11.02.2025: 1 & 2 Peter (Child Dedications) - Dan Crist

Nov 02, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Expect Suffering and Persecution as a Follower of Jesus

Suffering and persecution are not strange or unexpected for those who follow Jesus; rather, they are a normal part of the Christian journey. When you step into a relationship with Christ, you are stepping into a story where hardship is to be expected, not avoided. Jesus Himself warned His disciples that the world would hate and persecute them just as it did Him, and this reality stands in stark contrast to the comfort-driven narratives of our culture. Instead of being surprised or discouraged when trials come, let your heart be prepared and anchored in the truth that suffering for Christ is a mark of true discipleship and a sign that you are walking in His footsteps. [42:27]

John 15:18-20 (NIV)
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to avoid discomfort or opposition because of your faith? How might you courageously embrace the reality of suffering for Jesus this week?

Day 2: God Has a Good and Redemptive Purpose in Suffering

God, in His goodness, sometimes allows suffering and persecution to enter our lives, not as punishment, but as a means of refining, testing, and ultimately blessing us. Just as a good gift can be wrapped in either suffering or blessing, God’s gifts are always good, even if the wrapping is difficult to accept. The trials you face are not meaningless; they are opportunities for God to shape your character, deepen your faith, and draw you closer to Him. Trust that His ways are higher than yours, and that even in pain, He is working for your good and His glory. [45:59]

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Reflection: Think of a recent hardship or disappointment—how might God be using this situation to grow or bless you in ways you cannot yet see?

Day 3: Joy Is Possible in the Midst of Suffering

For the believer, suffering does not have to extinguish joy; in fact, it can become the very context in which deep, lasting joy is discovered. The world chases after fleeting happiness, but followers of Jesus are invited to rejoice even in trials, knowing that their suffering is for Christ and with Christ. This joy is not about denying pain, but about recognizing the privilege of sharing in Jesus’ sufferings and the hope of His glory being revealed. When you respond to hardship with joy rooted in Christ, your life becomes a powerful testimony to those around you. [47:18]

1 Peter 4:13 (NIV)
“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Reflection: When have you experienced joy in the midst of difficulty? How can you choose to rejoice in Christ today, even if your circumstances are hard?

Day 4: God’s Comfort and Presence in Our Suffering

In the moments when suffering leaves you feeling empty or brokenhearted, God promises to draw near and fill you with His Spirit. The Holy Spirit is your advocate, counselor, and comforter, providing a unique fullness and peace that the world cannot offer. When you are insulted or persecuted for the name of Jesus, you are actually blessed, because God’s presence rests on you in a special way. Lean into His nearness and let His comfort sustain you, knowing that He is especially close to those who are crushed in spirit. [55:22]

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Reflection: Who in your life is suffering right now—yourself or someone else? How can you invite the Holy Spirit’s comfort and presence into that situation today?

Day 5: Trust God and Glorify Christ Above All

When everything else is stripped away—comfort, reputation, possessions—true followers of Jesus find that Christ is enough. There is no shame in suffering for His name; instead, it is an opportunity to glorify God and show the world that your hope is anchored in something greater than this life. Entrust yourself fully to your faithful Creator, continuing to do good even when it costs you. Let your life declare that Jesus is your highest treasure, and trust that He will bring glory out of your trials. [01:03:25]

1 Peter 4:16, 19 (NIV)
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name… So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

Reflection: What is one area where you need to surrender control and trust God more deeply, believing that He is enough for you no matter what you face?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a faith family to celebrate the dedication of several children, standing together as parents and church to commit ourselves to raising the next generation in the ways of the Lord. We reflected on the biblical foundation for child dedication, recognizing that while baptism is a step for believers, dedication is a public commitment by parents and the church to nurture children in faith, love, and godliness. Our prayers and pledges were rooted in Proverbs 22:6, Matthew 22:37-39, and Hebrews 10:24, reminding us of our shared responsibility to train, love, and spur one another on toward good deeds.

