The Ministry of Suffering | 1 Peter 4:12-19
In this new section Peter draws together his earlier teaching by providing a simple framework for Christians living amidst hostility. They are to embrace the pattern of Jesus Christ’s life (suffering followed by glories), confident that present suffering is not a sign of their abandonment by God, but of preparation for the glories to come, and so follow Jesus Christ as their example. In this study we learn that when our sufferings are for Christ, we must always rejoice and never be surprised or ashamed since our faithful Creator lovingly ordains it all for our good.
- Don’t be surprised when you suffer for Christ (v. 12)
- Rejoice when you suffer for Christ (vv. 13-14)
- Don’t be ashamed when you suffer for Christ (vv. 15-18)
- Entrust yourself to God when you suffer for Christ (v. 19)