Simon Says, Part 19
Everyone faces difficulty and hardships that result in suffering. We may have brought some of the suffering on ourselves while other suffering is brought on by others. In this message we hear about the best defense against suffering and the best response to suffering.
NOTES:
Simon Says – A Study in 1st Peter
1 Peter 3:13-17 Good Grief
Dave Spooner – Mosaic Rockford – May 31st, 2015
Intro:
- Tell them why this stuff today is important . . .
- Everyone faces difficulty and hardships that result in suffering. Some of the suffering we may have brought on ourselves and while other sufferings is brought on by others.
- Today we are going to talk about the defense against suffering, the blessing of suffering and the best response to suffering.
- This is in the greater context of doing good . . .
1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is righteous, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be troubled.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
The defense against suffering
- Is doing good . . . .
- Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
- Doing good can keep suffering from happening
The blessing of suffering
- However – there will be and are times in our lives that because we did the right and righteous thing – and we suffer for it. . . . and we need to answer some questions about this, is suffering apart of God’s will, what does suffering look like, and what are the “blessings” of suffering?
- Is suffering a part of God’s will? . . . . yes
Verse 17 – It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 4:19 NIV
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Luke 24:26-27 NIV
Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
Acts 9:15-16 NIV
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Phil 1:29-30 NIV
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him
Rom 8:17 NIV
Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
- What does suffering . . . . in the will of God . . . look like? . . . . .
- Will of God to say something or not say something
- Will of God to where or not to where something
- Will of God to see or not to see something
- Will of God to live in a place or to move to a place
- Will of God to marry or not to marry
- Will of God to have children or not to have children
- Will of God for an occupation
- Will of God to start a church . . .
- And if we suffer for righteousness, we are blessed . . . so what are the “blessings of suffering”?
- Maturity
James 1:2-5 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
- Evidence of real faith
1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV
though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine
- Fellowship
Phil 3:10-11 NIV
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death
- Strength
1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
- The Kingdom of Heaven
Matt 5:10 NIV
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Great Reward
Matt 5:11-12 NIV
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Conclusion
- Remember, Your best defense against suffering – to do good
- Remember – there are blessings of suffering