Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 23, 2016

“The Truth about Suffering” 1 Peter 4:12-19 Bible Study 10/23/16

Our text this morning leads us to understand that, while Christ hung on the cross so that we wouldn’t have to suffer hell, He did not die so that we wouldn’t have to suffer here. Suffering for the cause of Christ, according to Scripture, is both prescribed and purposeful for the believer. When you treasure Christ above all things, your faith enables you to thank and trust Him in the furnace of suffering.

I. Respond biblically (12-13)

-do not be surprised…
-do keep on rejoicing
-indication of identification
-intensification of intimacy

II. Remember specifically (14-16)

-support from heaven
-opportunity to show your satisfaction
-participating in a purging process

III. Rely actively (17-19)

-entrust for safekeeping
-His permission and purpose
-engage in active obedience

IV. So what?

-Acknowledge the twin truths of suffering and glory.
-Bank on the utter reliability of God in Christ.
-Repudiate the prosperity gospel by living out the biblical gospel.
-Mission 1:8/Fuel the Fire: Availability (Jn. 6:1-14)
Sustenance (Jn. 6:22-40)
Stewardship (2 Cor. 8-9)