CHRISTIAN SUFFERING

 
1 Peter 4:12-19 (NIV)
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery
12 

ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though

something strange were happening to you. 13 But
rejoice in as much as 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. 
 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be
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ashamed, but praise God that you bear that

name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with
God’s household; 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.
 What is suffering?
Suffering – the state of
undergoing pain, distress,
or hardship.
 What is suffering?
• It is an unpopular subject
• But suffering is a real part
of life
• Christians also have trials
 1. Don’t be surprised when you
suffer
1 Peter 4:12
12 
Dear friends, do not be
surprised at the fiery ordeal that
has come on you to test you, as
though something strange were
happening to you. 
• Some thought that
salvation meant no more
trials.
• Christians have trials
because we live in sinful
world.
 Ephesians 6:11-12
Put on the full armor of God, so that you
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can take your stand against the devil’s

schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the
powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms.
We are not storm-free
but storm-proof.
 II. Rejoice when you suffer
1 Peter 4:13-14
13 
But rejoice in as much as 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.
Tough times help us to experience true
joy.
Examples of trials/sufferings
• Family problems (relationships, marriage,
financial, etc.)
• Physical, emotional, mental and even
spiritual
• Health issues
• Natural calamity
• Persecution
 God is not the cause of suffering; He is the
author of good.

But Christian trials are

different:
• We are not suffering alone
• Other Christian stand with
us in suffering
• We have the day of glory
ahead
Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that
the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which
shall be revealed in us.
• We can find joy in jeopardy
Acts 16:25 – and at midnight Paul
and Silas prayed and sang praises
unto God: and the prisoners heard
them
• Even in our darkest hours, Christ
is working with us.
 III. Don’t bring suffering upon
yourselves
1 Peter 4:15
15 
If you suffer, it should not be as a
murderer or thief or any other kind
of criminal, or even as a meddler. 
• Sometimes Christians engage
in habits or practices that bring
suffering
• Sometimes our suffering is the
result of our decision
Meddler or troublesome meddler –
it means busybodies seeking out
sins of others.
• Doing good = reward
• Doing wrong = punishment
Make necessary life changes to
avoid bringing suffering upon
yourself.
 IV. Don’t be ashamed when you
suffer
1 Peter 4:16-19
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 God’s household; 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.
• Suffering for Christ’s sake is not only for the
glory of God, but for our own good.
• Suffering for Christ’s sake proves and improves
our faith.
• Suffering now is an encouragement because
we know we are not among those whose
suffering comes later.
• Suffering for the name of Christ, we
experience a greater sense of union and
intimacy with God.
 Why does God allow suffering?
1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while you may have had to suffer grief in various
trials, so that the proven character of your faith
—more precious than gold, which perishes even
though refined by fire—may result in praise,
glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus
Christ.
RECAP:
I. Don’t be surprised when you suffer
II. Rejoice when you suffer
III.Don’t bring suffering upon
yourselves
IV.Don’t be ashamed when you suffer
For your faith is in Christ Jesus
CONCLUSION:
• Trust the Lord when you suffer
• Suffering now but glory later
• It is an honor to suffer because of our faith
• Tough times help us to re-examine our
hearts
• Pain is real. Suffering is real
But the cross is also real.