LESSON 18
1 PETER 4:12-16 (KJV)
12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
1. FIREY TRIALS
No surprise – why? Look what they did to Jesus
Not strange – normal
How do you face them? With joy! Exceeding joy -KJV
Why? You are then partners with Jesus and will see his glory when it is revealed to the world (and be with him as he is)
2. UNDERSTANDING THIS TYPE OF SUFFERING
First – the aim of the reproach (KJV) or insult (NLT) is to put down or defame Christ – you just happen to be his representative
Second – this only means that the Spirit of God is on you
Third – this brings glory to Christ in that their anger toward him and you shows his work is being effective
3. HOW NOT TO SUFFER
Don’t suffer for being a murderer, thief, an evildoer or a busybody
4. NO SHAME FOR SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN
Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH BEING A CHRISTIAN THAT THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU!
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