14: Two Reasons for Suffering

Message 14 of 34 in the series Letters from Peter

We look at two separate reasons that we may face suffering in our life and how the Bible instructs us to handle both.

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14: Two Reasons for Suffering

Series: Letters from Peter (14 of 34)By David McConnell

Services Sunday Morning Worship July 25, 2021 at Agape Church

Audiences: General

Topics: Suffering

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¹³Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, ¹⁵but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

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1 Peter 3:13-17, ESV

Discussion Questions

What are two reasons for suffering that were discussed during the sermon? Which one is promised to be profitable for us as believers? Why is that?
Complete this sentence:

Sin causes ____________. Why do you think we sometimes fail to see the destructiveness of secret or personal sin? When we sin without repentance, do we sometimes misinterpret God’s patience?
Read 1 Peter 3:13-14

In general, Peter expects that if you live a life where you want to do good and bless others that you will avoid a lot of suffering (the suffering that comes from sin). But you will not avoid all suffering. What does it mean to “suffer for righteousness sake”?
What are two encouragements that God gives (in v17 and in v14) to those who are experiencing persecution because of their godliness? How does each one give us hope?
Read 1 Peter 3:15-16

Read v15-16. A life well lived in the midst of persecution may result in the salvation of those who observe us and even with our persecutors. What are two examples of this that happened when Jesus was crucified? What does it mean that we should behave in a way that we “have a good conscience”?