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The Pilgrim’s Suffering (Part 4): Communion with Christ

September 16, 2018 Preacher: Series: The Pilgrim Letters: 1 & 2 Peter

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12–19

Key Truth: We are called to rejoice in sharing in Christ’s sufferings and to entrust our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good for the sake of His glory and the redemption of the lost.  

 


Introduction:

Have you ever experienced suffering as a blessing?
What made your suffering a 
blessing?

 

“All the careful and considerate living possible will not prevent persecution….”

Peter H. Davids, The First Epistle of Peter

 

 

The Call to Rejoice in Sharing Christ’s Sufferings:

1 Peter 4:12-16

“Suffering, because one is a Christian is, therefore, neither unexpected nor shameful, because the nexus of suffering and honor is embodied in Jesus Christ himself. Suffering is an opportunity to glorify God and a badge of honor for the living stones in the house of God. Joy rather than surprise. Blessing rather than insult. Glory to God rather than shame. The Christian is called to enduring commitment to Christ’s gospel amid suffering caused by that very commitment.”

Karen H. Jobes, 1 Peter

 

What types of suffering do we endure in communion with Christ?
What is the purpose of
this kind of suffering?

 

The Call to Entrust Your Soul to a Faithful Creator While Doing Good:

1 Peter 4:17-19

“While this may at first seem harsh (for it implies that at times it is God’s will that we suffer), upon reflection no better comfort in suffering can be found than this: it is God’s good and perfect will. For therein lies the knowledge that there is a limit to the suffering, both in its intensity and in its duration, a limit set and maintained by the God who is our creator, our savior, our sustainer, our Father. And therein also lies the knowledge that this suffering is only for our good: it is purifying us, drawing us closer to our Lord, and making us more like him in our lives. In all of it we are not alone, but we can depend on the care of a faithful Creator;...”

Wayne A. Grudem, 1 Peter

 

What is the purpose of judgment beginning in the household of God?
How should this
affect our view of the world and the lost?

 

1 Peter 4:12-19 teaches us that we are called for the sake of God’s glory and the redemption of the lost to:
-rejoice in sharing in Christ’s sufferings
-entrust our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good for the life of the world

 

Communion

 

Benediction

1 Peter 5:6-11