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1 Peter Chapter Four

 
Chapter Four General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To notice the attitudes one should have in suffering for
 righteousness' sake
 
2) To review how we should serve God as we live in the "end times"
 
SUMMARY
 
The theme of suffering for righteousness' sake continues. Just as
Christ was willing to suffer for us in the flesh, we should have the
same attitude and strive to live for the will of God instead of the
lusts of men. When we give up sins like lewdness, drunkenness,
revelries, drinking parties, etc., those in the world make think it
strange. Yet they themselves will give an account to Him who will judge
both the living and the dead by the gospel preached to those who are
dead (1-6).
 
Living in the end times, Peter admonishes Christians to be serious and
watchful in their prayers, fervent in their love for one another, and
hospitable to one another without grumbling. They are to make use of
their gifts as good stewards of God's manifold grace, whether it be in
speaking or serving, using such abilities to glorify God through Christ
who has all authority and power (7-11).
 
Suffering for Christ should not be considered a strange thing, but an
occasion to rejoice. Those who partake of Christ's sufferings will be
exceedingly glad when His glory is revealed. In the meantime, they are
blessed because the Spirit of God rests upon those who glorify Christ by
their suffering. While they should not suffer for doing evil, there is
nothing shameful about suffering for Christ. As God's judgment draws
near, those who do not obey the gospel have no hope, whereas those who
suffer according to God's will can commit their souls in doing good to
Him who is a faithful Creator (12-19).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. OUR DUTIES AS SUFFERERS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE (1-6)
 
 A. TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST (1-3)
 1. Who suffered for us in the flesh
 a. Therefore we should arm ourselves with the same mind
 b. For he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
 c. That he should no longer live in the flesh
 1) For the lusts of men
 2) But for will of God
 2. No longer doing the will of the Gentiles
 a. Which we have done enough in our past
 b. Walking in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking
 parties, and abominable idolatries
 
 B. NOT DAUNTED BY THE OPPOSITION (4-6)
 1. They may think us strange
 a. That you do not run with them in the same flood of
 dissipation
 b. Speaking evil of you
 2. They will give an account
 a. To Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead
 b. For which reason the gospel was preached to those who are
 dead
 1) That they might be judged according to men in the flesh
 2) But live according to God in the spirit
 
II. OUR DUTIES AS THOSE WAITING THE COMING OF CHRIST (7-19)
 
 A. TO PRAY, LOVE, AND SERVE (7-11)
 1. Because the end of all things is at hand...
 a. Be serious and watchful in your prayers
 b. Above all things, have fervent love for one another, which
 covers a multitude of sins
 c. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling
 d. Minister your gifts to one another as good stewards of God's
 manifold grace
 1) Those who speak should do so as the oracles of God
 2) Those who serve should do so with the ability God
 provides
 3) That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus, to
 whom belongs the glory and dominion forever
 
 B. TO REJOICE AND GLORIFY GOD (12-16)
 1. Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings
 a. Don't think the fiery trial to come as some strange thing
 b. When His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with
 exceeding joy
 c. You are blessed if reproached for the name of Christ
 1) For the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you
 2) On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is
 glorified
 2. Glorify God through such suffering
 a. Do not suffer as a murderer, thief, evildoer, or busybody
 b. Do not be ashamed for suffering as a Christian
 
 C. TO TRUST IN THE WILL OF GOD (17-19)
 1. The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God
 a. If it begins with us first, what will be the end of those
 who do not obey the gospel of God?
 b. If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the
 ungodly and sinner appear?
 2. Let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their
  souls to Him
 a. In doing good
 b. As to a faithful Creator
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
 - Our duties as sufferers for righteousness' sake (1-6)
 - Our duties as those waiting for coming of Christ (7-19)
 
2) What two reasons are given for us to have the "mind of Christ"
 regarding suffering? (1)
 - Christ suffered for us in the flesh
 - He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin
 
3) How should one live in whatever time they have left in the flesh? (2)
 - For the will of God, not the lusts of the flesh
 
4) What sins are mentioned as being "the will of the Gentiles"? (3)
 - Lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties,
 abominable idolatries
 
5) How do people in the world react when you no longer do such things?
 (4)
 - They think it strange
 - They speak evil of you
 
6) To whom shall they have to answer? (5)
 - He who is ready to judge the living and the dead
 
