WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.480 Good morning, church. It's good to see you this morning. 00:00:07.140 --> 00:00:13.679 I was blessed to be here yesterday for Amy and Brian's wedding, so if you think about it, 00:00:13.700 --> 00:00:19.920 pray for them as they begin their married life together. And one other announcement, 00:00:20.179 --> 00:00:24.780 and this is not Tom's fault because we didn't tell him to do this, but if you are leaving, 00:00:25.039 --> 00:00:29.140 please let sure you let us know so we can celebrate you in a couple of weeks at our 00:00:29.140 --> 00:00:36.000 send-off Sunday. So if you're graduating or if you are leaving town, please let us know for those 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:49.240 things. Okay. We read the headlines of the state of the church around the world. There are times when 00:00:49.240 --> 00:00:59.120 these headlines are fearsome. We read of churches burned. We read of pastors imprisoned. 00:00:59.140 --> 00:01:08.239 We read of police raids on gatherings of believers. We read of missionaries who are attacked. 00:01:10.180 --> 00:01:18.180 Places like Myanmar, Afghanistan, China, Nigeria, North Korea, and others, such things are happening. 00:01:18.180 --> 00:01:25.040 All five of these countries are in the top 20 watch list for the most dangerous places in the world 00:01:25.040 --> 00:01:36.520 for Christians to live. How do we respond to this? Maybe we're filled with compassion and moved to prayer 00:01:36.520 --> 00:01:44.340 and to giving. Maybe we're filled with outrage and moved to advocate for human rights and for intervention. 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:55.180 And these are good responses. But what if it comes home? What if it were you? What if it were us? 00:01:55.180 --> 00:02:04.340 What if we woke up one morning and Trinity had been raided and burned? What if your pastors were put in 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:09.939 prison for preaching the gospel? What if your small group was in fear of being raided by police? 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:22.120 How would you respond? Hopefully we'd be prayerful. We might be outraged and seek redress and 00:02:22.120 --> 00:02:33.060 some sort of help from the government. But you know, we might also wonder, did we do something to deserve 00:02:33.060 --> 00:02:41.719 this? Have we done something wrong? Is God judging us? Or has God abandoned us? 00:02:43.800 --> 00:02:49.439 These are some of the questions that the early church asked themselves as they saw persecution 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:56.360 rise against the early church. As we've been studying in the book of 1 Peter, Peter writes this 00:02:56.360 --> 00:03:06.140 letter to a group of churches in Asia Minor that either have been or are now or will soon be suffering 00:03:06.140 --> 00:03:15.760 from various forms of persecution. As Peter writes a letter, it was not a matter of if but a matter of when 00:03:15.760 --> 00:03:18.680 they would face these kinds of trials. 00:03:18.680 --> 00:03:26.500 How do we respond? What kinds of attitudes are we to have in the face of persecution? 00:03:27.020 --> 00:03:33.500 What does God want to bring to us in the midst of persecution? These are the questions that our passage 00:03:33.500 --> 00:03:40.040 looks at this morning. So if you want to turn to me, we're in 1 Peter chapter 4 starting in verse 12. 00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:47.920 That is page 950-something in your pew Bible, and that'll get you close enough 00:03:47.919 --> 00:03:58.219 to find it. 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12 through 19. As we come to this, recognize that this is often seen 00:03:58.219 --> 00:04:05.279 as a beginning of the last section of the book. The last section that Pastor Nick preached on last 00:04:05.279 --> 00:04:14.259 week ends with a doxology, what seems like a wrapping up of a thought, and Peter now comes back 00:04:14.259 --> 00:04:21.759 with his pastoral heart to encourage the churches that he's writing to as he writes these things. 00:04:22.159 --> 00:04:26.319 1 Peter chapter 4 verses starting in verse 12. 00:04:27.599 --> 00:04:33.819 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:41.039 as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's 00:04:41.040 --> 00:04:48.900 sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for 00:04:48.900 --> 00:04:54.500 the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 00:04:55.600 --> 00:05:00.820 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler. 00:05:02.200 --> 00:05:06.920 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed. 00:05:06.920 --> 00:05:15.240 But let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God, 00:05:15.280 --> 00:05:21.740 and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 00:05:22.879 --> 00:05:29.960 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? 00:05:29.959 --> 00:05:38.339 Therefore, let those who suffer according to Christ's will—sorry, according to God's will—entrust their soul 00:05:38.339 --> 00:05:41.739 to a faithful creator while doing good. 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:44.359 Will you pray with me? 00:05:45.799 --> 00:05:51.279 Lord Jesus, we look at this passage. We come to it this morning. 