms that God has included them in His household. c. Unbelievers will also be judged and will experience a different kind of suffering for their rejection. (1 Peter 4:17 18) 3. If you suffer as a Christian, praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:16; Ephesians 2:19 22; 1:13 14) 4. If you suffer according to God s will as a member of His household commit your way to your faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19) III. CONCLUSION (2 Corinthians 4:7 18; 1 Peter 1:6 9; 1 Peter 4:12 14)

4 1 Peter WEEK FIFTEEN WA R M U P Christians suffer persecution. Persecution is not something that is alien to the Christian life. From the beginning the people of God have suffered at the hands of an unbelieving world. A Christian s life is radically different from the lifestyles of the culture that we live in. Much of what goes on around us is driven by lies, pride, pleasure, and selfish ambition. A dedicated Christian builds their life on truth, humility, holiness, and the desire to glorify God. Pain can be very consuming, affecting how we look and feel about everything. What kind of pain affects you more, physical or emotional? Suffering for Jesus can be painful. Have you ever had to endure physical or emotional pain because of your faith in Christ? DIG I N Read 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 19 So then, those who suffer according to God s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

5 1 Peter WEEK FIFTEEN REFLECTIONS 1 Peter 4:12 19 Many Christians think that if they are suffering they must be doing something wrong. Peter had a different view. In 1 Peter 4:12 why did Peter tell these Christians not to be surprised at finding themselves in a fiery ordeal? What does it mean to participate in the sufferings of Christ? Why would that cause rejoicing in those who experience it? How does this relate to the spread of the gospel to all nations? In 1 Peter 4:16, Peter tells the people not to be ashamed to be identified as a Christian. Being ashamed has to do with fear that causes us not to respond properly. Why would Christians be ashamed to be identified with Jesus? How could Christians possibly respond when they are ashamed? TAKE IN Ask Yourself How does it help you in your day-to-day life to know that in believing and obeying the gospel you are a member of God s household?

6 1 Peter WEEK FIFTEEN PRAY UP Ask God Father, help me see that any pain or persecution I may be suffering can be a blessing. Father, give me boldness to proclaim the good news of Jesus wherever I may be this week. Father, please strengthen those around the world who are suffering for their faith in Jesus. Amen Prayer Requests