Exiles: Week Eighteen

1 Peter 4:12-19

Why - and how - should a Christian rejoice when suffering?

  1. Suffering now leads to glory to come.

  2. Suffering is an indication that we truly belong to Christ.

  3. Suffering now is better than enduring God’s judgment later.

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Acts 5:41

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What advice would you give someone about to enter a marathon race, or embark on climbing a mountain? In what ways is Peter’s opening advice in verse 12 similar?

  2. Why should Christians not be surprised when suffering comes (vv. 12-13)? How should Christians respond when suffering comes (v. 19)?

  3. How should Christians respond to Peter’s teaching if we are not experiencing suffering on account of our faith?

  4. How has the whole of 1 Peter helped you to be neither surprised about nor despairing at the reality that the Christian life is a life of suffering? How has it helped you to respond to suffering with joy?