Message Series: NO MATTER WHAT
Message: Suffer Well
Scripture: 1 Peter 4
The message of 1 Peter 4 is to no matter what, suffer well. In verse 1, Peter begins by saying:
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.
The teaching of Scripture tells us that if you want to follow Jesus, and be like Jesus, you will suffer like Jesus. Peter has and is experiencing that, and as he’s writing to the suffering Christians in Asia Minor, he says “arm yourself.” You’re probably not shocked that this is a term used to tell soldiers to take up their weapons and get ready to fight. And what are we to arm ourselves with in our suffering? A Christ-like attitude. This is our weapon.
Suffering is suffering, regardless of the degrees
It certainly could be worse for most of us, but healthy faith doesn’t deny feelings exist. Healthy faith doesn’t deny that I’m hurting, angry, afraid. Suffering is suffering.
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
The true message behind any end times discussion is to be ready! You don’t get ready by knowing the signs, you get ready by knowing Jesus! Okay, "be alert and of sober mind." We heard this back in chapter 1. It means don’t give into excessiveness to numb your pain, or your fears. Be alert, be aware of what’s going on. This mindset is an important part of our attitude. If I know that I’m going to suffer, then even at times of great blessing, I am aware that suffering can and will come into my life.
1 Peter 4:8-10
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Here are your application steps right here in this text:
Love deeply, offer hospitality, and use your gifts to bless others!
1 Peter 4:12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
We should be fully aware that suffering will be a regular and consistent part of our life. However, we should never forget that suffering is a bizarre gift from God used to shape us, mold us, and produce hope in us.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
God does not waste suffering!!!
1 Peter 4:19
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Love deeply, offer hospitality, and use your gifts to bless others. No matter what, suffer well.