Note: Last week I posted “My Rough Translation of 1 Peter 1:3-7” that was part of my sermon preparation for a retreat. Some of you shared you would like to see the finished sermon outline. Here it is.
1 Peter 1:3-12
Establish the need: I do think our world will become more Post-Christian and with that I do think there will be an increase of Christian suffering both in the West and already the case outside the west. Yet can we have joy in the midst of suffering as a Christian?
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various [b]trials, 7 so that the [c]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [d]full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of [e]your souls.
10 As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 [f]seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories [g]to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to [h]look.
Purpose: Today we want to see 3 S in regards to Christian joy in the midst of suffering.
In the midst of suffering…
- You should have joy centered on salvation (v.3-5)
- You should have joy knowing there’s a sufficient reason for suffering (v.6-9)
- You should have joy knowing the spectacular prophecies of our Savior (v.10-12)
The Domain for Truth 