Xenos Christian Fellowship Freedom Through the Love of

Xenos Christian Fellowship “Freedom Through the Love of Christ” “Suffer -- For Purpose” 1 Peter 4. . March 26, 2006 Terry Alesnik.

1 Peter 4: 1 -2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1 Peter 4: 1 -2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1 Peter 4: 1 -2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. • Why Did Christ Suffer in the Flesh ? ?

1 Peter 4: 1 -2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2) so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. • Why Did Christ Suffer in the Flesh ? ?

Christ Suffered for Purpose 1 Pet 3: 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; Mark 10: 45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. "

Christ Suffered for Purpose 1 Pet 2: 21 -24 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22) who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23) and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24) and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Christ Suffered for Purpose 1 Pet 2: 21 -24 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22) who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23) and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24) and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

Christ Suffered for Purpose 2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. John 6: 38 -39 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39) "This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

1 Peter 4: 1 -2 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 1 Peter 2: 9 But you are a chosen race, a 2) so as to live the rest of the time in the royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but God's own possession, so that you may for the will of God. proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

We Share His Purpose 2 Cor. 5: 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

We will be Persecuted John 15: 18 -21 "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19) "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out Tim 3: 12 because Indeed, allthe who desire live of 2 the world, of this world hatesto you. 20) godly in the Christ willtobe persecuted. "Remember word. Jesus that I said you, 'A slave is not greater than his master. ' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21) "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.

We will be Persecuted • No One Willingly Suffers for Nothing. • We Will Persevere thru Almost Anything to Pursue Purpose. • Christ was Persecuted for His Purpose. • We Will Be Persecuted for His Purpose.

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 • We Live in a Fallen World: The Whole Creation Suffers Rom 8: 22 • Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Birth Defects, Cancer, Hatred & War, Greed & Poverty, Broken Relationships, Rebellion Against God. -- We Will Suffer Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 1 Peter 4: 12

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 • We are in"The a Spiritual War Against a things Luke 9: 22 -24 Son of Man must suffer many Eph and. Spiritual be rejected. Enemy by the elders and 6: 12 chief priests and • He hates Godand andbe. Everything Loves scribes, and be killed raised up on. God the third day. " (People). 23) And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to • after He Rules -- for now. 1 Jn come Me, he. This must. World deny himself, and take up 5: 19 his cross daily Purpose and followis. Me. 24) "For whoever • God’s to Save People out wishes of this to save. Fallen his life. Broken will lose. World. it, but whoever loses his life for My • sake, he is Persecution the one who will save it. God’s Purpose. Brings Against • Challenge to Take up our Cross -- To Pursue God’s Purpose.

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 • Focus on the Purpose but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 1 Peter 4: 13

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 • Focus on the Purpose fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3) For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 2 -3

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 • Focus on the Purpose Philippians 1: 14 …. most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 • Focus on the Purpose 1 Peter 1: 6 -7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7) so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 • Focus on the Purpose Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1: 13

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 • Focus on the Purpose …. and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41) So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. Acts 5: 40 -41

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 • Suffering Indicates Effectiveness for God’s Purpose If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 1 Peter 4: 14

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 • Suffering Indicates Effectiveness for God’s Purpose "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: 10

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 • Suffering Indicates Effectiveness for God’s Purpose Luke 6: 22 -23 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 23) "Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 • Glorify God but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 1 Peter 4: 16

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 • Glorify God • It is a Privilege to Suffer for Him. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, Philippians 1: 29

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 5. 5. Trust a Faithful Creator. v. 19 • A Decision of my Will to Trust God. 11 Peter 4: 19 2: 23 and Therefore, while being those reviled, also who He did suffer not revile according in return; to the while willsuffering, of God shall He entrust utteredtheir no threats, souls to but a faithful kept entrusting Creator in doing Himself what to is Him right. who judges righteously;

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 5. 5. Trust a Faithful Creator. v. 19 • A Decision of my Will to Trust God. • Spiritual Struggle in our Heart. • Do I believe God is Good ? ?

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 5. 5. Trust a Faithful Creator. v. 19 • A Decision of my Will to Trust God. • Spiritual Struggle in our Heart. • Do I believe God is Good ? ? • Vulnerable to Temptation. • To Change My Circumstance • To Numb the Pain

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 5. 5. Trust a Faithful Creator. v. 19 • A Decision of my Will to Trust God. • Opportunity for Tremendous Growth. • Relationships • Character

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. want 14 you 2 Corinthians 1: 8 -9 For we do not 4. not bebrethren, Ashamed. to 4. be. Do unaware, of ourv. 16 affliction 5. 5. Trust Creator. v. 19 which came ato. Faithful us in Asia, that we were excessively, beyond our. God. strength, • burdened A Decision of my Will to Trust so • that we despaired of life; 9) indeed, Opportunity for even Tremendous Growth. we had the sentence of death within • Relationships ourselves so that we would not trust in • Character ourselves, but in God who raises the dead;

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2 Corinthians 4: 16 -18 Therefore we do not 2. lose. Rejoice. heart, butv. 13 though our outer man is 3. Suffering is ainner Blessing. v. want 14 you decaying, yet 1: 8 -9 our mandoisnot being 2 Corinthians For we 4. not bebrethren, Ashamed. v. 16 renewed day by day. 17) of Forour momentary, to 4. be. Do unaware, affliction light affliction is forwe us were anv. 19 eternal 5. 5. Trust Creator. which came ato. Faithful usproducing in Asia, that of excessively, glory comparison, burdened beyond our. God. strength, • weight A Decision offar mybeyond Will toall Trust 18) while we look not at the things which are so • that we despaired even of life; 9) indeed, Opportunity for Tremendous Growth. seen, butthe at sentence thingsofwhich are not seen; we had death within • Relationships for the things which seennot are trust temporal, ourselves so that weare would in • Character but the things arewho not raises seen are ourselves, butwhich in God theeternal. dead;

Peter’s Attitudes for Suffering Arm Yourselves also with this same purpose. v. 1 1. Do not be Surprised. v. 12 2. Rejoice. v. 13 3. Suffering is a Blessing. v. 14 4. 4. Do not be Ashamed. v. 16 5. 5. Trust a Faithful Creator. v. 19

Xenos Christian Fellowship “Freedom Through the Love of Christ” “Suffer -- For Purpose” 1 Peter 4. . March 26, 2006 Terry Alesnik.