Embracing Suffering: Hope and Faith in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Suffering as Part of God's Plan

Suffering is not a sign of God's absence but a part of His sovereign plan. Just as Jesus suffered for our sins, we may also face trials and suffering as we follow Him. This suffering refines our faith and draws us closer to God. When we encounter hardships, it is an opportunity to deepen our trust in God and to grow spiritually. By embracing suffering, we align ourselves with the example set by Jesus, who endured the ultimate suffering for a greater good.

In 1 Peter 3:13-22, Peter encourages believers to see suffering for doing good as a blessing. This perspective helps us to shift our focus from avoiding pain to understanding it as a part of our Christian journey. We are called to revere Christ as Lord in our hearts and to always be ready to give an answer for the hope we have, even in the midst of suffering. [03:57]

1 Peter 3:14-15 (ESV): "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you have faced. How can you see this experience as part of God's plan to refine your faith and draw you closer to Him?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Ultimate Sacrifice

God's willingness to sacrifice His own Son for our salvation demonstrates His immense love for us. This act of love should inspire us to trust in His plan, even when it involves suffering. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of suffering for a greater good. When we reflect on the magnitude of this sacrifice, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to redeem us.

Understanding the significance of Jesus' suffering helps us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we face our own trials. It reassures us that our suffering is not in vain but is part of a larger, divine purpose. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and His sacrifice, we can find the strength to endure and the hope to persevere. [05:49]

Romans 8:32 (ESV): "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

Reflection: Reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. How does understanding the depth of God's love through this sacrifice help you to trust Him more in your own times of suffering?

Day 3: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel

The story of the rich man and Lazarus highlights the urgency of sharing the gospel. We have a responsibility to tell others about Jesus, as their eternal destiny depends on it. Even if people do not listen, we must persist in sharing the good news. The rich man's plea for someone to warn his brothers serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of not knowing Christ and the importance of our role in spreading the gospel.

As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and salvation. This means actively seeking opportunities to share our faith and the hope we have in Jesus. The urgency of this task cannot be overstated, as it has eternal implications for those who hear and respond to the gospel. [50:31]

2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you share the gospel with them this week, and what steps can you take to be more intentional about witnessing to others?

Day 4: Baptism as a Symbol of Salvation

Baptism symbolizes our salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Noah's family was saved through the floodwaters, we are saved through Jesus, who is our ark of safety. This understanding deepens our appreciation of baptism as more than a ritual but a profound declaration of faith. It signifies our identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and our commitment to live a new life in Him.

Baptism is a public testimony of our faith and a powerful reminder of the transformative work of Jesus in our lives. It is an outward expression of an inward change, symbolizing our cleansing from sin and our new identity in Christ. By understanding the significance of baptism, we can fully embrace its meaning and the new life it represents. [49:51]

1 Peter 3:21 (ESV): "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on the significance of that moment in your life. If you have not been baptized, consider what it would mean for you to take this step of faith and publicly declare your commitment to Jesus.

Day 5: Living with Hope Amidst Suffering

In the face of trials and suffering, we are called to keep our hope in Jesus at the forefront of our minds. This hope not only sustains us but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us. Our joy and peace in the midst of suffering can lead others to seek the source of our hope. By living with hope, we demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel and the reality of God's presence in our lives.

Peter encourages believers to always be ready to give an answer for the hope they have, even in the midst of suffering. This hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of eternal life. It is a hope that transcends our circumstances and provides us with the strength to endure. By living with this hope, we can be a light to others and draw them to Christ. [24:47]

Romans 15:13 (ESV): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the hope you have in Jesus to those around you, especially during times of suffering? How can your response to trials serve as a testimony to others?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the theme of suffering, particularly as it relates to our faith in Christ, by examining 1 Peter 3:13-22. We began by acknowledging the common misconception that following Jesus should exempt us from trials and suffering. However, the reality is that suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey, as evidenced by the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

We explored the profound truth that God did not spare His own Son from suffering but allowed Him to endure the full wrath of sin on our behalf. This ultimate act of love and sacrifice sets the stage for understanding our own suffering. If Jesus, who was sinless, suffered for our sake, it follows that we, too, may face suffering as part of our walk with Him.

Peter's letter to the scattered exiles emphasizes that suffering for doing good is better than suffering for doing evil. This perspective shifts our focus from avoiding pain to embracing it as a part of God's sovereign plan. We are called to revere Christ as Lord in our hearts, always ready to give an answer for the hope we have, even in the midst of suffering.

We also discussed the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16, which illustrates the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. The rich man's plea for someone to warn his brothers serves as a stark reminder of our responsibility to share the gospel with those around us.

