1 Peter 4:12-19 | Sermon Resources | 16 February 2025
Summary
We are often surprised when hard times come. Suffering tends to blindside us. Peter, though, tells us not be surprised when these things happen but rather to rejoice because God has a purpose for them in our lives.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think we tend to be surprised by the trials that come into our lives as if they were “something strange”?
- How does this passage challenge the “prosperity gospel,” that is the teaching that if I have enough faith in God, I can live a painless life free from suffering?
- What might be the result in our spiritual lives if we do not expect to have to suffer?
- In the sermon Pastor Billy likened God’s judgment of Christians to a purifying fire (c.f. Malachi 3:1-3) that softens us so that we might be molded into the image of Christ. How is this a helpful way to understand Gods’ purpose for the “fiery trials” he allows to come into our lives?
- What does it mean to “rejoice insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings” (v. 13)? How can suffering deepen our relationship with Christ?
- Peter writes about the judgment of God in verses 17 and 18. What does it mean? How should it affect our daily walk with Christ?
- What did you find most challenging or encouraging in or study of the passage today?
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