A Sinner’s Guide to Life
Wk 9 “Don’t be Surprised!”
1 Peter 4:12-19
Darin Elquist
June 16, 2024
Message Notes
Things Happen, yes, to All of Us!
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.
Two responses when we are faced with our own, “fiery ordeals.”
A. Don’t Be Surprised
2 Timothy 3:12
12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Don’t Be Surprised = Be Prepared
B. Keep Rejoicing (Vs 13)
…keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.
Somethings to keep in mind as we face ordeals, fiery or otherwise
1. Suffering, trials, challenges, etc… give us an opportunity draw on God’s divine power.
1 Peter 4:14
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory, and of God, rests upon you.
John 15:5
5 I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
2. Some Suffering is Deserved
1 Peter 4:15
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
3. Suffering Should Not be Shameful
1 Peter 4:16
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
4. Suffering is Necessary
1 Peter 4:17a
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;
Proverbs 3:12
12 For whom the LORD loves He disciplines,
Just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Hebrews 12:11
11 For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
This is the discipline that corrects…
1 Timothy 4:7
7 But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
5. What We Suffer Now, Is Better Than the Suffering Will Be of Those Who Do Not Believe
1 Peter 4:17b-18
…and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
Proverbs 11:31
31 If the righteous will be repaid on the earth,
How much more the wicked and the sinner!
Bottom Line
Trust God!
1 Peter 4:19
19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
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Why do you think God allows pain and suffering in our lives?
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Read 1 Peter 4:12-13, what is meant by “fiery ordeal” in verse 12? Using a Bible app, look up how the NLT translates this phrase. How do we “share the sufferings of Christ”?
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Are there any Christians who are able to avoid “fiery ordeals”? If so how?
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Read 2 Timothy 3:12, what is persecuted/persecution? Using a bible app, what are some of the definitions? What are some of the ways Christians are persecuted today?
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Read 1 Peter 4:14-15, how can an insult be a blessing? Is some suffering brought on by ourselves? If so, give some examples. What is meant by a “troublesome meddler” in verse 15? Can we get involved with things that we may think are Godly but have not been ordained by God?
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Read 1 Peter 4:16-19, what is a Christian? How can someone know who is a Christian and who is not? What is the “household of God” in verse 17?
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What does it mean in verse 18 when it says, “with difficulty that the righteous is saved”? What is the difficulty?
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Read Proverbs 11:31, how does God repay the righteous? How does God repay the wicked?
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After this study, answer question 1 again and see if there is anything you have a better understanding of now.
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Do you know someone who is suffering? Please ask the group to pray for that person. Maybe consider reaching out to them this week to let them know that you are praying for them. Sometimes people really need to hear that someone cares and you may be making a huge difference in someone’s life.