Rejoice in Our Suffering

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Rejoice in Our Suffering

Date: Feb. 27, 2018

Passage

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV)

12 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. 13 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. 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. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 4:13

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

1. Be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (12-16)

When fiery ordeals come to Christians, we are caught by surprise. We think that Christians shouldn't suffer! But Peter teaches us not to be surprised or caught off guard, but to rejoice in our suffering. As much we suffer for Christ in this life, as much we will be overjoyed when we see him again. We will one day come face to face with his marvelous glory. Then all the suffering we endured in this life because of the gospel will be like nothing. When we are insulted by others for our faith, we can remember how blessed we are to carry the name of Christ. We should never be ashamed, but praise God that we bear His name!

2. It is time for judgment to begin (17-19)

God is coming as the judge. One day, we will all be judged. It will be hard enough for the righteous to be saved. What will happen to those who are unbelievers? So Christians must continue to submit ourselves to God our Creator, and continue to do good.

Prayer: Lord, I hate to suffer. But when I suffer for the gospel, help me to rejoice.

One Word: Rejoice in suffering for Jesus

Worthy is Jesus the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

Key Verse: 5:12

saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

Today's Question

What does the fifth commandment forbid?

See answer and references