Transitioning from this celebration, we turned our attention to the ongoing journey through 1 Peter, focusing on the recurring theme of suffering and persecution in the Christian life. Peter’s words challenge us to expect suffering—not as a strange or rare occurrence, but as a natural part of following Jesus. In our Western context, we often confuse inconvenience with persecution, but true suffering for Christ’s sake is deeper and more costly, as seen in the lives of believers around the world and throughout history.

We explored eight truths about suffering and persecution, beginning with the expectation that hardship will come to those who follow Christ. Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or displeasure, but often a means by which He tests, refines, and blesses us. Sometimes God’s good gifts come wrapped in suffering rather than blessing, but the gift itself is always good. We are called to respond to suffering with joy—not a shallow happiness, but a deep, abiding joy rooted in Christ, even when circumstances are painful.

Our hope is anchored in the promises of God, who transforms our “light and momentary afflictions” into an “eternal weight of glory.” In the midst of suffering, the Holy Spirit provides comfort, filling us when we feel empty and drawing near to the brokenhearted. We are reminded to discern the reasons for our suffering—whether it stems from our own sin, the sins of others, or the brokenness of the world—and to avoid adding to our pain through disobedience.

Ultimately, suffering for Christ is a privilege, not a shame, and it magnifies God’s glory when we trust Him above all else. Our response is not to retreat or retaliate, but to entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator, knowing that He is enough. As we worship and reflect, may our lives testify to the world that Jesus is our greatest treasure, and may our persistent, faithful love draw others to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering Is an Expected Part of Following Jesus Scripture repeatedly teaches that suffering and persecution are not anomalies for believers, but rather the norm. When hardship comes, it should not surprise us; instead, it confirms our identity with Christ, who Himself was rejected and persecuted. This expectation challenges the comfort-driven mindset of our culture and calls us to a deeper allegiance to Jesus, even when it costs us dearly. [41:06]
2. God’s Good Gifts Sometimes Come Wrapped in Suffering God’s goodness is not negated by our pain; in fact, He often uses suffering as the wrapping for His most profound gifts. While we may prefer blessings that are easy to recognize, the gifts that come through trials often shape our character, deepen our faith, and reveal the heart of God in ways comfort never could. The challenge is to trust that the gift inside is always good, even when the wrapping is hard to accept. [45:59]
3. Joy in Suffering Is Possible and Powerful The world equates happiness with favorable circumstances, but biblical joy transcends suffering. When believers endure hardship with joy rooted in Christ, it becomes a compelling testimony to the watching world. This joy is not denial of pain, but a declaration that Jesus is enough, and that His presence and promises outweigh any temporary affliction. [48:47]
4. Clarity in Suffering: Its Source and Our Response Not all suffering is the same; some is the result of our own sin, some from the sins of others, and some from the brokenness of creation. Recognizing the source helps us respond wisely—repenting where needed, forgiving others, and trusting God’s sovereignty in what we cannot control. We are called to avoid unnecessary suffering by living righteously, but to embrace suffering for Christ’s sake as a means of glorifying Him. [57:40]
5. Trust in God Transcends All Suffering The ultimate response to suffering is not retreat, retaliation, or compromise, but a radical trust in God’s faithfulness. When everything else is stripped away, and we have only Christ, we discover that He truly is enough. This trust magnifies God’s glory, anchors our hope, and enables us to persevere with courage, knowing that our suffering is never wasted in His hands. [64:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:13] - Child Dedication: Organizing and Introduction
[20:27] - Why We Dedicate Children
[23:40] - Dedication Verses and Prayers
[25:13] - Parental and Church Pledges
[26:53] - Prayer Over Families
[28:53] - Announcements and Ministry Updates
[31:55] - Introduction to 1 Peter 4
[33:18] - Suffering: A Repeated Theme
[34:45] - Personal Stories: Persecution vs. Inconvenience
[36:51] - Witnessing True Persecution
[38:09] - The Fear of Suffering (Algophobia)
[40:23] - Eight Truths About Suffering
[45:00] - God’s Gifts: Suffering and Blessing
[47:18] - Joy in Suffering
[51:07] - Hope in God’s Promises
[54:34] - Comfort of the Holy Spirit
[56:52] - Clarity on the Source of Suffering
[60:57] - Glory in Suffering for Christ
[64:16] - Trusting God Through Suffering
[66:42] - Prayer and Worship: Christ Be Magnified
[74:13] - Benediction and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Suffering, Dedication, and Trusting God

Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV)
> 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
> 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
> 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
> 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
> 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
> 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
> 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
> 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
> Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
> 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
> 38 This is the great and first commandment.
> 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Observation Questions

In 1 Peter 4:12, what does Peter say about the “fiery trial” and how should believers view it?
According to Proverbs 22:6, what is the promise or hope given to parents who train their children in the Lord?
In Matthew 22:37-39, what two commandments does Jesus say are the greatest, and how do they relate to the way we raise children and live as a church?
The sermon described two types of “wrapping paper” for God’s gifts—blessing and suffering. What was the point of this illustration? [[45:59]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon said, “There should be an expectation for suffering and persecution in the life of a believer.” Why is it important for Christians to expect suffering, and how does this challenge the comfort-driven mindset of our culture? [[41:06]]
The pastor mentioned that “God’s good gifts sometimes come wrapped in suffering.” How can suffering be a gift from God, and what might God accomplish in us through it? [[45:59]]
The difference between happiness and joy was highlighted in the sermon. How is biblical joy in suffering different from worldly happiness, and why is this distinction important for Christians? [[48:47]]
The sermon talked about three sources of suffering: our own sin, the sins of others, and the brokenness of the world. Why is it important to discern the source of our suffering, and how should that affect our response? [[57:40]]

Application Questions

The church and parents made public pledges to raise children in faith and love. If you are a parent, what is one specific way you can “train up your child in the way they should go” this week? If you are not a parent, how can you support families in our church? [[23:40]]
The sermon challenged us not to confuse inconvenience with true persecution. Can you think of a time when you felt “persecuted” for your faith, but it was really just an inconvenience? How can you tell the difference? [[35:49]]
When have you experienced a “good gift” from God that was wrapped in suffering? How did you respond at the time, and what did you learn looking back? [[45:59]]
The pastor said, “You can actually suffer and be joy-filled.” What would it look like for you to have joy in the middle of a current hardship or trial? Is there a practical step you can take to focus on Christ’s presence and promises this week? [[48:47]]
The sermon encouraged us to avoid adding to our suffering through our own sin. Is there an area in your life where your own choices are making things harder? What is one step you can take to change that? [[59:29]]
“When everything else is taken away, Jesus is still enough.” Is there something in your life that you are tempted to put above Jesus—like comfort, reputation, or even family? How can you re-center your heart on Christ this week? [[01:01:51]]
The pastor said, “Our response is not to retreat or retaliate, but to entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator.” What does it look like for you to trust God in your current season, especially if you are facing suffering or uncertainty? [[01:04:16]]

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another—especially for those who are suffering or supporting others in hardship. Ask God to help you trust Him, find joy in Christ, and be a community that loves and supports each other well.

Sermon Clips

“There should be an expectation for suffering and persecution in the life of a believer. Yes, I said expectation. Okay, an expectation. Don't be surprised. It's not some strange thing that's happening to you when you're suffering and when you're persecuted. This flies in the face of the health and wealth movement that is so predominant, especially in Western culture. Why can you start this massive church with 14 jets and people sowing seed into your ministry because you don't talk about suffering? You just talk about blessing and everything being multiplied and this health and wealth and goodness. And yes, God is a healthy and wealthy God, but he doesn't promise that that's how it's always going to be. And so we have to understand there's an expectation when we step into a relationship with Jesus Christ, that there will be persecution and there will be suffering attached to that.”

