The topic of suffering is never an easy thing. Some know suffering the likes of which others will never know. Add to this, that Christians are warned that they may suffer specifically because they are Christians. Peter has words of comfort for Christians, encouraging them not only to endure, but to rejoice when the suffering flows from one’s identification with Christ. A believer may even rejoice in suffering because she knows she has the greatest inheritance (God Himself – and an eternal communion of joy in His presence) and presently enjoys the mark of one of His children: the Spirit of God rests upon her. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: 1 Peter 4:14-16.
Peter teaches that believers should expect to suffer in this world. Some of the suffering will come specifically because one is a Christian. The world does not love our Master and the more we are like our Master and proclaim His message we should expect to suffer. Yet, the Christian is to rejoice in suffering. This is possible because one rejoices in the glory of the Lord for whom he suffers. If one loves the Lord greatly, he will be willing to suffer for the name. Even more, he will rejoice in suffering. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: 1 Peter 4:12-13.
Peter understood that God had granted each believer a gift. He did not question the fact, it was rather assumed. Therefore, he instructed that each believer use his gift to serve the body of Christ. The gift comes from God and must be exercised in dependence upon God. The exercise of the gift is for the purpose that God receives the glory. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: 1 Peter 4:9-11.
The last days were inaugurated by Jesus Christ. We are now living in the last days and Peter argues that this means we should live self controlled and sober minded. Biblical Christianity understands that life is serious, as all will one day answer before the Judge on the last day. Disciples of Jesus should also love each other as our Master commanded, so that the offenses we commit against each other may be overcome. To listen to this sermon, please click on the following link: 1 Peter 4:7-8.