lesson eight unjust suffering

Transcription

1 lesson eight unjust suffering 1 Peter 3:13 4:19 Memory Verse: Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:15 16, HCSB Reflection: Imagine you live in the first century and have lost your job, your home, and perhaps some members your family because of your faith in Christ. How would Peter s words minister to you? Suffering The suffering [Gk pascho to experience pain, suffering, affliction, vexation; 120x in the New Testament; 16x in 1 Peter] of Christ was profound as He was scourged, beaten, blasphemed, ridiculed, rejected, brutally nailed through His hands and feet to a cross, pierced with a Roman spear, and separated from God the Father, personally bearing the penalty due the cumulative sins of the entire world, and dying an excruciatingly painful death on the cross. Christ s suffering set the pattern for believers. Christ s Example in Suffering Principle Christ s Example Biblical Instruction Be Like Christ Be Patient Be Prayerful Do Not Sin For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21) Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him (1 Timothy 1:16) Christ s High Priestly Prayer (John 17) Christ committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22) Christ was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21) Share the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:13) Suffer as a Christian (1 Peter 4:16) Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith (Hebrews 12:1 2) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) Suffer patiently, for this finds favor with God (1 Peter 2:20) He who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding (Proverbs 17:27 28) Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6) Suffer for righteousness sake (1 Peter 3:14) Suffer for doing what is right (1 Peter 3:17) Not suffer as a murderer (1 Peter 4:15) Lay aside sin (Hebrews 12:1) continued on next page... 62

2 Learn Obedience Do Not Be Ashamed Glorify God Be Silent and Control your Tongue Do Not Be Anxious Do Not Fear Trust God Humble Yourself Before God Rejoice in the Lord Persevere Remember Suffering Is Temporary Remember the Glorious Future continued on next page... Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered (Hebrews 5:8) Becoming obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:8) Through the obedience of the One (Romans 5:19) Christ endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1 2) I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do (John 17:4) Christ did not revile in return and uttered no threats (1 Peter 2:23) He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth (Isaiah53:7) Christ kept entrusting Himself to God who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23) Christ was not fearful, but calmly predicted His sufferings to come (Mark 10:32 34; Matthew 16:21) Christ kept entrusting Himself to God (1 Peter 2:23) Christ humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5 11) Christ for the joy set before Him endured the cross and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1 2) Christ endured the cross (Hebrews 12:1 2) Christ suffered once for sins (1 Peter 3:18) Christ s suffering was followed by glory (1 Peter 1:11; 5:1) We must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29) And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation (Hebrews 5:9) For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day (2 Timothy 1:12) In all things God may be glorified (1 Peter 4:11) Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:20) He who restrains his words has knowledge (Proverbs 17:27 28) Be ready to make a defense with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15) Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:6 7) Do not be anxious (Matthew 6:25) Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6) Do not fear their intimidation (1 Peter 3:14) God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7) Let those who suffer entrust their souls to a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19) Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6 7) Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16) Rejoice in the Lord always! (Philippians 4:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings (Colossians 1:24) Bear up under sorrows, endure grief (1 Peter 2:19) After you have suffered for a little while (1 Peter 5:10) the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Peter 5:10) 63

3 Suffering is never a pleasant experience. However, the benefits that Christ s suffering achieved were profound: God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Christian s suffering produces incredible benefits, as well: Suffering refines character (Romans 5:3 11) Suffering perfects faith (Hebrews 12:1 2) Suffering pleases God (1 Peter 2:20) Suffering enables us to comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:3 4) Suffering will be followed by glory (1 Peter 1:11; 5:1, 10) Suffering for righteousness will be blessed (1 Peter 3:14) And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10 NASB) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10 NASB). * For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 NASB Please see additional discussion regarding Prayer in Appendix B. 64

4 day one Read 1 Peter 3:13 4:19 1. The main theme of this passage is suffering because of Christian faith. Summarize this passage in a short paragraph. 2. What do the following verses say about fear, suffering, and blessing? How are the three related? 1 Peter 3:13 22 Matthew 5:3 11 Matthew 10:28 3. Sharing: In John 16:33, Jesus said, You will have suffering in this world. Are you going through a trial right now? In what ways have you experienced blessings in the midst of your suffering? 4. Read through the Word Box on Suffering. How did Christ s example of suffering strengthen or challenge your perspective on suffering? Memory Verse: Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:15 16, HCSB 65

5 days two and three Read 1 Peter 3: According to this passage, how should Christians respond to unjust suffering? a. How can we cultivate such attitudes and behaviors? b. List some results of such attitudes and behaviors. 2. In what ways can your behavior during suffering influence others? 3. How would you prepare yourself to defend the hope that is in you? 4. Sharing: Have you ever had the opportunity to defend your Christian faith? What was the outcome? 5. In what ways do we suffer for doing what is right (or good, verse 17)? Can you think of some examples? 66

6 6. Whose example should we follow? Why? 7. What were the results of Christ s suffering? 8. Read the Word Box again. Which of the benefits of suffering mentioned at the end means the most to you at this point in time? 9. Sharing: Reflect on your current trial. a. In what sense can you identify with Christ in His suffering (despised, rejected, betrayed, humiliated, physical and emotional pain, crucifixion, etc.)? b. Reflect on the blessings that followed Christ s suffering. What blessings could come out of your suffering? Digging Deeper: Read 1 Peter 3: a. Read verses and Genesis 6. Write down your thoughts concerning what Peter said, He also went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison. b. Read verse 21, Romans 6:3 5, Galatians 3:27, and Colossians 2:12. What do these verses say about the relationship between salvation and baptism? 67

7 day four Read 1 Peter 4: Read Romans 6:1 14 with this passage. How should we live in light of these passages? Give practical examples. 2. In what ways does our modern day culture remind you of the first century s culture? 3. How should we prepare ourselves in light of Christ s return? 4. What does Peter say is the purpose of living this way? 5. Sharing: How are you doing in living out your faith in these ways? Pick one area to pray about and be aware of this week. Memory Verse: Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:15 16, HCSB 68

8 day five Read 1 Peter 4: Describe the kind of suffering Peter is talking about here. 2. According to this passage, how should we respond to unjust suffering? 3. Read this passage with the following verses. Why do you suppose sharing in Christ s suffering results in joy? Philippians 3:10 Romans 8: Timothy 2:12 1 Peter 1:7; 5:1 4. Review chapters 3 and 4. What hopes and fears do the truths of 1 Peter 3 4 evoke in you? 5. What new insights about living in Christ have you gained from this lesson? How do you plan to apply them in your life? personal response to God Jesus Christ was despised, rejected, betrayed, mocked, spit on, stripped naked, distressed, slapped, flogged, humiliated, and crucified (Isaiah 53:3; Mark 14:17 21; Matthew 27:27 31; John 12:27, 18:22, 19:1). The righteous Son of God endured immense suffering in order to redeem you. Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God for Christ s redemptive ministry on your behalf. Are you going through unjust suffering? Do you feel rejected, betrayed, distressed, and humiliated? Jesus knows what you are going through, and He is here to help you. Talk to God about what you are going through. Father, Give me the strength to endure my suffering as Jesus did. Bring redemption out of my suffering. Not my will, but Your will be done (Luke 22:42). 69