How to Serve God While Suffering, Part 1

Believers should live in light of Christ's imminent return. Remembering that Christ could return at any moment keeps us focused on pleasing Him in every aspect of our lives. It also gives us hope of eternity. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

1. Stay focused on the return of Christ. (1 Peter 4:7a)

• Eschatological Events
  • Rapture of the Church (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; I Thessalonians 5:13-18)
  • Seven-year Tribulation (Revelation 6-19)
  • Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19:11-21)
  • Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4-10)
  • Final Judgment of Satan and the Wicked (Revelation 20:11-15)

2. Stay focused on your personal walk with God. (1 Peter 4:7b)

• Stay clear-minded. – Be biblically minded. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
• Stay sober-minded. – Be spiritually alert. (1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 24:42-44)
• Stay on your knees. – Be fervent in prayer.

3. Stay fervent in your ministry to others. (1 Peter 4:8-11a)

• Be fervent in your love for others. (1 Peter 4:8-9; Romans 5:8; John 13:35)
• Be fervent in your service for others. (1 Peter 4:10-11a)

4. Stay fixed on the ultimate goal. (1 Peter 4:11b)

• A focus on the imminent return of Christ does two main things:
  • It gives us hope of an end to the suffering and trials of life.
  • It challenges us to live for Christ now, even when suffering.