“The Joy of...SUFFERING?!”
1Peter 3:14-17; 4:12-19 Nov.20, 2005 Play
video
Prepared for the Worst
• difficult to relate to our brothers throughout
world suffering (5:9)
• Peter well qualified: jailed, imprisoned, martyred
(Ac 4:3,21; 5:33,40; 12:4,11)
1. Prior Engagement:
• set apart Christ as Lord;
Christ lives in me (3:14f; Gal 2:20)
• commit selves to Creator (4:19)
2. Incarnational Identity:
• participate in Christ's
sufferings, bear His name (4:13,16)
• complete what's lacking in
Christ's sufferings (Col 1:24)
• nearly-murdered Colombian shows
fearless love, totally yielded
3. Unassailable Innocence:
• clear conscience, good
behaviour, not murderer or meddler (3:15-17, 4:15,19)
• practical love of Sri Lankan
Christians overcoming Buddhist opposition
4. Realistic Expectation:
• not surprised at painful trial:
Destroyer prowls like a roaring lion (4:12; 5:8; Jn 10:10)
5. Puzzling Hope:
• others ask reason for our hope:
unusual reaction to difficulty (3:15)
• testimony of Korean pastor
impresses Chinese interrogator
Results of Resistance
1. Unquenchable Blessing:
• rejoice when suffering,
overjoyed when Christ’s glory revealed (4:13f)
• blessed because Spirit of glory
rests on you (3:14)
• Pakistan woman radiates delight
in God despite burns
2. Almighty Reinforcement:
• God will restore & make
strong (5:10)
• love of Christ in nun gave her
strength to cope with nursing load
3. Ultimate Vindication:
• accusers will be ashamed;
disobedient face judgment (3:16; 4:17)
• great white throne awaits;
crown of life for the faithful (Rev 20:11ff; 2:10)
From Persecutor to Praising Christ
• Muslim imam in Nigeria confronted by Christ in
dream
• now Fulani missionary reaching those like he once
was
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