"Living with Christian Suffereing" (11 AM FMC Service Sermon)

Hi All.

For those of you who didn't manage to attend service or listen to sermon today, here is what i've learnt and thought it would be useful to share with all of you.

Title: "Living with Christian Suffering"
Bible Passage: 1 Peter 4: 12-19

1. Suffering is inevitable as Christians
- 1 Peter 4:12 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come one you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."
- John 15:20 "Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."
- Remember that Jesus was persecuted on the Christ. Likewise, we may face persecution or discrimination of our faith in this real world as well.
- Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not again flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
- Satan tries to fight back with God by hurting God's children.

2. Rejoice when suffering happens
- 1 Peter 4:13 "But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
- Enjoyment is getting pleasure out of something
- However, Rejoicing is choosing to have a positive attitude.

- Why should we Rejoice?
*Draws me closer to God
- 1 Peter 4:13 "But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
- Fellowship with Christ helps us draw closer to God

*It means God can be seen in my life
- 1 Peter 4:14 "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spririt of glory and of God rests on you."
- 2 Tim 3:12 "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

*God can trust me
- God tested the faith of his disciples
- Can God trust you for believing in Him even through tough circumstances?

3. Refused to be ashame
- 1 Peter 4:16 "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."
- If you are embarrassed by your faith, it means you fear rejection by others
- Are we fearful of sharing our faith with others?
- What is stopping us from sharing our faith with others?
- You need to realise that you don't need the approval of everybody
- Be more concerned with what God thinks of you (God thinks that everyone of us are uniquely created by Him and He values us. That's why he did the ultimate sacrifice on the cross to forgive us of our sins.)

4. Remember the Reward
- 2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
- Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
- Did your faith cost you anything?
- God measures the trials and scars in our life and He knows them all.

5. Remain faithful to God
- 1 Peter 4:19 "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

Some Reflections:
All of us go through different struggles and trials, big ones and small ones, emotionally draining ones, worrying one and so on. We may not suffer huge persecution for our faith in Singapore. But i'm sure each of us face some form of struggles in our daily life. I thought that today's sermon was really meaningful that reminded me of Christ and how He knew from the beginning what kind of struggles that we'll go through. God didn't promise a smooth-sailing and blissful journey with Him as we commit ourselves to this faith, but God promise a life of trials and temptations. These are not to tear our faith down but to build them up and test our faith in Him so that our trust in Him will grow stronger. In fact, ironically, He calls us to REJOICE!! in our struggles because we have Jesus with us who will help us through it all. So, it's encouraging to know that God has called us to work alongside with Him in life's struggles, in ministry, to build our character and our faith in Him. When we feel lousy and feel like giving up in life circumstances, remember that Satan is always finding avenues to trick and deceive us. So, let's stand firm in Christ and to remember that God is always watching and guiding us all the way. Let's continue to pray for each other, to support and encourage each other to remember to trust and rely on our Almighty God.

Have a blessed week ahead!!
Elisabeth