THE THEME OF I PETER IS "HOW TO SUFFER", AND IT IS WRITTEN BY ONE WHO KNEW BY EXPERIENCE

1. "Beloved"- v.12 is an affectionate address- to comfort, to share in the experience,- to love
2. Peter had stumbled when the Lord had prophesied His own suffering-& Peter had been called Satan
3. He had suffered much for his own sins- and he had learned to suffer for Christ- and he wanted us to understand suffering, its purpose, and difference us or Christ 

I.- SUFFERING IS THE RULE OF LIFE - I Peter 4:12a

Suffering is no accident- fills a vital role in life- II Tim 3:12 -that that live godly shall suffer

A.- BELOVED, THINK IT NOT STRANGE CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO COME - 12

1. Christians had not yet suffered martyrdom by burning - this was prophecy- & people fear fire -
2. Suffering reaches throughout life- chief theme of history, literature, poetry-songs;- etc.
3. It is necessary for shaping the soul-"He loveth much who suffereth much"- Coleridge- 

B.- THE BIBLE TELLS US THE KINDS OF SUFFERING THAT A CHRISTIAN CAN EXPECT - v. 13-14

1. Rejoice in that ye are partakers in Christ's suffering- He experienced it all, & knows
2. If ye be reproached-Matt 5:11,12- There are many different types of suffering-(later)
3. But if ye suffer as a Christian- v.16 few places where this word found- Check your suffering

C.- BUT LET NONE OF YOU SUFFER THE WRONG WAY FOR THE WRONG REASONS! v.15

1. This verse lists 4 ways- murderer, thief, evil doer, or as busybody! -these hurt others,& self
2. The Scriptures add quite a longer list- I Cor 5:9-10, these cause much suffering-& Hell too
3. If you suffer for these reasons- you have brought it upon yourself- & denied Christ-

The Bible is plain that we all shall taste of suffering- but make sure you do not cause it

II.- JUDGEMENT & SUFFERING WITH SAINTS - 4:17-19

When there is trouble, you may as well line up first- & get it over with- so shall it be

A.- THERE IS A JUDGEMENT TIME, AND IT HAS ALREADY BEGUN UPON THIS EARTH, AND IT SHALL CONTINUE

1. The Final Judgement after Death is yet to come- Last Wed, studied 7 Judgements-
2. But there is a judgement and a discipline that is active now, and begins with the Saints-
3. Heb 12:6 "Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth-" Not all suffering is punishment-but all can be turned to  Lord's glory -

B.- THE RIGHTEOUS (CHRISTIAN) WILL SCARCELY BE SAVED, BUT WHAT KIND OF SUFFERING? 18

1. There is much trouble today-many different ways- Accident-Lorna (no sympathy) Illness- Tina, Mildred; Legal-Mike Layton; or gossip-Like in Clifton-re Preacher & Happy
2. God does supply Grace but Christian just barely makes it- What of those who know not Grace?

C. IF YOU SUFFER IN GOD'S WILL, TURN THE KEEPING OF YOUR SOUL OVER TO HIM IN WELL DOING- v. 19

1. Instead of turning bitter, -let no root of bitterness rob you of your reward in suffering
2. Turn your heart to Christ- let each crisis drive you deeper into His grace & love- He understands
3. Be sure to glorify God (v.16) with actions, not words!- & when people see (not hear). v.14b

Suffering-like fasting- is not to be bragged on- but endured with quietness- 

III.- GOD HAS A PURPOSE IN SUFFERING - I Pet 5:10

The ministry of suffering has as great a purpose as any other ministry- and it speaks forcefully

A.- IT IS THE GOD OF ALL GRACE THAT HAS CALLED US INTO HIS ETERNAL GLORY- 5:10

1. Everyone in this world will have their share of suffering- but if you are saved- it has meaning
2. God has Saved us- and called us to a great heritage- we are children of the Almighty-
3. But before we are glorified there needs to be a few adjustments made on our personality-

B.- IT IS THROUGH SUFFERING THAT GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE US PERFECT TO BE FIT FOR HIS KINGDOM- v. 10b

1. Stablish you-Put your feet upon a rock- not just by faith, but by actual experience
2. Strengthen- For ordinary warfare, good food, exercise, rest- and meaningful drill- makes strong
3. Settle you- the picture of a house settled upon a good foundation- not easily blown away-

C.- REMEMBER THE PURPOSE AND DIRECTION OF SUFFERING* TO HIM BE THE GLORY! V. 11

1. We as a people have experienced little persecution, some suffering, but are ill equipped for it.
2. The real miracle of God is not DELIVERANCE FROM suffering- but deeper!- GRACE THROUGH SUFFERING
3. We must arm ourselves for the spiritual battle- 4:1 -it is coming, & Christ alone can help you

He has suffered every temptation and hurt for us! Does the servant deserve better than master?

PERSECUTION FIRES AND SUFFERING DIRECTLY FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST IS COMING, ARE YOU READY?

1. Do you really know Christ as your savior?  Are you sold out completely for Him?
2. Get into the Word- equip yourself during the times of ease- for the times coming- Ps. 55:22
3. You will need Christian friends - (only thing that saw us through in Cottonwood)