“God always gives good gifts. Sometimes it's wrapped in suffering. And sometimes it's wrapped in blessing. But we have to be okay with understanding that our good God wraps his gifts sometimes in suffering and persecution. And sometimes he wraps them in blessing and goodness. The thing is, the gift will always be good. These ladies got the same good gift. And if you noticed the gift with all the hearts on it was actually the one that said suffering. Because I think it's a little easier for God to give a good gift wrapped in blessing. It's like a double win. But, man, the heart. The heart of God. The heart of redemption actually comes out when that good gift is wrapped in suffering. And the receiver understands it. And sees it. And moves through it. And still embraces it.”

“There can be a response of joy in the midst of suffering for the believer. Now listen, this is not more pain, more gain. We're not trying to seek out suffering for suffering's sake. Don't do that. That's not wise. That's not Biblical. That's not it. But knowing who and why you are suffering for, that matters. That we might be considered worthy to suffer with and in Christ.”

“The opposite of suffering is not joy. The opposite of suffering is happiness. The world wants you to be really, really happy because happy is this surface level meaning everything's okay. It's plastic. It's 70 and sunny, and if anything gets disrupted in your utopia, now you're no longer happy. That's the problem with what the world does. The world says chase happiness, chase happiness, and then something gets a little wrecked and a little out of whack, and then you got to go chase happiness somewhere else, and you got to chase happiness somewhere else, and that's why marketing works so well. So the opposite of suffering is not joy. It's happiness, and the opposite of blessing joy is sorrow, not suffering. So you can actually suffer and be joy-filled. And it's one of the most compelling, beautiful things. It's one of the most powerful ways to see the life of Jesus alive in a believer is when they are in the midst of their suffering, and yet they're overflowing with joy.”

“Let me tell you, in the midst of that suffering, you're suffering. And you're like, in the midst of that diagnosis, in the midst of that trial, in the midst of this, that, whatever, I have joy because I have Jesus. And it's so foreign to them. We see this in the disciples in Acts chapter 5. You can go back and read it. It's verses 17 through 42. The apostles, they're arrested. They're flogged 39 times, just like Jesus, beaten right to the point of death by the Sanhedrin. And they're commanded, do not speak. Of this name of Jesus. And they're released. And instead of being silenced, they leave the council rejoicing. Rejoicing, considering it a privilege to have suffered for their faith. And they're determined to keep preaching the name of Jesus. And it's attractional. And this movement of Jesus just grows and grows and grows.”

“There is an understanding of the hope we have to come in Christ. Friends, he's not this just promise maker. He's the promise keeper. That's not a cliche. It's truth. We live in a world that makes so many dead-end promises to us. God's promises. They aren't dead-end. They will be fulfilled. The gift will happen. But sometimes it's going to be wrapped in a different wrapping paper than maybe you expected or even you wanted.”

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. I don't know if you guys have, I'm sure a lot of you have heard and read this scripture. Have you ever really seen what Paul does here through the Holy Spirit and lining up these three words? Listen to what he says. Light, momentary, affliction. And then he says three opposite words. Weighty, eternal, glory. Man, look at what Paul's doing. He's saying, listen, I know things are hard this side of heaven, but it's light in comparison of what's coming. What's coming is so weighty. It's so dense. It's important. This trial you guys are going through, this suffering, this persecution, it's momentary. It is but a dot on the timeline of eternity. Because this is eternal, what's coming for you. It's an affliction. Yes, it's painful. It's an affliction, but it's going to go away. And what's coming is not an affliction. It's glory.”

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed. I hope at some point every one of you who call yourselves a follower of Jesus, I hope you're insulted for the name of Jesus. Because man, A, you're in the right spot, and B, all of a sudden your faith gets put to the test. The rubber hits the road, in that moment. How are you going to respond? Are you going to fight? Are you going to flee? Are you going to focus in on the Holy Spirit and who He has in front of you? There is a comfort that God provides in the midst of your suffering and persecution. This says the Spirit of God and the Spirit of glory rest on you. It's this unique form of fullness when you are completely empty in your suffering. You feel empty, yet you're completely full. And you're like, what is going on here? The Spirit of God and the Spirit of glory is dwelling in you and resting on you. And it's literally filling you in the midst of what feels like emptiness.”

