A Call for Endurance: An Overview of 1 Peter
Why do Christians suffer for their faith? The answer is that Christians belong to God rather than this world, so they do not fit in. In this overview sermon Pastor David explains that the letter of First Peter is about the Christian hope which enables us to endure suffering for the name of Christ with patience and even joy. Peter calls Christians to endure suffering by embracing our new identity as God’s holy people and lovingly bearing witness to Christ as we await our certain future hope.
1 Peter 4:12–19 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name… Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.