TEXT: 1 Peter 4:1–11 PREACHER: Pastor Mark Driscoll DATE: April 19, 2009 God uses suffering for good and wants us to use our suffering to serve others. When you suffer...

Don't Go into Yourself; Go Out to Jesus (1 Pet. 4:1–2)

• Jesus is our substitute; he suffered in our place.
• Jesus is our example; he shows us how to endure suffering and serve others with it.

Go Out to New Life (1 Pet. 4:3–6)

When hardship comes, we are tempted to go back to our old way of life. Suffering must not be an occasion to worship false gods (idols) and embrace sin. Identify your idols (1 Pet. 4:3):

• Sensuality – Where do you lack restraint?
• Passion – What evil desires dominate you?
• Drunkenness – Where are you prone to addiction?
• Orgies – What sexual sin entices you?
• Drinking parties – What social sins tempt you?
• Debauchery – What grotesque things are you fond of?
• Maligning – Who do you enjoy hurting?

Destroy false gods by replacing them with the worship of God in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Go Out to Community (1 Pet. 4:7–9)

When we suffer, we are tempted to retreat from others. Instead, we need to go deeper into community to grow in love for God and others.

• To the emotional: keep your head
• To the independent: pray
• To the impatient: keep loving one another
• To the discerning: cover the sinner in love
• To the loners: show hospitality
• To the complainers: stop grumbling

Go Out to Ministry (1 Pet. 4:10–11)

Everyone is a steward (including those who are suffering). God equips stewards in two general ways: 1. Words – counseling, leading, teaching, preaching, singing, writing, encouraging 2. Works – physical labor, financial giving, hospitality

Go Out to Worship (1 Pet. 4:11)

Everyone everywhere is worshiping at every moment, becoming more and more like a false god or more and more like the true God. Repent of idols, worship Jesus, and reflect his glory. Suffering is a great occasion to reflect God's glory.