ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER
Text: 1 Peter 1:13 – 16
Introduction:
• 64 AD Rome burns under Nero; Nero blames Christians
• Christians around world still suffer
• US suffering: verbal, emotional, or physical abuse; inciting to lose temper or to sin; hindering your service for God
• Targeted by Freedom from Religion Foundation, gays, abortion rights groups
• Peter gives advice to those who are suffering
Body:
A. Be Prepared for Action (v. 13)
• Think about your response
• Pray for strength, wisdom, and insight
• Don’t take it personally
o Not attacking you; attacking Christ
o Saul, why persecutest thou me?
B. Exhibit Self-Control (v. 13)
• Respond like a Christian
• Don’t take it out on others
• Pray for those that hurt you
C. Don’t Lose Sight of the Future (v. 13)
• Suffering can help us grow and learn to trust God
o 1 Peter 1:6, 7
• Suffering helps us focus on what’s really important
o Philippians 1:21
• It won’t last forever
D. Stay Obedient to God (v. 14)
• Three Hebrew Children
• Obedience during suffering is a great testimony and witness
• Daniel 3:28, 29
E. Practice Holiness (vv. 15, 16)
• Holiness = totally devoted to God; set aside for His special use; separated from sin and its influence
• Pattern yourself after God, reject the influence of the world
• Daniel
Conclusion:
• 2 Timothy 3:12
• Peter and Paul both executed under Nero
• Don’t give up; they didn’t
• Hebrews 13:5, 6
