Finding Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we began a series on suffering, inspired by the first letter of Peter. Suffering is a challenging topic, often causing people to question their faith. We see suffering in many forms, from global crises to personal struggles like broken relationships, chronic illnesses, and unanswered prayers. Peter's letter addresses these issues, offering hope and encouragement to those enduring hardships.
Peter wrote to early Christians in Asia Minor, who were suffering for their faith. They had left their previous religious and social structures to follow Christ, making them a minority facing persecution. Peter's message to them was clear: suffering is part of the Christian journey, but it is not the end. He emphasized two key points: the "now" and the "not yet." The "now" refers to the salvation and forgiveness we receive through Jesus' death and resurrection. The "not yet" is the eternal inheritance awaiting us in heaven, kept safe by God's power.
Peter encouraged the believers to maintain their faith despite their trials. He compared their faith to gold refined by fire, growing in value through suffering. This living hope, rooted in Jesus' resurrection, offers a perspective that transcends present struggles. Peter reminded them that their faith, though tested, would result in glory, honor, and praise.
In our lives, we too face suffering, often without choice. Yet, the same principles apply. Holding onto the bigger picture of God's promises can bring peace and strength. Just as a couple endures the stress of wedding planning for the joy of marriage, we endure life's trials for the eternal joy that awaits us. Even in the face of suffering, we can find hope in the promise of Jesus' return and the place He is preparing for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Suffering is a Universal Challenge: Suffering is a common experience that can challenge our faith. Whether it's global crises or personal struggles, suffering can make us question God's goodness. However, Peter's letter reminds us that suffering is part of the Christian journey and that we are not alone in our struggles. [21:37]
2. The "Now" and the "Not Yet": Peter emphasizes two key aspects of our faith: the "now" and the "not yet." The "now" is our current salvation and forgiveness through Jesus' death and resurrection. The "not yet" is the eternal inheritance awaiting us in heaven. These two points provide a framework for understanding and enduring suffering. [30:23]
3. Faith Refined by Fire: Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith grows stronger through trials. Peter encourages us to see our struggles as opportunities for our faith to be deepened and refined. This perspective helps us endure suffering with hope and resilience. [31:48]
4. Living Hope in Jesus' Resurrection: Our hope is alive because it is based on Jesus' resurrection. This living hope assures us that suffering is not the end. Even in the face of death, hope lives because Jesus triumphed over death. This hope gives us life and sustains us through our trials. [35:06]
5. The Bigger Picture: Keeping our focus on the bigger picture of God's promises can bring peace and strength in times of suffering. Just as a couple endures the stress of wedding planning for the joy of marriage, we endure life's trials for the eternal joy that awaits us. This perspective helps us persevere and find meaning in our suffering. [39:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:37] - Introduction to Suffering
[22:52] - Prayer for Understanding
[24:10] - Encouragement to Ask Questions
[24:52] - Authorship and Context of 1 Peter
[25:55] - Peter's Role and Martyrdom
[26:48] - Audience and Their Suffering
[27:53] - Living Out Christ's Love
[28:44] - New Birth into a Living Hope
[29:33] - The "Now" and the "Not Yet"
[31:10] - Rejoice in Trials
[31:48] - Faith Refined by Fire
[32:28] - Marathon Runner Analogy
[33:04] - Faith Without Seeing
[35:06] - Living Hope in Jesus' Resurrection
[35:54] - The Bigger Picture
[39:13] - Wedding Planning Analogy
[41:04] - Personal Testimony of Peace
[42:50] - The Struggle of Faith
[43:34] - Reflecting on Jesus' Promises
[45:17] - Jesus' Return and Our Living Hope
[46:02] - Hope Based on Jesus' Resurrection
[47:13] - Prayer for Perseverance
[48:49] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV)
> Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two key points Peter emphasizes in his letter regarding suffering? ([29:33])
2. How does Peter describe the faith of believers in relation to gold? ([31:48])
3. What does Peter say is the outcome of the believers' faith? ([33:42])
4. According to the sermon, what is the "living hope" that Peter talks about? ([35:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter compare faith to gold refined by fire? What does this analogy suggest about the nature of faith and suffering? ([31:48])
2. How does the concept of the "now" and the "not yet" help believers endure suffering? ([29:33])
