Fellowship Bible Church - Mullica, Hill N.J.

Experiencing persecution is the Christian’s destiny (3:3)

We live in a fallen world -- pain is inevitable

Pain does not indicate God’s lack of care for us, or “damage control” care, but rather His precise, surgical intent with our lives.

Suffering has a purging effect (1 Pet 4.1)
Suffering has a strengthening effect (Rom 5.3-5)
Persecution reveals the my union with Jesus & other believers (John 15.18-21)
Persecution brings clarity and sober-mindedness (5.5-8)
Persecution reveals what truly matters to me

What do I reach for in a crisis? Do I crave the affirmation of others? Do I value my peaceful suburban life?

Enduring persecution is part of the Christian’s job description (3.4)

We are called to endure persecution because the proper response to affliction is one of the most powerful forms of gospel witness (1.7-10; 1 Pet 3.13-17)

Persecution is a tool used by Satan (2.18; 3.5)

Satan uses life’s cares/concerns as means to steal the truth (Matt 13.20-21); God is after believers holding eternal values

Satan attacks the spread of the gospel; God uses persecution to explode genuine gospel growth

Satan seeks to rob us of personal growth and joy in the Lord; Christ walked through every trial and temptation we do, and we know Him more deeply through the shared experience

Faith is the remedy (3.5-7; Rom 5.3-5)

My confidence in the reality of Christ’s saving work grounds me in hope
My hope is not necessarily that persecution/suffering will end, but in the ultimate reality of God’s eternal deliverance
It is not my faith that is strong, but the object of my faith Who is strong