1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

1 Peter 2: Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. 12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do what is evil, they will, by observing your good works, glorify God on the day of visitation.

1 Peter 2: For it brings favor if, mindful of God’s will, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if you sin and are punished, and you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. 21 For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.

1 Peter 3: And who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed, 15 but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who

1 Peter 3:13-18 denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring you to God, after being put to death in the fleshly realm but made alive in the spiritual realm.

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin— 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin— 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. Why would we need to equip ourselves with the resolve to suffer for Christ while we are in the flesh?

Objections… “What is this, some kind of martyrdom complex?”

Simeon the Stylite ( )

Objections… “What is this, some kind of martyrdom complex?” “Doesn’t Jesus promise to make me happy, healthy, & wealthy?”

Objections… “What is this, some kind of martyrdom complex?” “Doesn’t Jesus promise to make me happy, healthy, & wealthy?” John 10:10 -- I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

Objections… “What is this, some kind of martyrdom complex?” “Doesn’t Jesus promise to make me happy, healthy, & wealthy?” John 16:33 -- I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.

Objections… “What is this, some kind of martyrdom complex?” “Doesn’t Jesus promise to make me happy, healthy, & wealthy?” 2 Tim. 3:12 -- In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin— 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin— 2 in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will. Why would we need to be instructed to equip ourselves with this resolve to suffer for Christ?

We need to equip ourselves because we naturally evade… Evade = avoid something unpleasant; cleverly escape somebody or something Equip = provide somebody with what is needed for a particular purpose; prepare somebody to accomplish something We need the RESOLVE to suffer for Christ

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance Matt. 16:15 -- upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance 2 Cor. 4:4 -- the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance 2 Cor. 5:20 -- we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance Eph. 6: Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance Surprise reveals theological error That God is making you pay for your sins That God is the source of all suffering

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance Surprise reveal theological error That God is making you pay for your sins That God is the source of all suffering 1 Peter 5: Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance Surprise reveals theological error Surprise reveals a life purpose problem

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Surprise reveals naïve ignorance Surprise reveals theological error Surprise reveals a life purpose problem 1 Peter 4:2 -- in order to live the remaining time in the flesh, no longer for human desires, but for God’s will.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Suffering can be a source of blessing

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Suffering can be a source of blessing Matt. 5:10 -- Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Suffering can be a source of blessing Suffering can bless us by refining us

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Suffering can be a source of blessing Suffering can bless us by refining us Heb. 12: Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had natural fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Suffering can be a source of blessing Suffering can bless us by refining us Suffering can reveal that we are a real threat to the enemy

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. We should avoid unnecessary suffering

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.

Some Key Resolutions… 1 Peter 4: So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.

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