1. Suffering for the Lord The certainty of suffering
The purpose of suffering
The attitude in suffering
The cause for suffering
The reaction to suffering

2. 1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And,“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

3. Roman Historian Tacitus – Eyewitness Account
"Therefore, to stop the rumor  [that he had set Rome on fire], he  [Emperor Nero]  falsely charged with guilt, and punished with the most fearful tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were [generally] hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of that name, was put to death as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, in the reign of Tiberius, but the pernicious superstition - repressed for a time, broke out yet again, not only through Judea.
In their very deaths they were made the subjects of sport: for they were covered with the hides of wild beasts, and worried to death by dogs, or nailed to crosses, or set fire to, and when the day waned, burned to serve for the evening lights. "

4. The Certainty of Suffering
Philippians 1:29 - For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.
2 Timothy 3:12 - In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

5. The Purpose of Suffering
Proverbs 17:3 – The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold and the Lord tests hearts.
Suffering reminds us to be humble.
Suffering reminds us we are dependent on the Lord.
Testing reveals and confirms the faith of believers.

6. The Attitude in Suffering
When persecuted, you should rejoice.
You are different from the world and this brings persecution.
Acts 5:41 – The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

7. The Cause of Suffering Is suffering the direct result of sin?
Maybe, maybe not
Those who suffer as Christians should not be ashamed.
Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed in us.

8. The Reaction to Suffering
What is the judgment in verse 17?
Persecution by Nero
Applications (verse 19):
Commit yourselves to God
Psalm 118:6 – The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear: What can mere man do to me?
Continue to do good.

9. What Does God Want You to Do This Week?
Write down what you think God is speaking to you to do.