The Perks Of Suffering! Series

1) We Rejoice in Hope because we have Peace with God! Vs. 1-2 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (NIV)

Four Ways of Peace with God:

We lose our unhealthy fear of God! John 15:15

We lose our fear of death! Hebrews 2:14-15

We do not panic when the devil gives us doubts! Ephesians 6:11, & 16

We have confidence before God even though we are imperfect! Romans 8:1

2) We Rejoice in our Suffering! Vs. 3 “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings…” (NIV)

1 Peter 4:12-13 &19

Question: Is suffering sometimes God’s will?

Suffering—means to be distress or anything that causes distress.

Key: Remember we rejoice in our sufferings not because of our sufferings!

Vs. 3b “because we know that suffering produces…” (NIV)

Suffering produces perseverance. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

Suffering produces character. Hebrews 2:10

Suffering produces hope. Philippians 4:13

The Problem: These Sufferings does not automatically produce these attributes in your life.

Six Attitudes that stifle God’s Purpose in Suffering:

Rebellion—1 Samuel 15:23

Resignation—Ecclesiastes 2:17

Complaining—Philippians 2:14-16

Worry—Philippians 4:6-7

Not Trusting God—2 Timothy 1:7

Self-Pity—Psalm 69:20

Question: What is the secret to rejoice in our sufferings?

Vs. 5 “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (NIV)