Embracing Suffering and Living Sacrificially in Christ
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on the Thanksgiving gatherings, I am filled with gratitude for our church community. Over the years, I've witnessed a transformation that aligns more closely with the love described in Scripture. This isn't just a superficial love but a practical, sacrificial love where we open our homes and lives to one another. It's a blessing to be part of a church where sharing the gospel is a collective effort, not just the responsibility of a few. The growth in many of your lives is evident, and it's encouraging to see so many of you diving into the Word and prayer, developing a deeper relationship with God.
As we continue to grow, it's crucial to embrace the biblical teaching on suffering. This isn't a popular topic, but it's a fundamental aspect of following Christ. Jesus was clear about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Him involves self-denial and bearing our crosses. This teaching is not about seeking suffering for its own sake but understanding that suffering is part of the Christian journey. It refines us, aligns us with Christ's sufferings, and prepares us for the glory to come.
In 1 Peter 4, we are reminded to arm ourselves with the mindset of Christ, who suffered in the flesh. This mindset acts as armor, protecting us from being disheartened by trials. When we expect suffering and even rejoice in it, we are less likely to be swayed by the false promises of a trouble-free Christian life. Embracing suffering allows us to cease from sin, as it requires us to deny our fleshly desires and live for God's will.
The passage also challenges us to reflect on our past sins and decide that enough is enough. We are new creations in Christ, no longer bound to return to our old ways. This transformation is evident when we no longer find joy in sin but instead find fulfillment in living righteously. As we face rejection or ridicule for our faith, we should rejoice, knowing that we are blessed and that God's Spirit rests upon us.
Ultimately, our journey is about entrusting our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good. We are called to live with self-control, love one another earnestly, and serve without grumbling. As we anticipate Christ's return, let us be a community that stands firm in faith, ready to suffer for His name, and committed to glorifying God in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
- True love within the church is practical and sacrificial, reflecting the love described in Scripture. It's about opening our lives to one another and collectively sharing the gospel. This love is not just words but actions that demonstrate our commitment to each other and to God. [01:21]
- Embracing suffering is a crucial aspect of following Christ. Jesus was upfront about the cost of discipleship, which involves self-denial and bearing our crosses. This understanding protects us from being disheartened by trials and aligns us with Christ's sufferings. [05:41]
- Arm yourself with the mindset of Christ, who suffered in the flesh. This mindset acts as armor, enabling us to rejoice in suffering and see it as a path to eternal reward. It helps us to cease from sin by denying our fleshly desires and living for God's will. [09:09]
- Reflect on your past sins and decide that enough is enough. As new creations in Christ, we are no longer bound to return to our old ways. This transformation is evident when we no longer find joy in sin but instead find fulfillment in living righteously. [20:07]
- Entrust your soul to your faithful Creator while doing good. Live with self-control, love one another earnestly, and serve without grumbling. As we anticipate Christ's return, let us be a community that stands firm in faith, ready to suffer for His name, and committed to glorifying God in all we do. [42:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Thanksgiving Reflections
- [00:53] - Love in the Church
- [01:51] - Sharing the Gospel
- [02:17] - Spiritual Growth
- [03:03] - Gratitude for the Present
- [04:25] - Embracing Suffering
- [05:41] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [07:15] - Arm Yourself with Christ's Mindset
- [09:09] - Rejoicing in Suffering
- [14:42] - Ceasing from Sin
- [19:50] - Enough of the Past
- [23:37] - Facing Rejection
- [32:14] - Self-Control and Prayer
- [42:39] - Entrusting Our Souls
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 4:1-5
2. Matthew 5:10-12
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Peter 4:1-2 say about the mindset we should have in relation to suffering? How does this mindset help us in our Christian walk? [07:15]
2. According to the sermon, how is the love within the church community described, and how does it reflect the love mentioned in Scripture? [01:05]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the practical and sacrificial love within the church? [01:21]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between suffering and ceasing from sin? [14:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of arming ourselves with the mindset of Christ, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:1, change our perspective on trials and suffering? [09:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that embracing suffering can lead to spiritual growth and alignment with Christ's sufferings? [05:41]
3. How does the sermon challenge us to reflect on our past sins and decide that "enough is enough"? What does this mean for our daily lives? [20:07]
4. What does it mean to entrust our souls to our faithful Creator while doing good, as discussed in the sermon? How can this be practically applied in our lives? [42:39]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. How can you demonstrate practical and sacrificial love to someone in your community this week? [01:21]
2. Consider a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might arming yourself with the mindset of Christ change your response in the future? [09:09]
3. Identify a past sin or habit that you have struggled with. What steps can you take to declare "enough is enough" and move forward in righteousness? [20:07]
4. How can you prepare yourself to embrace suffering as part of your Christian journey, rather than avoiding it? What practical steps can you take to align with Christ's sufferings? [05:41]
5. Think about a time when you felt rejected or ridiculed for your faith. How can you find joy in those moments, knowing that you are blessed and that God's Spirit rests upon you? [24:57]
6. What specific actions can you take to live with self-control and love others earnestly, as we anticipate Christ's return? [32:14]
7. How can you serve others in your church community without grumbling, and what impact might this have on your spiritual growth and the growth of those around you? [35:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Practical and Sacrificial Love in Community
True love within a church community is not just about words but is demonstrated through practical and sacrificial actions. This love reflects the love described in Scripture, where members open their homes and lives to one another, sharing the gospel collectively. It is a love that goes beyond superficial expressions and is rooted in genuine care and commitment to each other and to God. This kind of love is a powerful testimony to the world and a source of encouragement and growth within the church. [01:21]
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to show practical love? What specific action can you take to demonstrate this love?
