1 Peter 4:12-19

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. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

When The Heat Is On

1. See God’s Hand in It

1 Peter 4:12
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.

Psalm 66:10
For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

We know…

When you go through suffering, God’s sovereignty is the pillow on which you can lay your head. (Charles Spurgeon)

…all things work together for good…

For those who love God, who are called according to His purpose…

1 Peter 4:12
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.

2. Realize God’s Heart In It

1 Peter 4:12
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you…

3. Trust That God Will Help You Through It

1 Peter 4:19
Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Peter 4:19
…let those who suffer according to God’s will…

Resources Cited

Grudem, Wayne. 1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 17. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.

Kelsey Marie Bowse, “Jonathan Roumie: I First Portrayed Jesus in My Long Island Backyard,” Ekstasis Magazine (12-21).

Schreiner, Thomas R. 1, 2 Peter, Jude. Vol. 37. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003.

Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Life. Grand Rapids, MI. Zondervan, 2002