3. What does it mean to have a "living hope" in the context of Jesus' resurrection? How does this hope impact a believer's perspective on suffering? ([35:06])
4. How can the promise of an eternal inheritance provide comfort and strength during times of suffering? ([30:23])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced significant suffering. How did your faith help you endure that period? What aspects of Peter's message resonate with your experience? ([21:37])
2. Peter encourages believers to maintain their faith despite trials. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith during difficult times? ([31:10])
3. The sermon mentioned the analogy of wedding planning stress for the joy of marriage. Can you think of a current struggle that might be preparing you for a greater joy? How can you keep the "bigger picture" in mind? ([39:13])
4. How can you cultivate a "living hope" in your daily life? What specific actions or practices can help you stay focused on the hope of Jesus' resurrection? ([35:06])
5. The sermon discussed the peace found in the promise of Jesus' return and the place He is preparing for us. How can this promise change the way you approach your current challenges? ([44:49])
6. Reflect on the idea that suffering can refine and deepen your faith. How can you reframe your current struggles to see them as opportunities for growth? ([31:48])
7. How can you support others in your community who are going through suffering? What practical steps can you take to offer hope and encouragement to them? ([27:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Suffering as a Shared Human Experience
Description: Suffering is a universal challenge that can deeply test our faith. It manifests in various forms, from global crises to personal struggles like broken relationships, chronic illnesses, and unanswered prayers. These experiences can make us question God's goodness and presence in our lives. However, Peter's letter reminds us that suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey. We are not alone in our struggles; many have walked this path before us, and many will walk it after us. Understanding that suffering is a shared human experience can help us find solidarity and comfort in our faith community. [21:37]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Think of a recent struggle you have faced. How can you find comfort in knowing that others in your faith community may have experienced similar challenges? Can you reach out to someone for support or offer your support to someone else today?
Day 2: The "Now" and the "Not Yet"
Description: Peter emphasizes two key aspects of our faith: the "now" and the "not yet." The "now" refers to our current salvation and forgiveness through Jesus' death and resurrection. This is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. The "not yet" refers to the eternal inheritance awaiting us in heaven, kept safe by God's power. This future promise gives us a framework for understanding and enduring suffering. By keeping our eyes on both the present reality of our salvation and the future promise of eternal life, we can find strength and hope in the midst of our trials. [30:23]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life influence your perspective on current struggles? Can you identify one way to remind yourself of this "not yet" promise in your daily routine?
Day 3: Faith Refined by Fire
Description: Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith grows stronger through trials. Peter encourages us to see our struggles as opportunities for our faith to be deepened and refined. This perspective helps us endure suffering with hope and resilience. When we face challenges, we can choose to see them as a refining process that strengthens our faith and brings us closer to God. This doesn't mean that suffering is easy or desirable, but it does mean that it has a purpose in God's plan for our lives. By trusting in God's refining process, we can find meaning and growth in our trials. [31:48]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you view this experience as a refining process for your faith? What steps can you take to trust God more deeply in the midst of this trial?
Day 4: Living Hope in Jesus' Resurrection
Description: Our hope is alive because it is based on Jesus' resurrection. This living hope assures us that suffering is not the end. Even in the face of death, hope lives because Jesus triumphed over death. This hope gives us life and sustains us through our trials. By focusing on the resurrection, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere through difficult times. The resurrection is a powerful reminder that God has the final victory, and that our suffering is temporary in light of eternity. [35:06]
1 Peter 1:21 (ESV): "Who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."
Reflection: How does the resurrection of Jesus influence your perspective on suffering? Can you identify one way to remind yourself of this living hope in your daily life?
