Scattered, Stumbled But Not Separated
24 OCTOBER 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICE
Pastor Clement Ong
Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 2:21-25 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | We are not trained to suffer/handle trials well. But as Christians, we must be prepared to follow the example of Jesus and endure suffering, even unjust suffering, as Christ did!
Context: Peter was writing to first-generation Christians scattered throughout modern-day Turkey. He addressed them as exiles or aliens. They were being persecuted for their faith by both the Roman regime and Jewish authorities. We have probably never been persecuted, but we may have been tested and we have been somewhat scattered by the pandemic. However, nothing can separate us from the love of God!
Suffering is a key theme in this letter and is mentioned 17 times. Peter understood what his fellow Christians were going through, and he challenged them to hold fast to their faith.
Observation 1. We are called to follow Christ into suffering. We are to offer ourselves as living stones and spiritual sacrifices. Peter makes the point that even if authorities are not good, Christians are to live in obedience to them for Christ’s sake. (18) Why did Peter mention this? Because we do not know how to suffer! Sometimes we erroneously think that suffering is due to disobedience or weak faith. Following Christ does not promise freedom from suffering. In fact, it pleases God when we choose to follow Christ even in the midst of trials. Suffering well results in Christian maturity.
Observation 2. We are comforted knowing Christ entered into our Suffering. People who have been through suffering are better able to comfort others. God works powerfully through trials and suffering. We must be careful not to diminish another’s suffering by issuing platitudes/glib statements. Point that person to Christ and enter into their suffering as Christ did when He entered into the suffering of all mankind. “I am so sorry” is sometimes the best thing to say. Jesus was rejected by his own; he was despised, betrayed, abandoned, mocked, abused, ridiculed and forsaken. Only Jesus truly understands what we are going through. How have we been embracing suffering for the Glory of God? Can we pray this prayer that John Wesley prayed?
I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you, let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, earth, let it be ratified in Heaven.
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. The believers in the early church suffered persecution not just from the Roman empire but from their own Jewish community.
- Have you been prepared to suffer?
2. What was Peter's motivation in writing this letter to the exiles?
- When was the last time you encouraged another believer?
3. How should believers respond to suffering?
4. From today's message, how can we continue to grow in Christlikeness and follow our Shepherd closer than before?