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1 Peter 1:7-12
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. If someone asked you, so what is the real reward, end, or goal of Christians suffering; how would you answer? The short answer is Christians suffer because we have an enemy that is out to destroy us. Suffering is one of his most effective methods because normal people hate suffering, or to see a loved one suffer. Peter offers at least three valid reasons true Christians suffer.
- A CONFIRMATION OF YOUR HOPE! V. 8. What is the one thing you hope for more than anything else in this life? Is your answer a hope related to this world or to something in heaven? If your answer was related to this world, Peter is helping you see your hope is focused on this world instead of heaven. Second, you are living with the wrong definition of hope. The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible defines hope as “an expectation or belief in the fulfillment of something desired.” Is that what you think of when you think of hope? A proper view of hope begins in a love for Christ that comes from unshakable believe in Christ. Read Heb. 11:6. It is that personal experience that solidifies our faith/hope. Another indicator is an inexpressible and glorious joy that fills your heart. That doesn’t mean that your entire life is one big “happy party!” It means that even in the bad times you know inside, God will lead you through. Another reward of suffering is
- A COMPLETION OF YOUR SALVATION! V.9. Someone will say, “I thought you Baptists believed you are as saved as you can be from the get-go.” Not only us, but all who become one of God’s adopted children are completely saved from the start. However, God does not reveal all the parts of our salvation to us all at once. Peter is teaching us that there is an even better, greater part of our salvation waiting for us in heaven. In other words God is saving the best for later! I can tell you this, whatever we wait to get, will be more than worth the wait!! Finally, suffering rewards us with
- A CONNECTION TO REALITY! Vs. 10-12. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be with Adam and Eve in Eden, or with Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, or the Prophets? Read verse 11 and you will discover that they all wanted to be where we are! They “ached” to know what it is like to realize The Messiah had come and all sin was in fact paid for so there were no more sacrifices. They wondered what it would be like to be indwelt with The Holy Spirit all the time; perhaps they even wondered what it would be like to have the completed Word of God! Suffering is never pleasant, nor is it something that should discourage us. Even when we suffer for doing wrong, God is trying to show us the way back so we can end the suffering. These are just a few of the rewards Christians experience now. Those that await in heaven are far more glorious and extravagant that anything we can imagine.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
