Rejoicing in Trials: Embracing Faith Amidst Mockery
Summary
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we began our time together with a morning prayer, seeking God's presence and guidance. We reflected on the words from 1 Peter 4, which remind us not to be surprised by trials and sufferings, but to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings, knowing that God's glory rests upon us. This scripture set the tone for our reflection on recent events where the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ was mocked by the world.
We discussed the incident where the Lord's Supper was ridiculed by Olympic organizers, who later attempted to downplay the offense. This event sparked various reactions within the church, from shock and anger to complacency. We examined why such mockery should not surprise us, recognizing that Christianity is often despised in today's society, much like it was in the past. This led us to question whether we have placed too much trust in worldly leaders and politics, rather than keeping our focus on Christ and His teachings.
We were called to repentance, to reflect on whether we have treated the Lord's Supper and our faith with the reverence they deserve. Instead of responding with outrage, we were encouraged to use this opportunity to deepen our love for the Holy Supper and to pray for those who mock our faith. We were reminded of the beauty and holiness of the Lord's Supper, the body and blood of Christ given for us, and the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus amidst trials.
We concluded with a call to rejoice in the face of mockery, knowing that our ultimate joy will be realized when Christ returns in glory. We were urged to lift our heads, stay awake, and remain steadfast in our faith, as our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. We then continued with the Confession of Faith, the Apostles' Creed, and prayers for our community and the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Expect Trials and Rejoice in Suffering: As Christians, we should not be surprised by trials and sufferings. Instead, we should rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings, knowing that God's glory rests upon us. This perspective helps us endure hardships with faith and hope. [12:24]
2. Worldly Mockery of Faith: The recent mockery of the Lord's Supper by Olympic organizers highlights the growing disdain for Christianity in society. This should not surprise us, as the world has always been hostile to the faith. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our beliefs. [13:17]
3. Self-Reflection and Repentance: We must examine whether we have placed too much trust in worldly leaders and politics, rather than keeping our focus on Christ. This calls for repentance and a renewed commitment to treating the Lord's Supper and our faith with the reverence they deserve. [15:04]
4. Responding to Mockery with Prayer: Instead of responding to mockery with outrage, we should use it as an opportunity to deepen our love for the Holy Supper and to pray for those who mock our faith. This reflects Christ's teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. [16:07]
5. Rejoicing in the Face of Mockery: We are called to rejoice in the face of mockery, knowing that our ultimate joy will be realized when Christ returns in glory. This perspective helps us stay focused on our eternal hope and remain steadfast in our faith amidst trials. [19:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Morning Prayer
[1:15] - Hymn 743
[2:00] - Reading from 1 Peter 4
[3:00] - Reflection on Trials and Sufferings
[12:24] - Mockery of the Lord's Supper
[13:17] - Reactions within the Church
[14:11] - Complacency and Trust in Worldly Leaders
[15:04] - Call to Repentance
[16:07] - Responding with Prayer
[17:04] - Deepening Love for the Holy Supper
[17:55] - Rejoicing in Mockery
[18:59] - Encouragement to Stay Steadfast
[20:56] - Confession of Faith
[22:07] - Prayers for the Community
[24:20] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 4:12-14 - "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. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Peter 4:12-14 say about the trials and sufferings Christians should expect? How are we encouraged to respond to these trials?
