Introduction

Good morning, Church family. We are living in unprecedented times, aren't we? Our world has seen a drastic shift in what we consider "normal." Yet, we shouldn't be surprised. As we’ll explore today, it's not surprising because the Bible has already told us about it. We're going to look at this through the lens of 1 Peter 4:12-13 and what it means to pass the spiritual litmus test in this new normal.

As Tim Keller says, "God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything he knows." This quote sets the tone for our discussion today, reminding us that God’s plan, even when it involves suffering, is always perfect and always for our good.

Our Scripture passage for today, 1 Peter 4:12-13 reads,

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Let's bow our heads for a moment of prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to your Word today. Help us to understand and embrace the trials we face, not as something strange, but as part of our journey with You. In the midst of our sufferings, let us find joy knowing that we are sharing in Christ's sufferings and that glory awaits us. Amen.

Let’s dive in.

The World's New Normal

The world's new normal is a phrase that has been thrown around quite a bit in recent times. It's a phrase that encapsulates the drastic changes we've had to adapt to in our daily lives due to unforeseen circumstances. But as believers, we have a different perspective on this new normal. We understand that the world's new normal is not a surprise to God. It's not a deviation from His plan, but rather a part of it.

A spiritual shift: This new normal, as we'll see, is not just about wearing masks, social distancing, or working from home. It's about the spiritual shift that is happening in our lives and in the world around us. It's about the trials and tribulations that we are facing and will continue to face as followers of Christ.

The Apostle Peter addresses this issue: He tells us not to be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come upon us to test us. This is not something strange or out of the ordinary. It's part of the Christian journey. It's part of our new normal.

A test of our faith: It's a litmus test that reveals the authenticity of our faith. Just as a litmus test in a chemistry lab reveals the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, this spiritual litmus test reveals the depth and genuineness of our faith. It reveals whether our faith is superficial or deeply rooted in Christ. We’ll come back to this point.

Called to participate in the sufferings of Christ: This is not a call to physical suffering, but rather a call to share in the sufferings of Christ by standing firm in our faith amidst trials and tribulations. It's a call to endure hardship for the sake of Christ, knowing that glory awaits us.

Not easy: This new normal is challenging and uncomfortable. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to rely on God like never before. But it's in this new normal that we grow and mature as believers. It's in this new normal that our faith is refined and strengthened.

Not a deviation from God's plan, but rather a part of it: God is not surprised by the trials and tribulations we are facing. He is not caught off guard by the changes in our world. He is sovereign over all things, and He is using this new normal to accomplish His purposes in us and through us.

A cause for rejoicing: As Peter tells us, we should rejoice in as much as we participate in the sufferings of Christ. We should rejoice because our trials and tribulations are not pointless. They are not meaningless. They are part of God's plan to refine us, to strengthen us, and to prepare us for the glory that awaits us.

Not a surprise to God: It's part of His plan. It's part of our journey with Him. And as we navigate this new normal, we can take comfort in the fact that God is with us every step of the way. He is our guide, our comforter, and our strength. He is our hope in the midst of trials and our joy in the midst of suffering.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you've navigated this new normal and what it has taught you about God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Godly Suffering is Not Surprising

The concept of Godly suffering not being surprising is a notion that is often misunderstood, but it is an essential part of our spiritual journey ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO