SUFFER  --  REJOICE
Introduction:
   1. 1 Peter 4:12-19
   2. Two words we wish to emphasize; Strong paradox
   3. SUFFER  -- REJOICE  (Nothing in common)
   4. These two words run through the book of 1 Peter.
   5. How is it possible the apostle could encourage them to suffer
      and at the same time rejoice???

Body:
   I. THESE CHRISTIANS HAD MANY PHYSICAL TRIALS:
       1. Their very lives were in danger; constantly; daily.
       2. They were faced with death when serving God. 1 Cor 15:31
       3. Peter seeks to show them that there is a purpose behind
          suffering, an end to realize.
       4. He encourages them to suffer: 1:6; 2:19,20; 3:14,17;
          4:1,13-16, 19; 5:9,10
       5. The life of the child of God  was never intended to be a
          "bed of roses."

  II. WHY SUFFER???   WHY TRIALS???
       1. 2 Cor. 12:7.  Gives humility; if there is one attitude the
          Lord despises it is pride, arrogance, egotism, etc.
          (a) Until one subjects himself/herself to God, not a
              child.
          (b) Rom. 6:17; 3-4. Must submit to Divine Law.
          (c) Acts 2:36,38 -- What must we do??
          (d) Acts 9:6 -- Told what you MUST do.
       2. 1 Pet. 1:6,7 -- To prove our Faith.
       3. James 1:2-4 -- Perfects patience, steadfastness.
       4. NOTE: Suffering and trials are NOT to produce
          difficulties, but they are to prepare us for service.
       5. How can Jehovah determine our desire to serve Him???

 III. SUFFER  ----  REJOICE!!!
       1. Rom. 5:3 -- rejoice in our tribulations.
       2. What strange language. Is it fun to suffer??? Do we enjoy
          trials, temptations, etc.??
       3. Certainly NOT!!! But we must be concerned with more than
          the flesh.
       4. Heb 12:2 -- The JOY that was set before him....
       5. We are preparing for ETERNITY; the CROWN.
       6. Jas. 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:11,12; 4:13 -- REJOICE
       7. Matt. 5:11,12.

  IV. WE REJOICE BECAUSE OF THE RESURRECTION.
       1. 1 Pet. 1:3-5.  What a wonderful thought. To know this life
          is not the total answer to our existence. There is more to
          life than what we now experience.  Jesus said that "Life
          is more than food..." Matt. 6:25.
       2. 1 Pet. 3:21. Our new life through the resurrection.
       3. Most people life only for TODAY, as if this is it.
             "Eat, drink, and be merry."
             If this were all, then maybe this would be all right.
             BUT, THIS IS NOT THE END, ONLY THE BEGINNING.
       4. Some see only a life of suffering (trials, difficulties,
          difficult decisions, requirements, restraints, etc.)
           They see in Christ only negatives restraints; cannot do
              this, cannot do that, etc.
                  (Especially true of young people)
           Thus, many refuse to obey Christ, because they do not
              wish to be constrained, don't tell me what to do!!!
       5. FEW ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT BOTH-- SUFFERING & REJOICING
            They want the rejoicing without the suffering.
            They want the crown without the trials.
            Others suffer; BUT, no rejoicing.
               These wish to be Martyrs,
       6. 2 Tim. 4:6ff.

Conclusion:
   1. CROSS BEARING  ----  CROWN WEARING.
   2. "Take up thy cross and follow me....DAILY."
   3. Suffer as a Christian -- 1 Pet 4:16.
   4. ARE YOU???
   5. 1 Pet. 3:21

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