2. According to the sermon, how did the Olympic organizers mock the Lord's Supper, and what were some of the reactions within the church? [13:17]
3. What does the sermon suggest about our trust in worldly leaders and politics compared to our focus on Christ? [15:04]
4. How does the sermon propose we respond to mockery of our faith, and what biblical principle does this reflect? [16:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter tell believers not to be surprised by trials and sufferings? How does this perspective help us endure hardships? [12:24]
2. What does the mockery of the Lord's Supper by the Olympic organizers reveal about society's view of Christianity today? How does this compare to historical attitudes towards the faith? [13:17]
3. In what ways might Christians today place too much trust in worldly leaders and politics? How does this affect our faith and focus on Christ? [15:04]
4. How can responding to mockery with prayer and love for the Holy Supper deepen our faith and witness to others? [16:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or suffering you have faced. How did you respond, and how might you apply Peter's encouragement to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings in the future? [12:24]
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed mockery of your faith? How did it make you feel, and how did you respond? What might you do differently next time? [13:17]
3. Consider your current trust in worldly leaders and politics. Are there areas where you need to shift your focus back to Christ and His teachings? How can you make this shift practically? [15:04]
4. Think of someone who has mocked your faith or beliefs. How can you pray for them and show them love, following Christ's example? [16:07]
5. How can you deepen your love and reverence for the Holy Supper in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of its beauty and holiness? [17:04]
6. In what ways can you rejoice in the face of mockery, knowing that your ultimate joy will be realized when Christ returns? How can this perspective help you stay steadfast in your faith? [19:52]
7. Reflect on the importance of staying awake and remaining steadfast in your faith. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually vigilant and prepared for Christ's return? [19:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Rejoicing in Trials and Sufferings
As Christians, we are called to expect trials and sufferings as part of our journey. 1 Peter 4 reminds us not to be surprised by these challenges but to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings. This perspective helps us endure hardships with faith and hope, knowing that God's glory rests upon us. When we face difficulties, it is an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and to experience His presence in a profound way. By embracing our sufferings, we can find joy in the midst of pain, knowing that we are participating in the life of Christ.
In today's world, it is easy to become disheartened by the trials we face. However, we must remember that these challenges are not a sign of God's absence but rather an invitation to deepen our faith. As we navigate through life's difficulties, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the ultimate suffering for our sake. By doing so, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere, knowing that our trials are temporary and that our ultimate joy will be realized when Christ returns in glory. [12:24]
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 trial or suffering you have faced. How can you find joy in this experience by seeing it as an opportunity to share in Christ's sufferings?
Day 2: Recognizing Worldly Mockery of Faith
The recent mockery of the Lord's Supper by Olympic organizers highlights the growing disdain for Christianity in society. This should not surprise us, as the world has always been hostile to the faith. Throughout history, Christians have faced persecution and ridicule for their beliefs. In today's society, this hostility may manifest in different ways, but the underlying sentiment remains the same. As followers of Christ, we must remain vigilant and steadfast in our beliefs, even when the world mocks and despises us.
It is important to remember that our faith is not dependent on the approval of the world. Instead, we are called to stand firm in our convictions and to trust in God's promises. When we encounter mockery and disdain, let us respond with grace and humility, knowing that our ultimate reward is not found in this world but in the eternal kingdom of God. By keeping our focus on Christ, we can navigate through the challenges of living in a hostile world with confidence and hope. [13:17]
John 15:18-19 (ESV): "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
Reflection: How do you respond when you encounter mockery or disdain for your faith? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in your beliefs despite societal pressures?
Day 3: Self-Reflection and Repentance
We must examine whether we have placed too much trust in worldly leaders and politics, rather than keeping our focus on Christ. This calls for repentance and a renewed commitment to treating the Lord's Supper and our faith with the reverence they deserve. It is easy to become complacent and to rely on worldly systems for security and guidance. However, as Christians, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His teachings. By reflecting on our priorities, we can identify areas where we may have strayed from our faith and seek God's forgiveness.
Repentance is not just about acknowledging our shortcomings but also about making a conscious effort to realign our lives with God's will. This involves a daily commitment to living out our faith with integrity and reverence. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with Christ and experience the fullness of His grace and love. Let us take this opportunity to examine our hearts and to recommit ourselves to following Christ wholeheartedly. [15:04]
James 4:8-10 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you placed too much trust in worldly leaders or systems? How can you realign your focus on Christ and His teachings today?