Day 5: The Bigger Picture
Description: Keeping our focus on the bigger picture of God's promises can bring peace and strength in times of suffering. Just as a couple endures the stress of wedding planning for the joy of marriage, we endure life's trials for the eternal joy that awaits us. This perspective helps us persevere and find meaning in our suffering. By remembering the bigger picture, we can find hope and encouragement to keep going, even when the journey is difficult. God's promises are sure, and they give us a reason to endure with faith and hope. [39:13]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you keep the bigger picture of God's promises in mind during your daily struggles? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the eternal joy that awaits you?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "If God is all loving and all good, why does God allow suffering? Why does he allow people to keep suffering in Gaza? Or suffering starvation in Sudan? Or people suffering the entrapment of being in the sex slave industry around the world? And I say challenged because I know that in the lives of you, the people in the church, us, there are people who are dealing with broken relationships and challenging relationships in marriage and work and school." [21:37] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Peter's not trying to say they're going to escape from suffering. They're going to be living in suffering. And over the next four weeks, as I said, we're going to be looking at the different aspects that Peter has to write about that. And this week, we're going to look at what Peter calls a new birth into a living hope. As followers of Jesus, Peter is reminding these churches that the people there have chosen a new and different path that makes them look beyond their struggles of their daily living to something better." [28:44] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Rejoice, be happy. There's something bigger than the current struggles and the trials you're facing. And to emphasize the point, he says, yes, sure, your faith and beliefs are going to be challenged in the struggles. But just like gold that is refined in a fire grows in its value, so too does your faith will grow as you struggle through life. Because at the end, what awaits is, and he uses the word, glory, honor and praise. Not God, you. You're going to receive glory, honor, praise." [31:10] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Hope lives because it is based in Jesus' resurrection from the dead. His triumph over death. Hope lives because death cannot overcome it. Hope lives because even in the face of tribulation it does not back down or grow faint. Living hope is hope that gives life." [46:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus has made a promise to us about this living hope. He's preparing a place for us to be. How encouraging that while you're suffering and struggling Jesus is preparing the place for you. But not only that he's coming back for you. He's coming back. Remember those times when you were lost as a child and then your parent or whoever it was came back. How everything the anxiety left as you returned into the love of the parent." [44:49] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Peter not only acknowledges the trials and the struggles, but he actually says they're the means by which our faith is deepened and grown. In short, Peter is reminding us that there is something bigger than the present moment. Something that changes the way we see trials we're facing. And we need to remind ourselves that the new relationship we have with God has a great fulfilment coming." [37:28] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Holding onto your faith in times of trial and struggle is sometimes the struggle itself. Hanging in there with God when things are going bad that becomes the new struggle. But it is what faith it's what faith is all about. About holding onto something that you can't yet see. It's hanging onto something when you can't see the way out. The encouragement today we can take home is this idea of a living hope." [42:50] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Belief that God has something better for us should impact our lives today. And he isn't being glib. He's not just glossing over the hardships of life. He's not like looking through rose-coloured glasses. Peter not only acknowledges the trials and the struggles, but he actually says they're the means by which our faith is deepened and grown." [36:41] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Peter wraps it all up with probably my favorite verses, eight and nine of this passage, where he says, and remember, he's writing to these converts in Turkey, which is like thousands of kilometers away from Rome on one side or Jerusalem on the other. And he says to them, although you have not seen him, meaning Jesus, you love him. And even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable glorious joy for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." [33:04] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Peter, before launching into these different specific issues that he's going to talk throughout his letter, he starts by reminding his readers that there is this big picture that sits over everything. It's the foundational belief that's above all things. That belief in Jesus' death and resurrection brings us into an eternal relationship with God. That Jesus' resurrection, his resurrection over death, shows us that God has power over suffering. God has power over suffering. Even over physical death itself. This is the living hope." [35:54] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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