Sermons on Suffering

The God of All Grace (1 Peter 5:8-11)

Introduction Peter’s final words to suffering Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. He has encouraged them to think rightly about their suffering. Thinking is critical to persevering. He exhorted the elders to shepherd the flock, exercising oversight, eager to serve. He then challenged everyone to walk in humility with one another and before God. Read 1 Peter 5:8-11 As someone who is overly rational, rarely do I seriously consider the possibility of a spiritual attack as the cause of suffering.…

Judgment Begins at the Household of God (1 Peter 4:17-19)

Introduction One common manifestation of pride is comparing ourselves to others. We are never content with who we are, what we have, where we live. There is always someone in front of us who has it better than us. Rod Stewart Some guys have all the luck. Some guys have all the pain. Some guys get all the breaks. Some guys do nothing but complain. Woo woo woo… However, a fair comparison, takes eternity into account. In that light: No…

Suffering As A Christian (1 Peter 4:12-16)

Introduction Last week we saw the characteristics of the Christian community serve to promote God’s glory and dominion. Peter exhorted his readers to pray soberly, love earnestly, show hospitality, and serve generously. Now he shows them that their obedience will lead to suffering. Read 1 Peter 4:12-16 We automatically assume a defensive/offensive posture when suffering. We fight it or flee it. The point in either response is to end our suffering ASAP. Suffering is bad. But Peter doesn’t see suffering…

Arm Yourselves (1 Peter 4:1-6)

Introduction Now, I’ll admit I’m a fan of the 2nd Amendment, but this sermon is not about that. Peter has put forward Christ as an example of suffering for doing good. The suffering of Christ brings us to God and the victory of Christ secures us in God. The victory of Christ provides assurance, but it has further implications for how we live now. Read 1 Peter 4:1-6 How do we prepare to suffer? Peter is contrasting the temptation for…

Christ Also Suffered (1 Peter 3:18-22)

Introduction Luther A wonderful text is this, and a more obscure passage perhaps than any other in the New Testament, so that I do not know for a certainty just what Peter means. Audience: Jewish Christians exiled to Asia Minor. Peter has focused upon building fellowship within the covenant community (inward) as well as providing a witness to those outside the covenant community (outward). v.15 summarizes well. We’re prepared to make a defense when Christ is set above everyone and…

Suffering With Christ (1 Peter 2:21-25)

Introduction Last week, Ray did an excellent job reviewing this section (2:13-3:7). The blessings we receive, through union with Christ and other believers, impact us at the most basic levels. However, pagan household codes did not provide instructions regarding suffering. Read 1 Peter 2:21-25 The Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, had something important to communicate to the Church Universal. This passage answers the question: How did Christ suffer? And to what end did he suffer? The way we suffer as…

Love That Will Not Let Go (Ruth 1:7-22)

Introduction We are continuing a look at this opening chapter and its theme of death and emptiness in Naomi’s life. Last week we saw that her family’s move to Moab left her without her two sons and her husband (5). But God has brought and end to the famine (6). Read Ruth 1:7-22 When we suffer and go through seasons of difficult circumstances, we often run. We attempt to flee our problems, and sometimes that includes fleeing the Church. We run from the one thing that…

I Cheerfully Make My Defense (Acts 24)

Introduction Over the next three chapters Paul will testify before Governor Felix, Governor Festus, and King Agrippa. Think about the toll that would have on the apostle. This was all part of the suffering Paul knew he would endure for his Savior. Read Acts 24:1-27 Tertullus’ Prosecution (1-9) Paul’s Defense (10-22) Felix’s Response (23-27) Tertullus’ Prosecution (1-9) The excessive flattery is absurd. Felix dealt with the Jews in such violent ways that they hated him. He squashed frequent uprisings and…

Take Him Away (Acts 21:27-36)

Introduction We are nearing the end of the first apostolic movement of Jesus under the New Covenant Church. It is a significant period in which much of the New Testament was being written! This section focuses primarily upon Paul’s imprisonment. He will be in chains by the end of this passage and he will remain in chains until the end of the book. Read Acts 21:27-36 In Acts 9:15-16, Jesus told Ananias that Paul’s testimony would go before Gentiles and…
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