Day 4: Responding to Mockery with Prayer
Instead of responding to mockery with outrage, we should use it as an opportunity to deepen our love for the Holy Supper and to pray for those who mock our faith. This reflects Christ's teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. When we encounter ridicule and disdain, our natural reaction may be to respond with anger or defensiveness. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with love and compassion, even towards those who oppose us.
By praying for those who mock our faith, we are following the example of Jesus, who prayed for His persecutors even as He was being crucified. This act of love and forgiveness can have a powerful impact, not only on those who mock us but also on our own hearts. It helps us to cultivate a spirit of humility and grace, and to see others through the eyes of Christ. Let us take this opportunity to pray for those who oppose our faith, and to ask God to soften their hearts and draw them closer to Him. [16:07]
Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV): "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Reflection: Think of someone who has mocked or ridiculed your faith. Can you take a moment to pray for them today, asking God to bless them and draw them closer to Him?
Day 5: Rejoicing in the Face of Mockery
We are called to rejoice in the face of mockery, knowing that our ultimate joy will be realized when Christ returns in glory. This perspective helps us stay focused on our eternal hope and remain steadfast in our faith amidst trials. When we encounter ridicule and disdain, it can be easy to become discouraged and to lose sight of our ultimate goal. However, by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can find joy and encouragement even in the midst of adversity.
Our hope is not in the approval of the world but in the promise of eternal life with Christ. By rejoicing in the face of mockery, we are demonstrating our trust in God's promises and our confidence in His ultimate victory. Let us take this opportunity to lift our heads, stay awake, and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. [19:52]
Romans 5:3-5 (ESV): "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Reflection: How can you find joy in the face of mockery and adversity? What steps can you take to stay focused on your eternal hope and remain steadfast in your faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "You should expect to suffer for the name of Jesus. When he is mocked, you are mocked. When he is insulted, you are insulted. And so perhaps instead of limp outrage, we can begin to pray for our enemies. Father, forgive them. I say to you, be glad that attention has been drawn to the Lord's Supper. While they meant it for mocking and cruel jesting, the Lord can use it for good for you, to remind you of the Holy Supper's beauty and holiness." [16:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Think on him who took on your flesh in the Blessed Virgin. Think on him who suffered cruel mocking at the hands of sinners, was crowned with thorns, was lifted up on the cross. Think of him who rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sit at the right hand of the Father to rule all things for your good. You are never out of his mind." [17:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This blood, if taken rightly, drives away devils and keeps them far from us, while it calls the angels and the Lord of angels to us. For wherever they see the Lord's blood, devils flee and the angels run together. Don't be surprised, brothers and sisters. These things are not strange to us, and they are not strange to our fathers before us." [19:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I say to you, rejoice in the mocking aimed at your Savior. Your rejoicing will be still greater when he appears in his glory and comes with his angels to take you to the place that he has prepared for you. Lift up your heads. You know the time that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep, for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed it." [20:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Have we put too much trust in princes, in red and blue politics, in the next election, and not kept our Lord first? Has the name of the Lord, been kept holy out among us, outside the Sunday morning service? Has his word been kept sacred among us? Or have we trusted more in the words of our so-called leaders, local and national, who have worked to tear down what our forefathers built?" [15:04] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know your sin. You know your need for forgiveness. Don't let the pagans make you ashamed of that. Don't let them drive you to outrage and hate. Look to Jesus. Use this time for fixing your eyes upon him. Use this as an opportunity to rejoice in the gift and renew your love for it. What a good opportunity to talk about others to Jesus and his gifts." [17:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Let us return from the table like lions breathing fire, having become terrible to the devil, thinking on our head and on the love that he has shown for us. Our Lord says, I will live with my own flesh, desiring that you be nobly born and holding forth good hopes for your future. I have willed to become your brother. For your sake, I shared in flesh and blood." [18:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This blood causes the image of our King to be fresh within us. It produces a beauty unspeakable. It prevents the nobleness of our souls from wasting away. It nourishes our souls and works in them a mighty power." [19:52] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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