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted. He saves the crushed in spirit. The Holy Spirit, another name for the Holy Spirit, is advocate and counselor and comforter. That He will advocate for you, He will counsel you, and He will comfort you. He will wrap His loving arms around you. So there is this comfort that is provided in the Holy Spirit. In the midst of our suffering.”

“There is to be clarity. Clarity and why we are suffering and persecuted in this life. What does that mean, Dan? It means this. Theologically, there are three basic reasons why people suffer on this earth. Really, everything synthesized down to one of these three. Ready? Here they are. One, our sin. Your own sin. That's why you suffer. Two, the sins of other people. Who then fall onto you. And now you are suffering or afflicted or persecuted because of their sins. And the three is the broken and fallen world because of sin. Genesis 3 on. Natural disasters. Diseases that have no cure. And so all suffering falls into one of those three categories.”

“Don't add number one to your plate. That's your sin. That's the only thing you can control. You can try to protect yourself a little bit by not being around certain people that are lost in their sin and hurting you and whatever. But you will have other people's sin falling upon you at some point. You live in a broken and falling world. Our bodies are wasting away. We will all die, newsflash, okay? And we will be hurt. And we will lose someone. And it's just the chaos and the brokenness of the world. But the one thing you can control is your own decisions. And so don't increase your suffering by increasing your sin. That's not what it's intended to be, okay? So there's clarity from the scriptures in suffering. This is why suffering happens. Don't add to this part. You can actually control this, right?”

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, Christian means to be Christ-like. Not to like Christ. Someone who just likes Christ is not a Christian. There are someone in the world that just likes Jesus like they like anything else on their Facebook page or Instagram or whatever. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like. That we are following in his ways. Do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. There is a great glory, friends, a great glory that is to be gained from our suffering and persecution. There is no shame, for suffering for Christ's sake. Those of you in this room under 18, hear that, please. There's no shame for suffering for the name of Jesus. Stand up for who Jesus is. There's no shame in that. When we suffer for Jesus, it shows the world that there's something greater than our life, our comfort, our reputation, our treasure. There's something better than all that. Therefore, one of the greatest ways we can glorify God is when everything else is taken away. Jesus is still enough. He's still enough. We have nothing, and yet we possess everything.”

“Is Jesus enough? I'm going to jump to verse 19. So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. Last one, number eight, there can be a trust in God that can transcend all suffering and persecution in your life. There's a trust in God that's greater than any suffering. Suffering is not abnormal. Sometimes our response to suffering is abnormal. Sometimes our response to suffering is abnormal. Sometimes suffering is very abnormal. Church, listen, don't retreat. Don't retreat. Don't retaliate. Don't compromise. Don't blaspheme God in your suffering. Our response is to entrust our soul and life to Jesus Christ. Period. Exclamation point. End of sentence. Not comma. Not dot, dot, dot. Not but. Not if. Period. That's what we're called to do.”

“Eight things. There could probably be 16 or 32 of these really if we dug in. Eight things we learn about persecution and suffering. It should be an expectation for those of us who call ourselves Christ followers. There is a good and godly purpose for our suffering. There can be a response of joy in the midst of our suffering. There is an understanding of the hope we have to come in our suffering. There is a comfort that God provides in our suffering. There is clarity in our suffering of what we are to suffer from and not to suffer from. There is a great glory that will be gained from our suffering. And there can be trust in God that transcends all things. In the midst of our suffering and our persecution.”

“We magnify God when we delight in who He is. When we understand the truth about suffering and persecution. When we understand there's an expectation, but there's a purpose. And in that purpose, there's joy. And in the joy, there's hope. And in that hope, there's comfort. And out of that comfort, there's a clarity for it. And there's a glory to come. And so we trust God in all of that.”

“Because it's not if suffering's coming, it's when. And friends, we're moving more and more into a world of, it's not if persecution's coming, it's when.”

“To the Church at 1002 West Maple, may we be a magnificent Bride of Christ. May the watching hurting world see our suffering and notice something different and may they be drawn to our persistent diligent faithful love of Jesus and may it bring them hope may it bring them salvation and transformation their good and for God's glory.”

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