Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Peter 4

The Blessings of Suffering for Christ (4:12-19)

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

1.    Jesus is the head and herald of a new race of humans that have been redeemed from the penalty of death by his blood. Jesus said that the miracles he did were evidence that the kingdom of God had come upon mankind. (Mt 12:25-28; 1 Cor 15:20-22) Christians have been adopted by God as his children, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. (Jn 1: 12-13; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Rom 12:1-2) Therefore, Christians are in a spiritual war with the system of the world, unbelievers, their sinful nature and the devil. (Eph 6:12) Christians experience suffering from this conflict as they strive to follow Jesus (2 Tim 3:12). Jesus said that believers would be persecuted because he was. (Jn 15:20)

2.    What are some forms of painful trials that surprised you because of your Christian walk? How are these trials comforting? How do they strengthen your faith?

3.    How does suffering for doing wrong differ from that of suffering for being a Christian?

4.    How does the knowledge of sin bring judgment and why does this begin with Christians? (Rom 2:1-4; 3:20-24)

5.    Read Proverbs 11:31. Jesus said that the way to salvation is narrow and that he is the only way. (Mt 7:13-14; Jn 14:6) What are some reasons that it is hard for humans to be saved?