7) Why was the gospel preached to those who are dead? (6)
 - That they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live
 according to God in the spirit
 
8) In view of the end of all things being at hand, how should we live?
 (7-10)
 - Serious and watchful in our prayers
  - With fervent love for one another
 - Hospitable to one another without grumbling
 - Ministering our gifts to one another, as good stewards of God's
 manifold grace
 
9) How should one speak? How should one serve? Why? (11)
 - As the oracles of God
 - With the ability God supplies
 - That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ
 
10) What should be our reactions to any fiery trial that may come our
 way? (12-13)
 - Don't think it strange
 - Rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's suffering
 
11) What do those who suffer for Christ have to look forward to? (13)
 - Exceeding joy when Christ's glory is revealed
 
12) Why is one who suffers for Christ blessed? (14)
 - The Spirit of God rests upon them
 - On their part Christ is glorified
 
13) For what reasons should a Christian not suffer? (15)
 - As a murderer, thief, evildoer, busybody in other people's matters
 
14) How should one react if they suffer as a Christian? (16)
 - Do not be ashamed; glorify God in this matter
 
15) Upon whom does the judgment of God begin? Who will face the
 greater judgment? (17)
 - The house of God
 - Those who obey not the gospel of Christ
 
16) Who will be "scarcely saved"? (18)
 - The righteous
 
17) What should those who suffer according to the will of God do? (19)
 - Commit their souls to God in doing good
 - Commit their souls to God as to a faithful Creator

The Militant Christian (4:1-6)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. It is quite common today to pick up the newspaper and read about the
 violent actions of those referred to as "militant fundamentalists"
 a. Sometimes the phrase has reference to extremists of the Islamic 
 faith, engaged in what they call "Jihad" (holy war, or struggle)
 b. But there also times when it is applied to professing Christians,
 who resort to physical violence in support of their cause (e.g., 
 the radical pro-life movement)
 
2. As true followers of the "Prince of Peace"...
 a. We must remember that the Kingdom is spiritual, and therefore not
 expanded through carnal means - cf. Jn 18:36
 b. We should keep in mind the words of our Savior: "...for all who 
 take sword will perish by the sword." - Mt 26:52
 
3. But this is not to say we do not have a true struggle, nor weapons 
 with which to fight...
 a. We are engaged in a spiritual struggle, both without and within 
 - Ep 6:12; 1 Pe 2:12
 b. We have in our arsenal weapons that are "mighty in God" - 2 Co 
 10:3-5
 c. Indeed, as we enter the fourth chapter of 1st Peter, we see that
 Christians are to "arm" themselves in their service to the Lord 
 - 1 Pe 4:1
 
4. So in one sense, there is such a thing as "The Militant Christian";
 but it is important that we properly understand in what sense we are
 to be militant in our service to the Lord
 
[Using 1 Pe 4:1-6 as our text, I would first point out that "The 
Militant Christian" is to be...]
 
I. ARMED WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST (1)
 
 A. WHICH IS A MIND WILLING TO SUFFER...
 1. This is the attitude Peter wants us to have
 2. Which was the attitude of Christ Himself - cf. 1 Pe 2:21-23; 
 3:18
 
 B. TWO REASONS WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO SUFFER...
 1. "since Christ suffered for us"
 a. He died for us, that we might live for righteousness - 1 Pe
 2:24
 b. Is it asking too much that we might be willing to endure 
 hardship for His sake?
 2. "he who suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin"
 a. One who endures hardship for Christ is not likely to allow 
 sin to have dominance in his or her life
 b. "One who has embraced the mind of Christ, and whose life is
 so influenced by him that he suffers persecution is not in 
 danger of succumbing to the weaker temptations of the 
 flesh. To such an individual these allurements lose their
 appeal. Martyrs, in the hour of persecution and death, do 
 not toy with temptation or surrender to the seductions of 
  the world!" - Guy N. Woods
 
[Armed with the mind of Christ, which includes a willingness to suffer 
for doing good, "The Militant Christian" is also to be... ]
 
II. MILITANT IN HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST SIN (2-3)
 
 A. HERE IS WHERE THE MAJOR BATTLE IS TO BE FOUGHT...
 1. A battle between one's soul and fleshly lusts - cf. 1 Pe 2:12
 2. Unless we first win the battle for our own soul, we are not 
 likely to be of much help in winning the souls of others!
 a. Therefore we need to remove the plank out of our own eye 
 first - cf. Mt 7:3-5
 b. Only by first being "spiritual" ourselves are we prepared 
 to help others - cf. Ga 6:1
 3. Many immature Christians begin fighting a "spiritual warfare" 
  with others too soon, and lose the "spiritual warfare" within 
 themselves in the process!
 
