1st Century Christianity PART 3

1^st Century Christianity PART 3

1 Peter 4:12-19

Intro: 

* Last post we continued a small series on 1^st century Christianity.  We discussed the second characteristic of being a 1^st century Christian, and that was Sharing the Gospel.  If we are going to be true Christians we must have a desire and burden to reach the lost. (Method, Message, and Mission) Looking back to the first post was Studying the Word of God.  One reason they were first called Christians in Antioch was because of their desire to get in the Word of God. (Learned, Lived, Loved)  We need to be getting back to the foundation of TRUE Christianity.  This post we are going to look at the third and final occurrence where the term Christian is used.

1 Peter 4:16

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

• Reason for Suffering

*World hated Christ:  If we are living the Christian life of the New Testament then we will have sufferings.  Many people think Christianity is a life of ease, but they are sadly mistaken.  If we are Studying the Word and Sharing the Gospel we will Suffer for Christ. (Philippians 1:29)  Once we identify ourselves with Christ we will suffer because the world hates Christ and everything about Him.        1 John 3:13, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you”

*It pleased God the Father:  Isaiah 53:10, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him…”  It pleased God to crucify His Son so you and I could be saved.  If we are to be 1^st Century Christians then we will suffer to see others saved as well. (ex. Paul, Peter, Jim Elliot, and others)

• Response to the Suffering

*V. 13, “But rejoice,” During the midst of our sufferings we must not take our eyes off the Cross.  We must never take our eyes off Christ and His suffering for us.  Nothing compares to the sufferings of Christ and our sufferings we go through.  We must REJOICE!  1 Peter3:14, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”

• Results from Suffering

*V. 13, “when his glory shall be revealed”   No matter the outcome, God will get the glory from our sufferings.  Matthew 5:11-12a, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” 

Conc.:  Looking back the past three posts we can see a progression in how to be a 1^st Century Christian.  Study the Word, Share the Gospel, and as a result, we will Suffer for Christ.  I just want to ask the question, “Are you Sold out or a Sell out?”  Are you living that life that will cause you to suffer for Christ sake?  Where does He measure up in your life?