Upon This Rock #8: Peter the Suffering Servant

This morning, we reflected on what it truly means to live a life worth living—not one measured by health, safety, or even longevity, but by faithfulness to Christ, even in the face of suffering. As we approach Advent, I encouraged us to consider who God might be prompting us to invite into this season of hope, recognizing that our simple invitations can be the means by which others encounter Christ.

We looked at the life of Peter, a man whose journey from impulsive disciple to faithful leader is marked by transformation through suffering. Peter’s story is deeply relatable; he once resisted suffering, denied Jesus to avoid pain, and expected a transactional relationship with God. Yet, decades later, he writes to persecuted Christians with a radically different perspective: suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or displeasure, but a means by which our faith is refined and our hope in Christ is deepened.

Peter’s faith was no longer rooted in tradition or law, but in the resurrection of Jesus—a living hope that transcends present pain. He calls us to rejoice, not because suffering is pleasant, but because it is temporary and purposeful. Like the pains of childbirth that lead to new life, our trials prepare us for an eternal inheritance that cannot perish or fade. Peter reminds us that Christianity is not merely a philosophy or belief system, but a relationship with the risen Christ, whom we love and trust even though we have not seen him.

Suffering, Peter teaches, is inevitable for followers of Jesus. It is not something to be avoided at all costs, but embraced as part of our calling. Through suffering, we are drawn into deeper fellowship with Christ, sharing in his sufferings so that we might also share in his glory. We are not to retaliate or seek comfort above all else, but to endure with hope, knowing that our present trials are producing in us a faith more precious than gold.

The examples of faithful believers—both past and present—challenge us to suffer well, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who suffered for us and left us an example to follow. May we, like Peter, be transformed by our trials, finding joy and purpose in the hope of resurrection and the promise of glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Suffering is inevitable for Christ’s followers Jesus never promised a life free from hardship; in fact, he warned that his followers would face trouble and persecution. Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but a mark of our identification with Christ. Rather than being surprised or discouraged, we are called to embrace suffering as part of our journey with Jesus, trusting that he has overcome the world. [23:12]
• 2. Suffering transforms us and gives kingdom perspective Pain and loss strip away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency, drawing us into deeper dependence on God. In suffering, we are refined, our faith is tested, and our priorities are realigned toward eternal things. This kingdom perspective enables us to rejoice, not in the pain itself, but in the hope and glory that suffering produces in us. [25:51]
• 3. Suffering is an invitation to deeper fellowship with Christ When we endure hardship for the sake of Christ, we share in his sufferings and experience a unique intimacy with him. This fellowship is not about seeking pain, but about recognizing that our trials unite us with the One who suffered supremely for us. In this, we find blessing, strength, and the assurance that our suffering is not wasted but redeemed for God’s glory. [27:47]
• 4. Jesus models and invites us to suffer well Christ’s response to suffering was not retaliation or self-preservation, but humble endurance and trust in the Father. He calls us to follow in his footsteps, bearing witness to God’s love and faithfulness even when treated unjustly. Suffering well is not passive resignation, but active faith that looks beyond present pain to the joy and glory that await. [32:49]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:34] - Football and Community Life
• [01:11] - Advent Invitation and Evangelism
• [02:36] - Health, Safety, and the Meaning of Life
• [03:54] - Peter’s Journey: From Zealot to Servant
• [05:12] - The Struggle with Suffering
• [06:59] - Peter’s Past: Avoiding Suffering
• [08:14] - Peter’s Letters: A New Perspective
• [09:29] - The Resurrection: Foundation of Hope
• [10:45] - Eternal Inheritance and Perspective
• [12:00] - Suffering and the Analogy of Childbirth
• [14:46] - Rejoicing Amidst Trials
• [15:57] - The Purpose of Suffering
• [17:15] - Faith, Joy, and the Unseen Christ
• [19:50] - Suffering as Participation in Christ
• [21:12] - Historical Persecution of Christians
• [23:12] - Three Lessons from Peter on Suffering
• [25:51] - Suffering’s Transformative Power
• [27:47] - Fellowship with Christ in Suffering
• [29:05] - Responding to Suffering Like Jesus
• [32:49] - Examples of Suffering Well
• [34:48] - Peter’s Legacy and Final Prayer

Bible Reading

1 Peter 1:3-9 (ESV) — > 3 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,
> 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
> 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
> 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
> 7 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.
> 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
> 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 4:12-16 (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.

John 16:33 (ESV) — > 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 1:3-9, what is the foundation of the hope that Peter describes? How does he connect this hope to suffering? ([09:29])
2. In 1 Peter 4:12-16, what attitude does Peter encourage believers to have when they face suffering or trials? ([19:50])
3. What are some specific examples of suffering that Peter and the early Christians experienced, as mentioned in the sermon? ([21:56])
4. How does Jesus describe the reality of suffering for his followers in John 16:33? ([24:28])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Peter say that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or displeasure, but rather a way our faith is refined? How does this challenge common assumptions about suffering? ([08:50])
2. What does it mean to have a “living hope” through the resurrection of Jesus, especially in the context of pain and loss? ([09:29])
3. The sermon mentions that suffering can lead to deeper fellowship with Christ. What might this look like in real life? ([27:47])
4. Peter calls believers to rejoice in suffering, not because it is pleasant, but because it is purposeful. How does this perspective differ from how suffering is usually viewed in our culture? ([14:46])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to consider who God might be prompting us to invite into this Advent season of hope. Is there someone in your life you sense God nudging you to invite? What might be holding you back, and how could you take a step of faith this week? ([01:11])
2. Peter’s journey went from avoiding suffering to embracing it for Christ’s sake. Can you think of a time when you tried to avoid hardship or discomfort because of your faith? What would it look like to respond differently next time? ([07:34])
3. The sermon compared suffering to the pains of childbirth, which lead to new life. Is there a current trial or pain in your life that you can view differently in light of the hope and inheritance Peter describes? ([12:00])
4. When you face suffering or loss, do you tend to question God’s goodness or withdraw from him? How might you practice “rejoicing” or trusting God in the midst of your pain, as Peter encourages? ([14:46])
5. The sermon said suffering strips away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency. Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to stay in control? What would it look like to surrender those to God? ([26:29])
6. Peter and Jesus both modeled not retaliating or seeking comfort above all else, but enduring with hope. When you are treated unfairly or face hardship, what is your natural response? How could you follow Jesus’ example more closely? ([29:05])
7. The sermon highlighted examples of believers who “suffer well.” Who is someone you know (personally or from history) who has suffered well for Christ? What can you learn from their example, and how might it encourage you in your own journey? ([32:49])