Pastor Tyrone S. Hillman, Jr
1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV)
The church is formed to maintain its peculiar identity as God’s people amidst opposing cultural forces. While suffering can tempt us to conform to the patterns of this world, Christians can be transformed with different expectations by putting our trying experiences in proper perspective. Having different expectations can become our norm when we stop being shocked by suffering, exult in the glory that will be revealed in suffering, and evaluate our source of suffering. If we can entrust our suffering to Christ, there is nothing our faithful Creator cannot do as we continue doing good.
Point #1: Expect that the beloved will suffer, and stop being shocked by it. 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV) 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.
Point #2: Exult in the glory that will be revealed in suffering. 1 Peter 4:13 (ESV) 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.
Point #3: Evaluate your source of suffering. 1 Peter 4:15-16 (ESV) 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.
Journaling Prompts: How can we shift our experience with suffering? What should we do in our suffering? How do we suffer well in the way Christ calls us to?
