Introduction: 1. The Christian will undergo trials and temptations. 2. He will be faced with great obstacles. How does he face such? 3. Peter, up to this point and time, has been discussing the fact that Christians have a life to live. He has pointed them to a certain lifestyle (being a Christian). Now he begins to close out this book by telling his readers that trials are coming. Peter’s desire was that every Christian would be able to withstand the trials that would come and remain faithful to God. 4. 1 Peter 4:12-19. I. Expect suffering (verse 12). A. Peter admonishes his readers to be ready concerning their trials (fiery furnace). He said for them to not be surprised (strange). B. It is not a matter of “if ” but “when”. 1. Suffering is a reality (Jn. 15:18; 1 Jn. 3:13; Mal. 3:1-3). 2. The righteous will be persecuted (1 Jn. 3:12; Mt. 10:17). 3. God declared war on Satan (Gen. 3:12) and Satan has not taken that without a fight (Jn. 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4) C. The Christian’s promise (Jn. 16:33) because (Jn. 12:23-22>Gal. 6:14). D. Therefore, set your heart and mind to endure it (Heb. 13:13; 2 Tim. 3:14). II. Rejoice in suffering (verses 13-14). A. Our suffering means fellowship with Christ. 1. Christ was a man of suffering (Isa. 53:9; Mt. 26:67; 27:12; Jn. 10:31). 2. We can fellowship with his suffering (Rom. 8:17; Phil 1:29). 3. We are then found to be like him when we suffer (Mt. 5:10-12). B. Such can lead to glory. C. This will enable us to glorify God (Acts 5:41). III. Examine your life (verse 15-18). A. Men must examine themselves. Are we a troublemaker or has trouble come because of how we live our lives? B. Question yourself: 1. Why am I suffering? 2. Am I ashamed or do I glorify Christ by my actions? (Lk. 22:54-62; Heb. 2:11; 11:16; 12:2). 3. In what direction is my life going? (2 Cor. 13:5). 4. Where am I headed? IV. Trust in God (verse 19). A. We entrust ourselves (banking term) to God. B. Our reaction to the trials of life can be give up, give in, or go on. C. We should rest our soul in God’s power and purpose (1 Pet. 1:3-5; Jn. 10:27-30; Rom. 8:35-39).
Entered on 5/25/2008
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