Finally, we examined the concept of baptism as a symbol of salvation, not through the act of water baptism itself, but through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were saved through the waters of the flood, we are saved through the resurrection of Jesus, who is our ark of safety.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering as Part of the Christian Journey: Suffering is not a sign of God's absence but a part of His sovereign plan. Just as Jesus suffered for our sins, we may also face trials and suffering as we follow Him. This suffering refines our faith and draws us closer to God. [03:57]
2. God's Ultimate Sacrifice: God's willingness to sacrifice His own Son for our salvation demonstrates His immense love for us. This act of love should inspire us to trust in His plan, even when it involves suffering. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of suffering for a greater good. [05:49]
3. The Importance of Sharing the Gospel: The story of the rich man and Lazarus highlights the urgency of sharing the gospel. We have a responsibility to tell others about Jesus, as their eternal destiny depends on it. Even if people do not listen, we must persist in sharing the good news. [50:31]
4. Baptism as a Symbol of Salvation: Baptism symbolizes our salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as Noah's family was saved through the floodwaters, we are saved through Jesus, who is our ark of safety. This understanding deepens our appreciation of baptism as more than a ritual but a profound declaration of faith. [49:51]
5. Living with Hope Amidst Suffering: In the face of trials and suffering, we are called to keep our hope in Jesus at the forefront of our minds. This hope not only sustains us but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us. Our joy and peace in the midst of suffering can lead others to seek the source of our hope. [24:47]
### [24:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Introduction to Suffering
[02:51] - The Dilemma of Suffering
[03:57] - God's Ultimate Sacrifice
[10:37] - Reading 1 Peter 3:13-21
[12:08] - The Backdrop of Suffering
[17:01] - Facing Persecution
[19:28] - Missionary's Perspective on Persecution
[22:14] - Suffering as God's Sovereign Choice
[24:47] - Living with Hope Amidst Suffering
[29:02] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Response
[31:37] - Understanding Hades and Heaven
[36:29] - The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus
[42:20] - Jesus' Proclamation in Hades
[46:02] - Baptism as a Symbol of Salvation
[49:51] - Jesus as Our Ark of Safety
[50:31] - Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
[53:07] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 3:13-22, what is the reason given for why it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil? ([11:22])
In Romans 8:31-32, what does Paul say about God's willingness to give us all things after giving us His Son? ([03:57])
What are the eternal consequences illustrated in the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31? ([36:29])
How does Peter describe the significance of baptism in 1 Peter 3:21-22? ([46:02])

Interpretation Questions

How does the suffering of Jesus, as described in 1 Peter 3:18, provide a model for understanding our own suffering? ([28:17])
What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus teach us about the urgency of sharing the gospel with others? ([50:31])
How does Romans 8:31-32 challenge the misconception that following Jesus exempts us from trials and suffering? ([03:57])
In what ways does the concept of baptism as described in 1 Peter 3:21-22 deepen our understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ? ([46:02])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced suffering or trials. How did you see God's presence and plan in that situation? How can you apply this understanding to current or future challenges? ([23:57])
The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the gospel, even when people may not listen. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the good news. What steps can you take this week to share Jesus with them? ([51:00])
How can you keep your hope in Jesus at the forefront of your mind during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this hope daily? ([24:47])
Baptism is described as a profound declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how does this understanding impact your daily walk with Christ? If you have not been baptized, what steps can you take to explore this important act of faith? ([46:02])
The sermon mentioned that suffering for doing good is better than suffering for doing evil. Reflect on your recent actions and decisions. Are there areas where you need to align more closely with doing good, even if it leads to suffering? ([26:26])
How can you prepare yourself to give an answer for the hope you have in Jesus, as Peter instructs in 1 Peter 3:15? What specific ways can you practice sharing your testimony with gentleness and respect? ([24:47])
The story of the rich man and Lazarus highlights the reality of eternal consequences. How does this perspective influence your priorities and actions in your daily life? ([36:29])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Since Jesus suffered all that for us, since God did not spare his own son, since God delivered up Jesus for us all, the words that Paul wrote there in Romans chapter 8 make magnificent sense. Since God gave us Jesus when that was what we needed, we have every right to expect that having given us Jesus, God will not hesitate to graciously give us all things that we might need." [06:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus died to bring you to God. Jesus died to provide you with life and forgiveness. And if you don't trust Jesus and Jesus alone to provide those things for you, you will never have them. And in that light, let me read verse 18 to you one more time. For Christ also suffered for sins. The righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive in the spirit." [29:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus experienced death for me, and then he experienced life for me. And I can tell you right now, I want all of that for myself. Look what Peter says when we add verse 18 to 17. For it's better if it's God's will to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive in the spirit." [28:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus has done all the work to save them and all that He's asking us to do is to tell them that He's done all the work to save them. So if you know Jesus today, if you count yourself among His followers, let me beg you take your stand. Let me beg you to not let your family or your brothers and sisters or your friends or your neighbors or your co-workers or your classmates go to that place of torment." [51:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Make plans to tell them this week. Christmas is coming up. This would be a great time. Make plans to tell them this week. Make plans to let them know the good news because they're desperate to hear it even if they don't yet know that they're desperate to hear what you have to say. So tell them. Okay? Okay? Well, amen? Amen." [52:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "We have to admit this morning that somehow at this point in our journey, we may not be the kind of people who are so mature in their faith that they have this... This thing of suffering completely sorted out. At this point in our journey, we may not be the kind of people who jump out of bed shouting, this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it as we make plans to not be overwhelmed." [07:55] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When trials, suffering, and even persecution come into your life, surrender to Jesus as Lord and let him work in your life in the way that he chooses to work because he's in charge. And at that point, you have two choices. You can lose your temper and strike out at others around you and fight for your rights, or you can keep your hope in the bottom of your heart and in the front of your mind." [23:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Keep Jesus as Lord in your lives and recognize that nothing happens to you. That is outside of his sovereign control. He never says, I didn't see that coming. He never says, I don't know what to do about this right now. This is a mess and I'm sorry for it. He never does that. His sovereignty rules in our lives. And as you pass through the trial, clinging to the hope that Jesus gives you, people around you are going to notice." [23:57] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Peter's saying that Jesus suffered the agonies of the cross so that he could bring you to God. That was his plan. He suffered on the cross because that was the only way to bring you to God. And it's high time that every one of us here understands that reality. You cannot come to God. You cannot come to God by trying to be good enough for him to accept you. If you do that, if you try to bring yourself to God by doing good works, you will never see God or his kingdom." [29:02] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Peter's talked to us about the water that destroyed the world and killed the people of Noah's day who refused to believe God. And here in this passage, Peter says that the water that destroyed the world and killed those people who didn't believe, that same water symbolizes baptism that now saves us. Now I want to be very clear, Peter is not talking about water baptism and he is not teaching baptismal regeneration if you know what that is." [46:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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