Trials Aren't Strange

Sermon Text

1 Peter 4:12-14

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

• Believers should not treat persecution for Christ as strange, because Jesus did not promise an easy life and Scripture prepares his people for fiery trials.
• God is not absent or acting randomly in suffering; he uses trials to humble, expose sin, purify corruption, deepen faith, conform believers to Christ, and prepare them for glory.
• Peter speaks particularly of suffering that comes from identification with Jesus, not every hardship or the self-inflicted consequences of foolishness and sin.
• Christians can rejoice in such suffering because it deepens fellowship with Christ and points forward to exceeding joy when his glory is revealed.
• Christian joy does not deny real pain; it endures bitterness and grief by resting in God's spiritual consolation and the promised return of Jesus.
• Those reproached for Christ's name are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon them, giving courage and comfort to remain faithful.

• Do I assume that faithfulness to Christ should make life easier, or has Scripture prepared me for opposition?
• Is my present hardship connected to Christ, ordinary life in a broken world, or the consequences of my own choices?
• How might God use this trial to expose sin, deepen faith, loosen my attachment to the world, or prepare me for glory?
• Can I acknowledge the real pain of suffering while still seeking joy in Christ?
• Which comfort, possession, relationship, or status most competes with Jesus as the source of my joy?
• Where am I tempted to hide my faith because I fear ridicule or rejection?
• How does the Holy Spirit's presence change the way I face reproach for Christ's name?

Fiery trial

A painful test that God uses like a refining furnace to expose and purify faith.

Persecution

Rejection, slander, loss, imprisonment, or other suffering inflicted because a person belongs to and confesses Jesus Christ.

Fellowship in Christ's sufferings

A real bond with Jesus experienced when believers endure hostility for his name as he did.

Glory

The radiant majesty of Christ that will be openly revealed at his return and shared with his people.

Gospel courage

Spirit-given strength to identify with Christ and remain faithful when doing so brings reproach.

Counterfeit joy

Happiness tied to changing circumstances such as wealth, comfort, security, relationships, or status rather than to Christ.