Day 2: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Following Christ involves embracing the reality of suffering as a fundamental aspect of discipleship. Jesus was clear about the cost, which includes self-denial and bearing our crosses. This understanding protects believers from being disheartened by trials and aligns them with Christ's sufferings. Embracing suffering is not about seeking it for its own sake but recognizing it as part of the Christian journey that refines and prepares believers for future glory. [05:41]
"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are experiencing suffering or hardship? How can you view this as part of your journey with Christ and find purpose in it?
Day 3: Arming Yourself with the Mindset of Christ
Believers are called to arm themselves with the mindset of Christ, who suffered in the flesh. This mindset acts as armor, enabling them to rejoice in suffering and see it as a path to eternal reward. It helps them to cease from sin by denying their fleshly desires and living for God's will. By expecting suffering and rejoicing in it, believers are less likely to be swayed by false promises of a trouble-free Christian life. [09:09]
"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." (1 Peter 4:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you adopt the mindset of Christ in your current circumstances? What practical steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with His example?
Day 4: Transformation and New Life in Christ
As new creations in Christ, believers are called to reflect on their past sins and decide that enough is enough. This transformation is evident when they no longer find joy in sin but instead find fulfillment in living righteously. The journey of faith involves turning away from old ways and embracing a new life in Christ, where joy and purpose are found in righteousness and obedience to God. [20:07]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What past sin or habit do you need to leave behind as you embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you actively pursue righteousness in this area?
Day 5: Entrusting Your Soul to the Faithful Creator
Believers are encouraged to entrust their souls to their faithful Creator while doing good. This involves living with self-control, loving one another earnestly, and serving without grumbling. As they anticipate Christ's return, they are called to be a community that stands firm in faith, ready to suffer for His name, and committed to glorifying God in all they do. [42:39]
"Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (1 Peter 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you entrust your soul to God today? How can you practice self-control and love in your interactions with others this week?
Quotes
True love within the church is practical and sacrificial, reflecting the love described in Scripture. It's about opening our lives to one another and collectively sharing the gospel. This love is not just words but actions that demonstrate our commitment to each other and to God. [00:57:42]
Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking that Christ gives you. With that same way of thinking, look, following Jesus is going to hurt because once you arm yourself with that mentality, you can't get hurt anymore. You realize I actually expect suffering and I kind of want some. [09:03:56]
Reflect on your past sins and decide that enough is enough. As new creations in Christ, we are no longer bound to return to our old ways. This transformation is evident when we no longer find joy in sin but instead find fulfillment in living righteously. [20:10:98]
Entrust your soul to your faithful Creator while doing good. Live with self-control, love one another earnestly, and serve without grumbling. As we anticipate Christ's return, let us be a community that stands firm in faith, ready to suffer for His name, and committed to glorifying God in all we do. [42:53:42]
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. [07:18:38]
The conquering of sin requires suffering. If you refuse to suffer, you will remain in your sin. Can you kick heroin without suffering? No. Can you kick anything without suffering? It's all about suffering. You can't get away from your sin without suffering. [16:39:59]
The time that has passed suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. The time that's passed, that's enough, right? Have you had your fill of sin? [19:50:77]
If you're insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. Can he be any more clear? Brothers, don't be surprised when the fiery trial comes upon you. [37:44:66]
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. [33:28:29]
Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [37:43:12]
Let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. God, I know you see this right now. I know my soul. It is well. It is well with my soul. Blessed be the name of the Lord. [42:53:42]
I know some of you well enough to know that when the persecution comes, you're not all going to run. I know some of you well enough that we'll look each other in the eye and go, come on, arm yourself. We got this. We got this. [44:24:90]
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