1. The salvation of the soul Peter teaches us to do well in all areas of life: 1. In regard to God 2. In regard to the Church 3. In regard to the World 4. In regard to the totality of Life 5. In regard to the end of history

2. Suffering for God's Glory 4:12-19 v. 12 "strange" = "foreign" We shouldn't think of suffering as "foreign" to our experience.

3. Suffering for God's Glory 4:12 Suffering is actually a way of fellowship with Christ (the "Messiah") Phil. 3:10

4. Suffering for God's Glory 4:12-19 Suffering "as a Christian" isn't necessarily WHY we suffer, but HOW we suffer That's why one concern is that we don't sin in the process. 2:20-21

5. Suffering for God's Glory 4:12-19 Suffering the way Christ suffered and for His glory is the key. 2:21-23 Then we can share His suffering. 4:13 (Mt. 5:11-12)

6. Suffering for God's Glory 4:13 When Christ comes in His glory (the Kingdom), we will look forward to it because we share in His glory 1 John 2:28

7. Suffering for God's Glory 4:14 You may catch it for living for Christ, though it's rare. 3:13-15 Note that it is the "Spirit of glory and of God"

8. Suffering for God's Glory 4:14 "On their part... on your part..." A spiritual perspective makes all of the difference and brings different results.

9. Suffering for God's Glory 4:15 Notice that unlike some theologies, Peter thinks it's possible for a Christian to suffer for murder or theft

10. Suffering for God's Glory 4:15 There is a way to go through difficulties to save our lives. Going through them wrongly is a waste of time and energy.

11. Suffering for God's Glory 4:16 We need not feel badly if we suffer as a believer, but should get perspective. We should rejoice, and glorify God.

12. Suffering for God's Glory 4:16-17 The basic explanation of suffering is from the perspective of the future. The Divine "decision" is that human trial should begin with God's people and move outward to unbelievers.

13. Suffering for God's Glory 4:17 If a righteous person only passes into the world to come with hardships and trials, what is going to happen to unbelievers?

14. Suffering for God's Glory 4:17 We have God's Spirit. We have God's guidance in the Word. We have our new nature (our "Ark") and our standing with God.

15. Suffering for God's Glory 4:17 What do unbelievers have? AND... Why in the world would we go through difficulties without the motivation of glory and the power and perspective of God?

16. Suffering for God's Glory 4:18 Righteous people are not "scarcely saved" from hell. They are definitely saved from hell Eph. 2:8-9

17. Suffering for God's Glory 4:18 It is with difficulty (in suffering) that a righteous person realizes the saving of his life into future glory. But unbelievers have no standing or claim on a future hope.

18. Suffering for God's Glory 4:19 If we suffer in accordance to God's will (for righteousness sake), we can trust our souls, our lives, to the one who Created all things and will bring us victoriously to Himself!

19. Suffering for God's Glory 4:19 Our lives will be saved into glory! But notice...

20. Suffering for God's Glory 4:19 "in doing good" We entrust our future to Him by living in the present according to His will.

21. Suffering for God's Glory 4:19 Our souls are safe in His hands. He will preserve our life and save it so that we can survive even death itself and appear to His eternal glory in the world to come. He that does the will of God abides forever!