SURVIVAL TIPS FOR SUFFERING SAINTS

I PETER 4:12-19

Pastor Rick Jackson

The problem of suffering is not a new one. Since the fall of man suffering has been the bane of mankind’s existence brought on by sin and its fallout. You cannot avoid suffering as it is universal. Being bad increases it, being good doesn’t do away with it as evidenced in the life of Job, Joseph, Daniel, and the sinless One, the Lord Jesus Christ. But how to survive suffering can be learned, and used, and applied, and bring glory to God and good to us.

I. BE STEADFAST [v. 12-14]

A. W. Tozer said, “Too many people want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconvenience of being right.”

1. It’s A Daily Thing [v. 12] “Daily living is a most difficult aspect of the Christian Life.”

2. It’s a Disciple Thing [v. 13, Acts 4:13]

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

3. It’s a Devotional Thing [v. 14, 1 Corinthians 15:58]

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

II. HAVE INTEGRITY [v. 15]

Integrity is a wholesomeness, a completeness of character. Not having duplicity, not being dishonest.

1. Dare to be a Daniel [Daniel 6:5]

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Daniel’s enemies were witnesses to his character.

2. Be a Roman’s 13:13 Christian [Romans 13:13]

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

3. Follow the Footsteps of Christ [1 Peter 2:21]

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

III. EXERCISE FAITH [v. 16-19]

1. Glorify God [v. 16]

If this life was all roses would we long for Heaven?

2. Accept that it is Better than You Deserve [v. 17-18]

“Every suffering for our Saviour makes us better able to serve.”- David Bragg

3. Trust His Will is Best [v. 19]

“It’s not wrong to change- it’s wrong to change outside the will of God.”