1. What is going on? Jed Lamphere 1 Peter

2. Background of 1 Peter Author: Peter Date written: Early 60’s AD Location: Written in Rome Recipients: Various churches in Asia Minor

3. Title and Content Layout with Chart

4. Finding Hope in Persecution 1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls.

5. Why do we suffer? To get genuine gold, you need to apply heat To get genuine Diamonds you need you add pressure To get genuine Faith you will be tested.

6. Why are we rejected? 1 Peter 2:7 “Therefore, to you who believe, He is Precious; but to those who are disobedient. ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the Chief cornerstone” We are rejected because he was rejected. As humans, we reject what we don’t understand, coming from our self-righteousness, pride. –2 Peter 2:14,18-19

7. Finding Hope in suffering Suffering helps us clean out our gardens (Heart and Mind) Suffering can bring conviction Suffering can be God tugging on a weed that we want to hold onto

8. Finding Hope in suffering “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self- control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-5

9. Finding Hope in suffering We must have Faith that God is real and He is the one getting us through it.

10. What do we do in the midst of suffering? 1 Peter 2:12,14-17 1 Peter 3:8-9 Praise God Do Good Deeds Don’t use your liberty as an excuse Honor ALL People Love the Body of Christ Fear God Honor your Government

11. What do we do in the midst of suffering? 1 Peter 3:13-17 –Sanctify your heart to the Lord –Have a good conscience –Be ready to defend your faith in God

12. Remember how Christ suffered. “but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:13-16

13. Be built up in God Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:5-11

14. Application for our lives Press in to God during times of trial. Don’t let the enemy have the upper hand in your life. God lets us go through trials to show us where are faith needs to grow. God will always be there to up lift you and encourage you to keep persevering. We can bring suffering on our-self when we don’t give something up to God