TEXT: 1 Peter 3:13, 1 Peter 4:1-11
MEMORY VERSE: “For it is better, that the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” – 1 Peter 3:17
Believers should know how to respond in a Christ-like manner when things are not going smoothly.
INTRODUCTION:
Peter was very realistic in discussing the Christian life. He helped his readers face the challenge of living for God in an ungodly world. Peter did not deny problems or try to avoid the suffering resulting from living for Christ. Instead, he taught how to respond in a Christ-like way when things go wrong.
OUTLINES
- Staying Good During Suffering (1 Peter 3:13-18)
- Staying pure During Suffering (1 Peter 4:1-2)
- Staying United During Suffering (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Staying Good During Suffering: 1 Peter 3:13-18
God has established political leaders for the purpose of bringing godliness and peace to their subjects (Romans 13:1-4, 1 Timothy 2:2). Bringing punishment upon evil is God’s plan to restrain wickedness in the world. Such punishment is normally not directed against those who do good; however, Peter wrote, “And who is he who will harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). Christians will face hardship and intimidation by sinful people. In fact, Peter declared that God’s people can be happy in trouble when they suffer for the sake of righteousness (1 Peter 3:14). Such unfair and undeserved persecution is what Jesus endured for us in dying on the cross. Jesus’ example of godliness in the face of unjustified suffering is the standard for Christians to follow when they endure unjust suffering (1 Peter 2:21-23).
In order to successfully face persecution, Christians must wholeheartedly confess their faith and be prepared to respond righteously. Their attitude must reflect joy rather than fear. They must see themselves as being on God’s victorious side along with the Lord Jesus. God’s people must have an answer ready to be given to those who question the believer’s hope (1 Peter 3:15). In order to stand steadfastly under criticism, Christians must be able to communicate clearly why they have chosen to be Christian, and they must have a consistent godly life to back up their answer. Moreover, a Christian needs to live with a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16). If a Christian’s sufferings are caused by his own foolishness or irresponsibility, they are deserved (1 Peter 3:17).
Staying Pure During Suffering: 1 Peter 4:1-2
In addition to staying good during suffering, God’s people must also stay pure during suffering. In the heat of conflict, Christians must obey God’s will instead of caving in to human desires. Peter said, “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind” (1 Peter 4:1). The level of one’s spirituality is the key to victory. Living successfully for God in the face of opposition requires a firm commitment to forsake sins and follow Him. A Christian must continually be conscious that he belongs to Christ and has been delivered from slavery to sin (Romans 6:6, 11-12). The Christian’s life revolves around taking hold of what God has done for him and living out God’s truth in his behavior. Living for Christ in an ungodly world is like trying to walk up a down escalator. It can be done, but it takes effort.
Staying United During Suffering: 1 Peter 4:7-11
During suffering, Christians must maintain both self-control and concern for others. Peter said in 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is at hand.” This truth is important to remember for two reasons: there will be an end to suffering, and each person will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead (verse 5). Peter challenged believers to be sober-minded and alert for prayer. Peter stated that as a top priority, Christians should have fervent love among themselves (1 Peter 4:8). A person who loves fervently goes out of their way to help others in need. This kind of love “covers a multitude of sins.” During suffering, some people will stumble spiritually; real love prays for the problems of others, helps with the problems, and does not gossip about them.
Not only should believers have a loving attitude toward one another, but they also should extend hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). In suffering, Christians must become a supportive community. Every believer in Christ has received a spiritual gift, which is an ability to minister to other people for the glory of God. As we minister to each other, we stay united in Christ and present a clear witness to the world during our suffering.