Ready to Suffer

Series review
Going through 1 Peter
Reading on your own, discussing in life group, etc.
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, early church leader
writing to Christians that had been dispersed due to persecution

Forged
Sanctification process – being made holy / godly (more like Him, less like your natural self)
“called out” in lifestyle, worldview, etc. –
“foreigners/aliens” – this is not our home, heaven is!

Last week
Holiness / godliness includes submission to authority
in the world sphere (work) – Ch. 2
in the home sphere (marriage) – Ch. 3
in the church sphere (to elders) – Ch. 5
Which requires humility
Ready to Suffer: Suffering is a huge theme hit in every chapter in 1 Peter

1 – Don’t be surprised by suffering, be READY – 1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:12-13

1 Peter 4:1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. NLT
• A joyful response – James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5;
• MANY trails – John 16:33; Psalm 34:19
• Enduring THROUGH is the way out – 1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 23:4

2 – SOURCES of the pain and suffering – 1 Peter 2:11-12

1- Pain we cause ourselves from a) our own sin and b) our own poor choices
2- Pain we receive from others based on our beliefs and lifestyle – persecution
3- NOT mentioned here but pain from disease, catastrophes, war, random crimes, etc. that are not tied to our character or walk with God – sermon for another day

3 – WHY does God allow suffering?

• Not easy question to answer and reality is, there are things we don’t understand. But what we do:
o 1- He is able to work all things together for good – Romans 8:28
o 2- To make us more like His Son – Romans 8:29; Hebrews 5:8

4 – Suffering based on GODLY character – 1 Peter 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:12

• The goal is GOD’S WILL not ease and comfort
• HE is pleased when we suffer for His purposes (we have a spiritual advisory so there will be opposition)
• Don’t confuse your sin and bad choices with “God’s will”
• Don’t abandon God’s methodology of reaching the world even though it hurts sometimes
o 1 Peter 4:8; John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:2

5 – JESUS’ example in suffering – 1 Peter 2:22-24

• His character was free of sin
• He did not respond or fight back with earthly weapons
• He entrusted Himself to God, whose character is reliable

6 – Our RESPONSE in suffering– 1 Peter 3:8-12

• Our unity matters – team, family
• Sympathize and love each other with a tender heart not a hard heart
• Humility is key – it’s not about us but His bigger story
• Give blessings not payback
• Holiness is the key to satisfaction not the pursuit of happiness
• God is in tune with what’s happening, He is waiting to return so more repent

7 – Keep ENDURING

1 Pet 4:19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. NLT
• Enduring is the way out. Stay the course. HE is faithful and will never fail you. Trust Him.
1 Pet 5:10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen. NLT
• This is the good news – God is calling us to share in His eternal glory – heaven
Our Response:
• Have you accepted Him? Have you come to the Father through Jesus, His Son?
• If so, don’t lose sight of this bigger perspective that His will is for you to do good, to love and to continue to endure amidst suffering. HE is PLEASED with you. Stay the course!

Forged!
Week 4 –Ready to Suffer
For discussion with your small group, family and friends.
Passages: 1 Peter 3:13 – 1 Peter 4:19
Ice Breaker: If someone does a practical joke on you, do you tend to be a ‘return the favor’, a ‘get one ahead’ or a ‘just let it go’ kind of person? What is a memorable practical joke for you?
Sermon Reflection – From the sermon, what do you want to remember and think on?
Questions to discuss:
1. Read 1 Peter 3:13-18 & 4:1-6 What does this passage help us understand about suffering?
2. When you think of suffering, what comes to mind?
3. When you feel misunderstood or sense that you have been treated unjustly, how do you typically respond? A) Think of a time you have experienced this. If you are willing, share it. B) How does that experience fit with what this passage is expressing?
4. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11. What stands out to you from this passage? A) How is your abiding relationship with Jesus being impacted by an urgency of eternity is real? B) What has God given you to share and serve others with?
5. Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. When have you been surprised by what is going on – trials or strange situations? A) What helps you be aware if a difficult situation is from following Jesus or from your own choices?
6. In light of the sermon and these passages, how would you adjust your responses to challenging situations? Think of difficult situations you have been a part of, what would you do differently?
Preparation for Next week: 1 Peter 5.