How To Endure Suffering
READ 1 Peter 1
C. I. Scofield writes, “The distinctive note of First Peter is preparation for victory over suffering.” The idea of “suffering” occurs about fifteen times and is the keyword of the Epistle.
So how does one prepare for suffering?
1. Make Sure You Are Saved – vs. 1-2
In the end nothing else matters in life. Make sure you are saved.
2. Rejoice in the Provisions Associated with Salvation – vs. 3-5
Notice the sweet provisions which follow in verses 3-5. They are the result of the lively hope we have in our resurrected Saviour. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
3. Know That Trials Will Come – vs. 6-9
“…though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
God is a God of purpose, and He intends to strengthen our faith as we learn to endure through trials.
4. Know the Wonder and Greatness of Salvation – vs 10-12
The Old Testament prophets lacked a full understanding of salvation in those matters pertaining to the age of grace. The angels are even inquisitive about what we have in God’s great salvation.
5. Know How to Navigate Through Trials – vs. 13
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
· Gird up the loins of your mind.
· Be sober
· Hope to the end through the grace coming at the time of Christ’s revelation.
6. Focus on Being Obedient – vs. 14
“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.”
7. Focus on Living a Life of Holiness – vs. 15-16
“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How do you view today’s society in relation to Christianity?
2. Do you see our nation moving to a place of intolerance concerning Christianity? Explain.
3. How does girding up the loins of your mind apply to living victoriously in times of testing?
4. How does your life reflect holiness? What can you do to live more like Christ?