Why do Christians face tough times, persecution or suffering?
1 Peter 1:7, “so that the proven genuineness of your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may result on praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed”
Persecution of Christians in the world today…
How would you feel if you were arrested for following Jesus?
Don’t be surprised
1 Peter 4:12, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you”
Rejoice because…
i) We are participating in sufferings of Christ – 4:13
ii) It shows the proven genuineness of your faith – 1:7
iii) It brings no shame – 4:15-16
iv) It is refining us – v 17-18
One final thing
4:19 “so then, those who suffer according to God’s will should … commit themselves to their faithful Creator AND continue to do good”
For us today
Why is persecution in Australia so rare?
1) We live as cultural Christians in order to fit in
2) A society based on a Judeo Christian ethic
Some questions
1) How are we going to loving live out the goodness of the gospel in a way that does not compromise the gospel but keeps the gospel front and centre of our lives.
2) How are we going to engage non Christians so that they come to know Jesus?
3) How are we going to love each other when facing trials of various kinds and how are we going to rejoice?