 B. MOTIVATION FOR THIS STRUGGLE AGAINST SIN...
 1. We have wasted enough of our lifetime doing what is called 
 "the will of the Gentiles"
 a. Briefly summarized in verse 3
 b. What Paul calls the "works of the flesh" in Ga 5:19-21
 2. Now it is time to live out the rest of our life for "the will 
 of God"
 a. Briefly summarized in verses 7-11
  b. Which will be considered more carefully in the next lesson
 
[As we think of ourselves "standing strong for the faith" and "fighting
the good fight", let's not forget that the battle begins within 
ourselves.
 
Unless the Christian is first militant in "crucifying the flesh" and 
"putting to death the deeds of the body", he or she is not likely to 
have the "spiritual fortitude" necessary to prevent killing one's self 
in the "battle for truth" (cf. 2 Ti 2:24-26).
 
When "The Militant Christian" is living out the rest of his or her life
for the will of God, we need to be prepared for the fact that we 
will...]
 
III. LIKELY BE MALIGNED (4)
 
 A. OUR FORMER COMPANIONS WILL THINK US "STRANGE"...
 1. Because we no longer join with them in their sin
 2. Unable to persuade us from our new course, they may resort to 
 "speaking evil of you"
 3. Some young Christians are troubled by this "peer pressure"
 
 B. BUT WHEN MALIGNED...
 1. We have reason to rejoice - cf. Mt 5:11-12; 1 Pe 4:13-14
 2. Our response is to be one of love and honorable conduct - cf. 
 Mt 5:44; 1 Pe 2:12
 3. Who knows? Perhaps our conduct will lead one day to their 
 glorifying God!
 
[Yes, "The Militant Christian" is likely to be thought of by others as 
a "fanatic", but I believe that deep down even those who malign us the 
most have respect for our convictions when held with the proper spirit 
on our part.
 
Finally, taking a clue from the comments of Peter in verses 5-6, let 
me suggest that "The Militant Christian" is one who is...]
 
IV. WILLING TO LET GOD BE THE JUDGE (5-6)
 
 A. VERSE 6 IS ANOTHER ONE OF "PETER'S PERPLEXING PASSAGES"...
 1. Especially the phrase "the gospel was also preached to those 
 who are dead"
 2. Some think Peter is referring back to his comments in 1 Pe 3:
 18-20...
 a. If so, then the "spirits in prison" would be human spirits,
 not angelic spirits (as I suggested in my earlier lesson)
 b. If so, then the preaching of the gospel was:
 1) Not an offer of salvation (i.e., a second chance)
 2) But a proclamation of what Christ has done, explaining 
 how Christ has redeemed the O.T. faithful, and why 
 others remain condemned
 3) Note that they were still "judged according to men in 
 the flesh" (how they lived in the flesh), though they 
 now "live according to God in the spirit"
 3. Others believe Peter is simply referring to the preaching of 
 the gospel...
 a. To people when they were alive
 b. But who are now among the dead
 
 B. EITHER WAY, AS "MILITANT CHRISTIANS"...
 1. We must remember who is the Judge...
 a. God is the judge of those who are "outside" - 1 Co 5:12-13
 b. They will have to "give an account to Him who is ready to 
 judge..." - 1 Pe 4:5
 2. We must therefore be willing to let God be the judge...
 a. I.e., leave vengeance to God - cf. Ro 12:19
 b. God will apply the "justice" when necessary, we are called
 upon to offer His "mercy" until then...
 1) Through the preaching of the gospel
 2) Through living lives of kindness and mercy - cf. Ro 12:
 20-21
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. There is a place, then, for "militancy" in the life of the
 Christian!
 
2. But it is to be found in the way we "arm" ourselves with the mind of
 Christ...
 a. "Fighting" the spiritual warfare that wages within
  b. "Militant" in our efforts to live the godly life, do going and
 showing mercy
 
Are you "fighting the good fight of faith"? Are you even in the Lord's
army...?