00:05:51.279 --> 00:06:00.979 Lord, we ask for your Holy Spirit, Lord, to open our minds to understand your word, 00:06:01.639 --> 00:06:06.159 to soften our hearts to receive your word. 00:06:07.179 --> 00:06:13.659 God, we pray this morning that you would shape us, our hearts and our souls, 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:19.260 Lord, so that we might be those who walk through suffering 00:06:19.260 --> 00:06:23.280 in ways that bring glory and honor to you. 00:06:24.300 --> 00:06:27.780 Lord, I pray for my words and for your help, 00:06:28.200 --> 00:06:31.700 that I might speak your words this morning, Lord, 00:06:31.760 --> 00:06:34.580 and that you would use them in all of our lives. 00:06:36.360 --> 00:06:39.480 We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:39.600 Amen. 00:06:39.600 --> 00:06:46.240 So how does God want us to see this kind of suffering? 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:53.540 This kind of suffering that comes from persecution, suffering for Christ's sake. 00:06:53.760 --> 00:06:55.200 Three things we're going to look at. 00:06:55.439 --> 00:07:01.040 Verses 12 and 13 tells us that persecution brings not surprise, but joy. 00:07:01.820 --> 00:07:07.320 Verses 14 through 16 tells us that persecution brings not shame, but blessing. 00:07:07.319 --> 00:07:15.379 Verses 17 through 19 will tell us that persecution brings not fear of condemnation, but confident faith. 00:07:15.959 --> 00:07:16.920 So that's your outline. 00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:20.439 For those of you who are taking notes, that's what we'll be looking at in order. 00:07:20.540 --> 00:07:25.879 We'll just walk through the passage, and we'll explain it and seek to apply it to our lives a bit as we go. 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:32.000 So first, verses 12 and 13, persecution brings not surprise, but joy. 00:07:32.100 --> 00:07:33.339 There are two imperatives here. 00:07:33.719 --> 00:07:38.159 Paul is exhorting the congregation to think about two things and to do two things. 00:07:38.259 --> 00:07:45.600 The first one is, do not be surprised by the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you. 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:46.759 Right? 00:07:46.759 --> 00:07:56.159 This imagery brings to mind very, you know, for anyone who's read the Old Testament, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, 00:07:56.399 --> 00:08:00.259 the three men who were thrown literally into a fiery furnace 00:08:00.259 --> 00:08:04.719 because they would not bow down and worship a different God, 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:10.259 but that they would maintain their fidelity to their worship of God alone. 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:17.300 But it says here, Peter says, this fiery trial has come to test you, 00:08:18.339 --> 00:08:20.319 to reveal the character of your faith. 00:08:21.959 --> 00:08:23.719 What kind of suffering is it? 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:28.279 It's important to see here as we think about this fiery trial. 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:31.579 It is not just hardship of living in a fallen world. 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:38.360 It's not just the trials of living around other people who make your life difficult 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:41.300 or living with natural disasters or diseases. 00:08:41.680 --> 00:08:43.360 Those are a different kind of suffering. 00:08:43.480 --> 00:08:45.940 There are passages that tell us to rejoice in those too. 00:08:46.180 --> 00:08:48.500 Places like James 1 and Romans 5. 00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:55.560 But here in particular, Peter is talking about suffering for persecution. 00:08:56.899 --> 00:08:59.580 Suffering that is for Christ's sake. 00:08:59.580 --> 00:09:02.379 We'll see that more in verses 14 and 16. 00:09:02.720 --> 00:09:06.460 This is suffering that is being identified as loyalty to Christ 00:09:06.460 --> 00:09:11.440 that is provoking or causing the trial that we are going through. 00:09:12.080 --> 00:09:14.560 And it might be physical harm. 00:09:15.500 --> 00:09:19.220 It might be verbal or relational. 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:23.420 You may be maligned or reviled or spoken against or insulted. 00:09:23.620 --> 00:09:24.660 You may be excluded. 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:27.100 You may be discriminated against. 00:09:30.040 --> 00:09:33.580 All of these things are ways that we suffer persecution. 00:09:33.580 --> 00:09:37.600 That is the negative effects of others upon us 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:42.940 because we are followers of Christ and publicly identifying with Him. 00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:46.759 And Peter says, don't be surprised. 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:49.960 For those of us who live in the Western world, 00:09:50.360 --> 00:09:53.759 this is not an easy thing because we've grown up in a world 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:58.460 that for hundreds of years has been undergirded by a welcoming 00:09:58.460 --> 00:10:03.840 or by a general embracing of a Christian worldview. 00:10:04.040 --> 00:10:06.460 And so there's been a lot of places where being a Christian 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:08.820 has been in sync with our culture, 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:12.340 been in sync with the worldview of our neighbors around us, 00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:14.900 regardless of what faith they profess. