The Good Life

Notes: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzfgQEpx_4vOQjBJUlVuRC1KZHc/view?usp=sharing

 

The Good Life

 

(1 Peter 1:3-7) Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!  God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all - life healed and whole.  I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime.  Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.  When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

 

1. There will be suffering here, but there will be victory there.

…genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine.

 

2. Suffering proves your faith is genuine.

It proves it to God.  It proves it to you.  Most importantly, it proves it to the people around you.

 

 

(1 Peter 2:19-25) There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But, if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.  This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came His way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.   

 

(1 Peter 2:19-25 KJV) 19For this is commendable, if because of conscience towards God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully… when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps…

 

He never did one thing wrong, not once said anything amiss.

 

3. Learn from the example of Jesus.

When you suffer, do what’s right. 

They called Him every name in the book and He said nothing back.  He suffered in silence…

When you are persecuted, don’t respond.

He suffered in silence… …content to let God set things right. 

 

When you face persecution and suffering, Trust God.

 

(1 Peter 3:14-17, The Message) If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped?  Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off.  Don’t give the opposition a second thought.  Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.  Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.  Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath.  It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad.

 

4. The right response to suffering creates opportunities. 

Jesus’ suffering is your victory.

4:19So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

 

5. Suffering does not mean you have missed the will of God.

You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world.

 

(1 Peter 5:9-11 )You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world.  So keep a firm grip on the faith.  The suffering won’t last forever.  It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, He does.

 

6. You can suffer victoriously because suffering won’t last forever.