How to Endure Suffering for Christ
May 2, 2021 Speaker: Michael Knight Series: The Epistle of 1 Peter
Topic: Persecution Passage: 1 Peter 4:12–19
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The Scriptures tell us that believers who live for Christ will suffer persecution. Jesus suffered persecution, and, as followers, we will, too. 1 Peter 4:12-19 addresses suffering and how to endure it.
1. Expect to suffer for Christ. (1 Peter 4:12)
- If you live for God, you will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Corinthians 3:12
- Persecution is God’s way of testing the genuineness or sincerity of your faith.
2. Exult or rejoice greatly when suffering for Christ. (1 Peter 4:13)
- We should rejoice now knowing we are suffering for Christ. (Matthew 5:10)
- We should rejoice now knowing that we will be able to greatly rejoice later.
3. Evaluate yourself when suffering for Christ. (1 Peter 4:14-16)
- If you are suffering for serving Christ, rejoice. (1 Peter 4:14; I Peter 4:16)
- If you are suffering because of sin, repent. (1 Peter 4:15)
4. Entrust yourself to God when suffering for Christ. (1 Peter 4:17-19)
- Realize God is at work purifying you. (1 Peter 4:17a; Hebrews 12:6)
- Realize that your suffering is nothing compared to the suffering of the unsaved. (1 Peter 4:17b-18)
- Rely on God Who always does right. (1 Peter 4:19)
More in The Epistle of 1 Peter
July 18, 2021
Concluding Words to the Suffering SaintsJuly 11, 2021
Encouragement During SufferingJune 6, 2021
Exhortations to All Church Members, Part 2