Trials come in many shapes and sizes—but they are not all the same. Some suffer like Jesus and have their faith tested and proven. Others suffer because they’ve sinned and they are just seeing the fruit of their wrong doing.
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TEXT: 1 Peter 4:12 – 19
PREACHER: Pastor Mark Driscoll
DATE: April 26, 2009
h3. Introduction
1 Peter 4:12 – 19 represents the culmination of Peter’s teachings regarding suffering as a magnificent opportunity to grow as a worshiper of Jesus Christ. This passage includes three statements about worship: “rejoice” (v. 13); “rejoice and be glad” (v. 13); “glorify God” (v. 16).
Worship emanates from God. The Trinity – Father, Son, Holy Spirit – lives in ongoing, perfect, unceasing love and communication. Worship.
We are made in the likeness of God; we can’t help but worship, living our lives for the good and glory of someone or something.
When we live for God, that’s worship. When we live for something besides God (self, status, knowledge, money, power, sports, a relationship, etc.), that’s idolatry.
In suffering, our worship and our identity are tested. Suffering is a trial (v. 12). Peter identifies five reasons why this is cause for worship.
h3. 1. Worship God Because You Are Loved (1 Pet. 4:12)
If you are for God, some people will be against you.
Jesus suffered. As his followers, we should expect to suffer as well. In this life, suffering is neither abnormal nor temporary.
Joy cannot be found in people – whether or not they love you. True joy is in the fact that Jesus loves you.
For Christians: this life is the closest you will ever get to hell.
For unbelievers: this life is the closest you will ever get to heaven.
This life and its troubles will pale in light of eternity.
*Hopeful Irreligious – * those who are misinformed or blinded by their sin
*Less Hopeful Irreligious – * those who blatantly deny the truth of the Bible, Jesus as God, etc.
*Hopeful Religious – * those who are new Christians, poorly taught but open and humble
*Less Hopeful Religious – * those who see all issues as either closed to debate (fundamentalist) or open to interpretation (liberal)
The word Christian originated as pejorative slang, like a racial slur. The first followers of Jesus appropriated the label as a badge of honor, since their goal was indeed to live as “little Christs,” living for and like their Savior.
The New Testament uses the word Christian three times: Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16.
Are you suffering as a consequence of something you have done, or are you suffering because you follow Jesus?
For the unbeliever, suffering is punishment. For Christians, Jesus already received our punishment in our place; our suffering is purification…
*Personal Idols – * money, romance, family, friendship, self expression
*Religious Idols – * doctrine, morality/self-righteous behavior
*Cultural Idols – * everyone is right; truth is personal, not public; feelings rule; ideology
2. Suffering Helps Us Do Good
Suffering reminds us of the good Jesus’ suffering has done for us.
Suffering causes us to be more compassionate and empathetic.
Suffering makes us consider how we have caused others to suffer.
Suffering compels us to repent of the suffering we have caused.
Suffering helps us to be more cautious with our words and actions in the future.
Is there any suffering you have caused (or are causing now) that you need to repent of?
Are you more appreciative of Jesus?
Are you ready to worship Jesus?
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Quotation information.
Pastor Mark Driscoll
1 Pt. 4:12-19
Religious Family Members
April 26, 2009
