I Peter 4:1-6

The cult of happiness.

 We live in a materialistic, self-centered culture. We have moved from the “right to life, liberty and the ‘pursuit’ of happiness,” to a belief that it is our God-given right to be happy.

·         Do you agree that personal happiness is the highest goal in our culture? If not, where would you rank personal happiness as a desired goal for most of Americans?

·         Where do you think it ranks for most Christians? Where should it rank?

·         Do you think that your personal happiness is God’s greatest concern for your life? If not, what do you think it is?

Suffering

As humans we all shrink from pain. We desire comfort and rest, and when that is interrupted, we often feel like something is wrong.

·         From your understanding of Scripture, where does suffering fit in for the Christian?

·         Now read I Peter 4:1-2. Based on those verses, what would you say is God’s intention for suffering?

·         Why do you think it takes suffering to bring about these changes?

Suffering as a Christian

We all experience the suffering that comes from the result of living in a fallen world, but Peter seems to be talking more about suffering that comes to us because we are a follower of Christ – persecution & adversity.

·         Share a time that you experienced persecution for your faith. What did it feel like, and what was its impact on you?

Here in America, we have not felt the hand of overt persecution that many of our brothers and sisters are experiencing even today. “More Christians died for their faith in the twentieth century than at any other time in history, says Christian Solidarity International. Global reports indicate that over 150,000 Christians were martyred last year, chiefly outside the United States.”¹

Christ’s Church is being persecuted around the world and we are called to love, support and pray for the Body of Christ as it goes through its many trials. As a group you may want to spend some time learning about the suffering that our brothers and sisters in Christ are going through around world.  A couple of sites that address this issue are:

Voice of the Martyrs -  www.voiceofthemartyrs.org

            International Christian Concern – www.persecution.org

As Larry shared, suffering is part of our call as Christians. With this in mind discuss the following.

If suffering is in fact a reality for Christians, then how can we best prepare for it?

Accept that it’s a part of our call

·         Read I Peter 4:1, John 16:33, Matthew 10:24. What are the implications of these verses for you?

De-throne personal happiness as the highest ideal in your life.

·         Christ is our prime example and we are called to become like Him. Read the following passages in light of this topic and discuss how they can help reprogram our thinking on this issue (Isaiah 53: 1-5; Philippians 2:5-11)

Have some tools in your toolbelt

Larry talked about three tools we need to have in our toolbelt that will help us handle suffering.

1)    Make Jesus your JOY

o   How was Jesus able to endure his suffering? (Philippians 2:8)

o   What is “before us?” What should we be focusing on as Christians that will give us the ability to endure life’s hardships and persecution?

2)    Make Jesus your TREASURE

3)    Make Jesus your LORD

For the last two items, spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to your heart what you truly treasure and where He currently fits in your life. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you contemplate whether you are simply an admirer of Jesus or a follower.

1. Persecution of Christians Growing in the United States, Tuesday, February 6, 2001, by Thomas Horn, http://www.worthynews.com/1710-persecution-of-christians-growing-in-the-united-states