Living In The End Times (4:7-11)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In 1 Pe 4:2, Peter wrote concerning the Christian that...
 
 "...he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh for
 the lusts of men, but for the will of God."
 
2. As an impetus to live out one's time in the flesh for the will of 
 God, one should remember that we are living in the "end times" - 
 cf. 1 Pe 4:7a ("But the end of all things is at hand;")
 
3. It might be that Peter actually had reference in this text to the 
 destruction of Jerusalem
 a. Which was the end of the temple, the Levitical priesthood, and of
  the Jewish economy
 b. As MacKnight points out in his commentary: "This epistle being 
 written A.D.67, about a year after the war with the Romans began,
 which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Jewish 
 state, Peter, who had heard his Master's prophecy concerning 
 these events, and concerning the signs of their approach, had 
 good reason to say, that they had approached."
 
4. But whether Peter has in mind the destruction of Jerusalem, or the 
 Lord's second coming, we can still say "the end of all things is at 
 hand"...
 a. For even if the Lord Himself does not return for another two 
 thousand years, the time is not long when we who are alive today 
 will be "in the flesh" no more
 b. With every passing day, "our salvation is nearer than when we 
 first believed", and the "end" draws ever closer
 
5. How then should we live out the rest of our time, living as we do in
 the "end times"?
 
[Verses 7-11 provide guidance to "Living In The End Times" and we
notice right away that it should involve...]
 
I. PRAYER THAT IS SERIOUS AND ALERT (7)
 
 A. PETER STRESSES SERIOUSNESS THROUGHOUT HIS EPISTLE...
 1. The word here is sophroneo {so-fron-eh'-o}, which means...
 a. To be in one's right mind
 b. To exercise self control
 1) to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of 
 one's self soberly
 2) to curb one's passions
 2. Words closely related to this are found in 1 Pe 1:13; 5:8
 (the word "sober")
 
 B. THIS QUALITY IS NEEDED ESPECIALLY IN OUR PRAYERS...
 1. Otherwise we cannot pray as we ought - cf. Ep 6:18
 2. That is, with praying that is "watchful" - cf. Lk 21:34-36
 
[Serious, watchful praying is necessary, therefore, or we might not be
ready for that which will come. As we continue in our text, we see 
that "Living In The End Times" also calls for a...]
 
II. LOVE THAT IS FERVENT & FORGIVING (8)
 
 A. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME PETER COMMANDS "FERVENT LOVE"...
 1. The first time was in 1 Pe 1:22
 2. Where we defined "fervent" as "constant" or "earnest"
 3. Here Peter tells us to make such "fervent love" the number one
 priority ("above all things have fervent love...")
 a. This is reminiscent of Paul's words in Co 3:14
 b. And perhaps a reflection of Jesus' words in Mt 22:36-40
 
 B. THE NEED FOR SUCH "FERVENT LOVE" IS SEEN IN ITS POWER TO 
 FORGIVE...
 1. "for love will cover a multitude of sins"
 2. This appears to be a reference to Pro 10:12 ("love covers 
 all sins")
 3. To "cover sin" does not mean to ignore it, but as used by 
 James it suggests "fervent love" does what is necessary to 
 restore and forgive the sinner - cf. Ja 5:19-20
 
[As the "time of the end" draws near, and the Day of Judgment looms 
closer, how important it is that we have the kind of love for one 
another which will encourage us all to get rid of sin in our lives!
 
As a further expression of "fervent love for one another", "Living In 
The End Times" will also involve...]
 
III. HOSPITALITY THAT IS GRACIOUS (9)
 
 A. THIS IS AN UNUSUAL USE OF THE WORD "HOSPITALITY"...
 1. For the word is philoxenos {fil-ox'-en-os}
 a. It literally means "love of strangers" and is normally used
 in reference to kindness to those we don't know
 b. But here Peter applies it to our love towards brethren
 2. But if we are to show kindness to those we don't know, how 
 much more towards those who are "of the household of faith", 
 our own brethren! - cf. Ga 6:10
 
 B. THE NEED FOR HOSPITALITY...
 1. There is always a need, as our love for one another is a sign 
 of true discipleship - cf. Jn 13:34-35
 2. But there may be a special need as "the end draws near"
 a. Several passages suggest that persecution of the saints 
 will increase before Christ returns (so I understand Re 20:
 7-9)
 b. In any period of persecution, when some Christians lose all
 they have, other Christians need to be ready to provide for
 their needs - cf. Mt 25:35-40
 
 C. FOR IT TO BE TRUE HOSPITALITY, IT MUST BE "WITHOUT GRUMBLING"...
 1. If one shows kindness with a begrudging spirit, can it be said
 they truly have a love of strangers (or brethren)?
 2. Only by placing a higher premium on our brethren than we do on
 our possessions can we show hospitality without grumbling
 
[Finally, in keeping with our Lord's charge to "Do business till I 
come" (Lk 19:13), "Living In The End Times" requires that we 
offer...]
 
