The Blessing of Suffering

Surviving Times of Suffering

1 Peter 1:6-9

 

The theme of 1 Peter is how a Christian can face troubles and sufferings in such a way that it turns us into something splendid instead of crushing us.  You can see the theme in many verses but in a nutshell, you see it in 1 Peter 1:11 when it talks about “the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.”  Jesus came to glory through suffering and we are not greater than our Master; why would we think it would be any different for us.  

 

Our wounds have significance because ________.

 

How do we deal with these challenges?

 

1. Rejoicing (v. 6)

 

Revelation 21:4

 

is the ultimate pandemic and it infects us all.  

 

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” ​​Romans 5:12

 

2 Corinthians 4

 

2. Trials (v. 7)

 

 

Although we don’t rejoice over the trial itself, we can rejoice over the result brought about.

 

2 Peter 3:7

 

James 1:2, 3

 

You don’t “get over,” you “” grief.

 

 

James 1:12

 

3. The joy of (vv. 8, 9)

 

“Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

John 20:29

 

Wisdom is seeing life from God’s .

 

“Everything is necessary that He sends; nothing can be necessary that He withholds.” ​​​​​​​ -John Newton

 

Whatever God allows into your life is there because it will teach you what God_

 

Things to remember:

 

• It’s only .  

 

• Review verses 1-5 and

 

“We bow in gratitude for his willingness to take the cup the Father gave him, a cup so immensely more bitter than the one he gives us [ever]. Shall we refuse the cup he gives us, or shall we grasp it with both hands, as it were, realizing it holds just what is most needful for our spiritual wholeness? Ours has been sweetened at the lip of sweet Jesus. We drink it—by trustful acceptance—and God transforms it for his glory. Thus our very suffering may become the substance of sacrifice—a love-offering to God and a sacrifice of praise.”

-Elisabeth Elliot

 

“[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope].” ​      Philippians 3:10 (Amplified)

 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Romans 5:3, 4

 

 

Daily Meditations

 

Memory verse: “These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” ​​​​​​​   1 Peter 1:7

 

Monday

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.  What did Peter tell his readers they may have to suffer? See verse 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare 1 Peter 1:7 to James 1:2-4, and give two reasons why God permits Christians to face troubles.

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.  According to verse 7, why had trials come to Peter’s audience?

 

 

 

 

 

 

What trials are you suffering, or have you suffered recently?

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.  In verse 7, what benefit is there in suffering?

 

 

Thursday

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.  What had Peter’s readers done even though they had not seen Jesus?  See verse 8.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

How have the trials you’ve been through strengthened and refined your faith?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.  What did Peter say was the goal of their faith in verse 9?

 

 

 

 

 

 

How have your trials prepared you for Christ’s coming?

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9.  According to verse 10, about what did the prophets speak and for what did they search?