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"Suffering is Part of It!"
Question: As a Christian is there a benefit to our suffering?
I. Suffering moves our attention away from the world. (v. 12-15)
II. Suffering signifies that you are a follower of Christ. (v. 16-18)
III. Suffering draws us closer to Christ and His Kingdom. (v. 19)
Answer: Suffering moves our focus off of the world and on to the cross and its glory!
 Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”?
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
-The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Pe 4:12-19
Pastor Trevor
Nunn
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