1 Peter 4:1-19

We can have hope in the face of suffering because we know that the return of Christ is near.  Even though Christ’s return may not occur in our life time, it should still be a constant source of hope to us as we know that His return is certain and closer today than it was yesterday.  However, while we anticipate His return and subsequent judgment, there are a few things that we should be doing.
EXEMPLIFY THE WILL OF GOD WITH HOLINESS: Our sufferings in the world should be a motivation to live a life that is separated from sin.  It should be obvious to those who are suffering that sin has dreadful consequences and that knowledge should cause us to try to avoid complicating things further with our own sin.  Those who are without Christ and, in many cases, are the source of our persecution should be challenged by our commitment to walk in a way that is pleasing to God.  We must never sink to the level of sinfulness with which we are surrounded.  God has called us to shine as lights in a dark world so that the message of the Gospel might shine on those who are dead in their sins and reveal the path of truth and hope that is only available to man through Christ.
EDIFY THE PEOPLE OF GOD WITH LOVE: Our suffering in the world should be greatly diminished by our relationships with other believers.  Our prayers and love for one another should be the source of hope and encouragement for all who are in Christ.  Our love must be deep and we must demonstrate that love faithfully to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Our love should cause us to be hospitable to all who are in the body of Christ and it should also cause us to exercise our spiritual gifts for the edification of others.  Our gifts are a sacred trust to us from God and they must be used for the purpose of bringing glory to Him as we strive to serve one another with excellence.  God has given us all we need to serve Him through the gifts and power of the Spirit, we must be faithful to exercise these gifts in love so that we can provide relief from the suffering that the people of God must face in this world.
EXPERIENCE SUFFERING FOR GOD WITH JOY: Our suffering in the world should be faced with an attitude of gratitude and joy.  If we are truly suffering for doing what is right, we can be assured that God is working in and through us for the glory of His name.  This assurance should be a great source of comfort as we face suffering and it should bring us joy as we know that God is preparing us for greater service in the kingdom.  We must be careful not to confuse suffering because of obedient to God with suffering for our own sinfulness.  Many times we may bring suffering upon ourselves because of our own rebellion against God.  This suffering should bring about sorrow and repentance.  When we suffer for doing what is right we should experience joy and greater confidence as we anticipate the return of Christ.  God is a just judge and will reward us according to the way we have endured our suffering.  We must realize that every instance of suffering is an opportunity to demonstrate faithfulness to God and qualify for eternal rewards.  That is why, for the faithful believer, suffering should be a source of great joy.

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