EXILES: Purposeful Suffering (pt.1)

Pastor Kent Landhuis 

THEME - There are good reasons for our suffering.

TEXT - 1 Peter 3:13-22

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." - 1 Peter 1:13

Are you ready to suffer?

* 1 Peter 2:19-21

* 1 Peter 3:9

* 1 Peter 4:1

What kind of suffering?

* Matthew 27:46

* 1 Peter 2:24

* Romans 8:38-39

What's the point of suffering?

* Romans 8:28

* James 1:2-4

* 1 Peter 1:6

* 2 Corinthians 4:7-8

How will you receive suffering?

* 1 Peter 4:12-13

* 1 Peter 3:13-15

* Romans 8:18

NEXT STEPS

1. Will suffering destroy hope or produce hope?

2. What idols do you trust to help you avoid suffering? 

GO DEEPER - Purposeful Suffering

Reflect on these Bible verses to help you in times of suffering.

Peter 5:10 - And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Philippians 4:5-7 - The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

James 1:12 - Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Matthew 7:24-25 - Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

RECOMMENDED READING - If you wish to go deeper into the "Exiles" sermon series, we highly recommend Exiles by Preston Sprinkle. BUY ON AMAZON