1 Pet 4:19

Suffering According to the Will of God

• Opposite of how many understand Christianity
• Is there room in my life for "suffering according to the will of God"?

1 Pet 4:12-18

How will I know?

1. Suffering is not a surprise (1 Pet 4:12)
2. Joy is a legitimate option (1 Pet 4:13)
3. I do not blame God (1 Pet 4:14-15)
4. See consolation more than relief (1 Pet 4:16-18)

Whay types of suffering?

1. Devotion - see James in Acts 12
2. Discipline - see Jonah (cf Heb 12:7-11)
3. Declaration - see Job (cf Phil 1:27-30)
4. Development - see Joseph in Genesis 37-50

Entrust Their Souls to a Faithful Creator

• Creator - God has the authority (which limits our autonomy)
• Faithful - to see us through and use it for good

How can I entrust myself to Him?

• Choose aid, not attention
• Pray the Psalms

Praying the Psalms

1. Gives us words when we run out
2. Gives us concepts we lack
3. Gives us perspective we need
4. Gives us permission to be honest

While Doing Good

• Suffering is not (necessarily) a stop sign
• Obedience is its own form of spiritual warfare (Prov 28:4)

1 Pet 4:7-11

What good should I do?

• Be self-controlled and sober-minded (1 Pet 4:7)
• Keep being loving (1 Pet 4:8)
• Show hospitality (1 Pet 4:9)
• Keep speaking the truth in love (1 Pet 4:11)
• Keep serving in God's strength (1 Pet 4:11)