Celebrate Suffering

ECC Sermon Study Guide
1 Peter 4:12-19

Introduction - Suffering catches us by surprise. We know that the world is full of suffering, and yet for some reason we act shocked when it happens to us. This is especially true when we suffer for the sake of Jesus. We often assume that if we are living for God, he won’t let persecution happen to us. But Peter tells these suffering believers not to be surprised when they suffer for the name of Jesus. Instead, we should have a different reaction altogether.

READ 1 Peter 4:12-19

1. How should Christians respond to suffering for Jesus? How should Christians not respond? (v 12-13)

APPLICATION: In what ways have you experienced suffering for the name of Jesus, or for the sake of obeying God and doing what was right? How did you respond to the suffering?

2. What are some of the reasons Peter gives in this text for believers to rejoice in suffering for the name of Jesus?

3. In what sense is Christian suffering for Jesus a type of “judgment” on the “household of God?” (Hint: see v 12, and 1 Peter 1:6-7).

APPLICATION: In what ways does God test and purify us through suffering?

4. What is God’s road map for how to respond to suffering? (v 19)

APPLICATION: Is there an area in your life today where you need to be reminded that God is sovereign over your life? Where do you need to entrust your life to him and focus on obeying him?