Life, Death & Living For God Series

Life, Death & Living for God

A study through Peter August 27, 2023

Who here has suffered in some way? Would you say that you’ve suffered greatly? Have you suffered justly, in other words, did you deserve to suffer?

Have you suffered for your faith, or lack of it? If I were to ask you what your personal view of suffering is in light of Scripture, how would you answer; could we answer?

IS suffering something we appreciate in our lives or are actually thankful for… or not? DO we see it as a way to get closer to knowing God and really living life in the here and now until we live in the hereafter?

Peter talks a lot about suffering in this letter we are going through. Perhaps more in this letter than any other in the Bible is the reference to suffering used. And whether we suffer a lot or a little, we all suffer in some way.

But how we live day to day, circumstance to circumstance, trial to trial, through suffering, is a testament to how much we have died to worldly thinking and have chosen to live for God, in spite of our suffering.

Turn in your Bible with me to 1 Peter 4. I’m reading the entire chapter today from the ESV

4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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.

I’d like to cover 3 basic points for this passage today in order that we can hopefully remember the three points and also so we can get o lunchtime, where we can discuss these and other things further.

1) Since Christ suffered, ‘arm yourself’ – it’s a military term; prepare yourselves, be ready.

We are going to suffer in the flesh too – If Jesus Christ, the Messiah, had to suffer in life, should we expect any less? Not that we will all be crucified as He was, we are to take up our own cross, metaphorically speaking, every day!

And we arm ourselves with a way of thinking, not with spears, swords and a good meme to post on social media. No, we arm ourselves with the way we think. We use this mind God gave us to think outside of ourselves and think of others