Sunday School Lesson July 5, 2020

Subject: The Joy Arising from Our Hope

The Point: Suffering for Christ can deepen our walk with Him.

The Passage: 1 Peter 4:1-2, 12-19

Study The Bible: 1 Peter 4:1-2

1). In the face of suffering, think like Christ.

1. Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding—because the one who suffers in the flesh is finished with sin—
2. in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.

Lasting truths from 1 Peter 4:1-2

• When we made the choice to follow Christ, it meant that we would faithfully follow Him no matter the cost or consequences.
• The disciples learned the important lesson of suffering for the name of Christ.
• When we depend on the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, then we too can be prepared to suffer in the flesh.
• The disciples no longer wanted to live for themselves but for Christ.

1 Peter 4:12-14

2). In the face of suffering, rejoice in Christ.

12. Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.
13. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.
14. If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Lasting truths from 1 Peter 4:12-14

• Peter did not want his readers to be alarmed or surprised when they experienced suffering as a follower of Jesus.
• Peter wanted us to know that believers may share in Christ’s sufferings now, but they will also share in His glory later.
• No matter how people treat us as messengers of the gospel, we have received power from the Holy Spirit to testify about the Son of God.

1 Peter 4:15-19

3). In the face of suffering give glory to God.

15. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.
16. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.
17. For the time has come for judgement to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?
18. And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?
19. So them, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.

Lasting truths from 1 Peter 4:15-19

• When we suffer, we must make sure it is for righteousness rather than wrongdoing.
• When we look forward in faith to the second coming of Christ, we know believers that have been persecuted will ultimately be vindicated.
• Our current trial of suffering does not compare with the eternal punishment that unbelievers will experience some day.
• Peter instructed all followers of Jesus to commend themselves to God and do good.