IV. SERVICE THAT GLORIFIES GOD (10-11)
 
 A. EACH PERSON CAN PERFORM A VALUABLE SERVICE...
 1. By the grace of God, which is "manifold" (multi-faceted), 
 there are various ways one can serve God
 2. And each of us are to be "good stewards" (accountable 
 servants) of whatever gifts or abilities we may have
 3. Even as Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome in Ro 12:3-8
 
 B. WITH TWO EXAMPLES, PETER ILLUSTRATES THE KIND OF SERVICE THAT
 GLORIFIES GOD...
 1. Those that speak
 a. They should speak "as the oracles of God"
 b. Understanding that they are speaking for God:
 1) They should speak only that which God Himself has 
 revealed
 2) With "sound speech that cannot be condemned" - cf. Ti 2:
 7-8
 2. Those that minister (serve)
 a. With the ability or strength supplied by God Himself!
 b. Certainly not with slothfulness - cf. Ro 12:11
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. "Living In The End Times", then, is living with the recognition
 that to God (and Jesus Christ) "belong the glory and dominion 
 forever and ever"
 
2. With that recognition, we will be careful to develop:
 a. Prayer that is serious and alert
 b. Love that is fervent and forgiving
 c. Hospitality that is gracious
 d. Service that glorifies God
 
How are you living now that "the end of all things is at hand"? Are
you glorifying God through Jesus Christ?

Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. We have observed in our study of 1st Peter that the original
 recipients of this epistle were undergoing "various trials" - 1 Pe
 1:6
 
2. In an earlier lesson, "Preparing For Persecution" (1 Pe 3:13-18),
 we saw where Peter gave instructions on how they (and we) should
 prepare themselves for hard times
 
3. Now in 4:12-19, Peter continues to discuss persecution, but with a
 slightly different slant
 
4. The slant is that he now mentions things that relate to "Persevering
 Through Persecution", not just preparing for it
 
[While we might not ever endure "physical" persecution, it is unlikely 
that we will escape occasional "verbal" or "social" persecution. 
 
Therefore, what Peter has to say can be of great benefit to help us 
persevere in such circumstances. For example, we should...]
 
I. EXPECT PERSECUTION (12)
 
 A. IT IS NOT UNUSUAL...
 1. A point Peter stresses twice in this verse
  a. "do not think it strange"
 b. "as though some strange thing happened to you"
 2. It is something other Christians were experiencing at that
 time as well - 1 Pe 5:9
 3. Jesus warned His disciples of hard times to come - Jn 15:18-21
 4. Why does God allow such things to happen? Read on...
 
 B. "FIERY TRIALS" SERVE TO TRY ONE'S FAITH...
 1. Just as gold is tested by fire, so our faith is tested by
 persecution - cf. 1 Pe 1:6-7
 2. This is why God allows the devil to bring such persecution
 (remember Job?)
 3. But just as God blessed Job after his trials, so He will bless
 us! - cf. 1 Pe 5:10
 
[As someone has said, "First comes the cross, then comes the crown."
So don't be surprised if you find yourself facing ridicule,
ostracizing, even physical persecution for the cause of Christ. (cf.
Ac 14:22; 2 Ti 3:12).
 
Should it come, what then?]
 
