Keys to Victorious Suffering

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 1:24-2:1

Paul shares with the Colossians how he rejoices in his suffering not to gain their pity but to alleviate their distress. He gives them three keys to victorious suffering. First, we can endure suffering because God has revealed to us where history is headed. Second, we know we each have a unique role to play in God's plan. Third, we have access to God's power.

Problems with Authority

Scott Risley
1 Peter 2:13-25

Passages that call us to submit to the governing authorities can be difficult to hear with our modern ears. We bristle at the idea of submitting to fallen institutions. Although our authority system is temporarily out of order, one day God will set up the government we have always longed for. For now, we have to follow Jesus' example and keep on trusting the Father.

Believers Under Pressure

Dennis McCallum
1 Peter 2:11-24

Since believers are living as foreigners in a hostile world, we should not give in to the temptations of our flesh as the world does, but we should be different. Our good deeds should set us apart and silence those who slander us. If we bear up under unjust suffering for the sake of the gospel, this finds favor with God. We have been called to follow Jesus' example of suffering for the sake of others. By His wounds, many are healed.

Living in a War Zone

Scott Risley
1 Peter 2:11-12

Christians live as foreigners in a hostile land. Jesus warned us that since the world hated him, they will hate us as well. For the sake of our own soul and for the sake of our witness, Peter exhorts believers to abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against our souls. We can overcome evil with good and silence foolish men by letting them see our good deeds.

Readiness to Suffer

Ben Foust
1 Peter 4:1-17

Peter seeks to encourage a group of Christians who are undergoing a "fiery ordeal"--persecution for their decision to follow Christ. Peter acknowledges that the will of God may involve suffering, but it will bring us to the purpose that God has created us for--helping reconcile the world to God--and should not be resisted or come as a surprise. We can embrace it with joy, knowing it will refine us and our faith.

What's So Great about Christianity?

James Rochford
1 Peter 1:1-12

Everything in this life is perishable, defiled, and fading away. But we rejoice because we have obtained an inheritance that is eternal, imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away. We can endure trials and suffering in this life because we have a salvation that results in us having praise and glory and honor at the appearing of Christ. We never have to doubt God's love for us. Our slate has been wiped clean and our place in eternity is secure. God will heap such rewards on us that we can't fathom the magnitude of what we are going to experience in that day.

Revealing God's Rescue

Scott Risley
1 Peter 1:1-9

Although we will go through various trials in this life, God does have a recue plan for those who believe in him. While this world is passing away and Christ could come back at any moment, God works through our suffering to reveal himself to us and through us. Through this refining work of suffering, the proof of our faith is revealed and will ultimately result in our praise and glory and honor.

A Life of Inexpressible Joy

Conrad Hilario
1 Peter 1:1-9

Upon receiving Christ, we become chosen by God, we have an imperishable inheritance, and we have incredible security in our salvation. God desires we obey him for the long term out of love and not out of fear for the short term. I response to his incredible gifts and our security in him, we can live a life of inexpressible joy, and courage even through times of difficult trials.

Participating in Christ's Suffering

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:24-29

Participating in the suffering of Christ involves counting the cost of the pain of living in interdependent community, knowing the purpose of that pain and receiving the prize of following him, that is, joy. The experience of joy is directly related to the value of the object of joy, the incomparable Christ.