True Grace In The Believer’S Life Brings Suffering 2

The True Grace of Jesus Christ in the Believer’s Life Brings Suffering (part 2) 1 Peter 3:13 - 4:19

Some Real Questions
Do I have to suffer?
Why?
Are there benefits to my suffering?
Should I be afraid?
How do I prepare?
When Christians are Persecuted:
7 Ways to Be Prepared for Suffering & More

1PE 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison

20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. 1PE 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 1PE 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1PE 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 1PE 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Suffering That Results from Righteousness
It is a blessing
Who will seek to harm the righteous? (Rom. 8:31)

Doing What is Right (v.14)
Suffering is not the expected outcome for doing what is right (Gk. Conditional clause suggests this)

To Point to and Glorify Christ vv. 15-16
Don’t be afraid of men ; acknowledge Christ
The Heart as Biblical Centeredness
Explaining Hope with Care

To Follow Christ’s Example v. 17
You can suffer for good and evil
Providential Reasons for Suffering
For someone else's benefit?
As a prelude to glorification?

DIFFICULT PASSAGE ALERT !! 3:18-4:6
(1) Who are the "spirits" to whom Christ made a proclamation?
(2) When was this proclamation made?
(3) What was its content?
1. During the interval between crucifixion and resurrection went down to the realm of the dead and preached to Noah's contemporaries.
2. He is viewed as preaching in the time of Noah to Noah's sinful generation.
3. He proclaimed to the disobedient spirits (fallen angels) his victory on the cross (Gen 6:1-4; Jude 6; 2 Pet 2:4)

To Serve Each Other vv.1-11
To administer God’s grace in its various forms
With our mouths and our hands
As God’s designee

To Obey God’s Will vv.12-17
A summary restatement
A direct call to the community of Christ
Suffering is a part of life
It need not be a solitary journey

To Submit to God v.19
Just like Jesus did, He committed himself to God
Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

True Grace In The Believer’S Life Brings Suffering 2

by John Parker

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True Grace In The Believer’S Life Brings Suffering 2 Presentation Transcript