II. REJOICE IN PERSECUTION (13-14)
 
 A. THE CALL TO REJOICE IS NOTHING NEW...
 1. Jesus taught it in His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:11-12
 2. Paul found reason to "glory in tribulations" - Ro 5:3-5
 3. And James taught that trials ought to be an occasion for joy 
 - Ja 1:2-4
 
 B. WHY REJOICE IN PERSECUTION?
 1. As explained by Jesus...
 a. "for great is your reward in heaven"
 b. "for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you"
 2. As explained by Paul...
 a. "tribulations produces perseverance"
 b. Which in turn produces "character, and character, hope"
 3. As explained by James...
 a. "the testing of your faith produces patience"
 b. And patience can help one be "perfect and complete, lacking
 nothing"
 
 C. PETER OFFERS THREE REASONS TO REJOICE IN PERSECUTION...
 1. It means glory in the future...
 a. "when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with 
 exceeding joy"
 b. This will occur at His second coming - cf. 2 Th 1:10-12
 2. It means blessing in the present...
 a. "blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests 
 upon you"
 b. A reference to the Holy Spirit, and possibly alluding to 
 that blessing...
 1) Described by Jesus in Lk 12:11-12; 21:12-15
 2) Exemplified in the case of Stephen - Ac 7:54-60
 c. Such a blessing might have limited application to the 
 special circumstances of the first century, but God's grace
 will still provide whatever we need to endure trials - cf. 
 1 Co 10:13
 3. It means Christ is glorified...
 a. "on your part He is glorified"
 b. When we endure persecution through the strength Jesus gives
 us, we make manifest the "life" (power) of Jesus - cf. 2 Co
 4:7-11
 c. And so by our conduct we can bring glory to Christ (God) 
 - cf. 1 Pe 2:12
 
[We have every reason, then, to rejoice in times of persecution. But 
for us to make the most of such situations, we need not only to 
"rejoice", but also to "reflect". I.e., use the time to...]
 
III. EXAMINE YOUR LIFE (15-18)
 
 A. IF WE MUST SUFFER, MAKE IT WORTHWHILE...
 1. Make sure it not for reasons listed by Peter...
 a. E.g., as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer
 b. Or for doing what often brings unnecessary suffering to the
 church: "as a busybody in other people's matters"
 2. Make sure it is because we are Christians...
 a. In which have an opportunity to glorify God
 b. In which we can demonstrate the grace He gives us to endure
 it
 
 B. CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT REMAINING FAITHFUL...
 1. God allows persecution of the righteous because it serves as 
 one way to judge "the house of God" (i.e., God's family, the 
 church) - 1 Pe 4:17
 2. As Paul wrote, it is "evidence of the righteous judgment of 
 God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for
 which you also suffer" - 2 Th 1:4-5
 3. If God is willing to so "judge" His own faithful children,
 what about those who are disobedient? As Peter asks:
 a. "What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel
 of God?"
 b. "Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
 4. Paul provides the answer, in 2 Th 1:6-9...
 a. Those God will "repay with tribulation"
 b. Jesus will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those
 who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the
 gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ"
 c. Yes, they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction"
 
[In view of the coming Judgment of God, of which the persecution of the
saved is only a precursor, use times of persecution to reflect and make
sure of our standing before God.
 
Finally, you can be successful in "Persevering Through Persecution" if
you will...]
 
IV. COMMIT YOURSELF TO GOD (19)
 
 A. "HOW" TO COMMIT YOURSELF TO GOD...
 1. By doing good, no matter the circumstances
 a. Whatever evil is done to you, respond by doing good - cf. 
 Lk 6:27-28
 b. Remember the example of Jesus (Lk 23:34) and Stephen (Ac
 7:59-60)
 2. Don't let persecution be an excuse for misconduct
 
 B. "WHY" TO COMMIT YOURSELF TO GOD...
 1. Because God is a "faithful Creator"
 2. As "Creator", He has the power to do what is right in the end
 3. As "faithful" (trustworthy), He can be trusted to do what is 
 right in the end
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Certainly we should hope and pray that we never have to endure the
 sort of persecution experienced by the early Christians
 
2. But if we do, will we be prepared? We can be, if we take to heart
 the words of the apostle Peter as found in his epistle!
 
As for being prepared, have you yet "obeyed" the gospel?
 
Some may think it odd that the gospel is to be "obeyed", and not just
"believed"; but both Peter and Paul warn of the end of those "who do
not obey the gospel" (1 Pe 4:19; 2 Th 1:8).
 
How does one obey the gospel? - cf. Mk 16:15-16

－－《Executable Outlines》

Fortitude to suffer

Clear-minded and self-controlled

Alert in prayer

I. Live for the will of God

1. Arms to prevail over suffering

2. Deal with human desires

3. Done with sin

II. Administer God’s grace in various forms