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:25.759 But that presumption is not a one that Christians should hold broadly. 00:10:26.199 --> 00:10:30.340 We see this in the rest of the world where Christians suffer deeply 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:34.360 because their Christian faith is out of line so much 00:10:34.360 --> 00:10:36.939 with the worldview of the culture that they live in. 00:10:37.439 --> 00:10:41.819 And we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly at odds 00:10:41.819 --> 00:10:43.799 with a Christian worldview as well. 00:10:43.799 --> 00:10:49.339 And we have to remember that Christ Himself predicted this. 00:10:49.740 --> 00:10:51.339 In John 15, 20, He says, 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:53.500 A servant is not greater than his master. 00:10:54.179 --> 00:10:58.359 If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. 00:10:59.339 --> 00:11:02.699 And we see that this was true from the very beginning of the church. 00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:06.620 The passage that Tony read earlier from Acts 5. 00:11:07.639 --> 00:11:08.759 Remarkable, isn't it? 00:11:09.459 --> 00:11:13.099 The early church suffering, being beaten, 00:11:13.799 --> 00:11:16.559 being accused, being arrested, being threatened, 00:11:17.059 --> 00:11:19.439 and yet they counted it worthy. 00:11:20.639 --> 00:11:26.039 They rejoiced because they were counted worthy of suffering for the name of Jesus. 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:33.099 We are tempted when facing persecution to be surprised, I think. 00:11:33.100 --> 00:11:37.480 We are tempted to fall into self-pity. 00:11:37.860 --> 00:11:40.639 Oh my gosh, I can't believe this is happening to me. 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:41.899 This is so terrible. 00:11:42.800 --> 00:11:44.240 Or self-justification. 00:11:45.040 --> 00:11:46.659 Well, I'm right and they're wrong. 00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:48.300 And we become proud and arrogant. 00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:50.379 Sometimes we go on the attack. 00:11:51.019 --> 00:11:53.159 Well, those people are doing wrong for attacking me. 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:56.519 Why can't they be tolerant to me the way I'm trying to be tolerant with them? 00:11:58.399 --> 00:11:59.219 But Peter says, 00:11:59.379 --> 00:12:02.559 Don't be surprised and fall into these heart attitudes. 00:12:03.759 --> 00:12:06.519 But instead, his second imperative, 00:12:08.079 --> 00:12:08.659 Rejoice. 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:11.559 And he gives a reason. 00:12:11.699 --> 00:12:12.559 Look in verse 13. 00:12:12.659 --> 00:12:13.480 He gives a reason. 00:12:14.000 --> 00:12:16.480 Rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings, 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:21.899 that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:25.100 You see, the key, according to Peter, 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:29.720 for our ability to rejoice even in the face of persecution 00:12:29.720 --> 00:12:34.060 is that our joy now is a part of our joy later. 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:38.779 That our suffering now is a part of the glory that will come later. 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:40.580 This is the pattern of Jesus, 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:43.560 that his cross comes before the crown. 00:12:43.559 --> 00:12:46.519 Jesus, who, according to Hebrews 12, says, 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:49.859 For the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 00:12:49.959 --> 00:12:51.159 despising the shame, 00:12:51.419 --> 00:12:55.819 and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 00:12:58.259 --> 00:12:59.159 Peter says, 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:02.219 Don't be surprised because Christ suffered as well, 00:13:02.419 --> 00:13:04.459 and your union with him, 00:13:04.599 --> 00:13:06.159 because of your faith in him, 00:13:06.359 --> 00:13:07.759 you are joined with him. 00:13:08.439 --> 00:13:10.619 And as you are joined with him in your suffering, 00:13:10.719 --> 00:13:12.779 you are also joined with him in his joy. 00:13:12.779 --> 00:13:17.379 And this joy is now that you can have in the midst of suffering. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:19.480 And this is joy that you can have 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:23.959 knowing that there will be a future that will be only joy 00:13:23.959 --> 00:13:26.860 and no more suffering in his glory. 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:33.919 Peter is suggesting that our fellowship with Christ, 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:35.939 our union with Christ, 00:13:36.079 --> 00:13:38.279 is deepened through persecution. 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:43.600 And we enjoy a depth of fellowship with Christ that we never could have had 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:47.659 in the same way if we had not suffered. 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:54.439 Because only when we suffer do we know this Christ-like joy in the midst of persecution 00:13:54.439 --> 00:14:00.319 that allows us to see the glory of the joy that is to come. 00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:04.020 So Peter says, 00:14:04.920 --> 00:14:08.920 Persecution brings not surprise to Christians, 00:14:09.280 --> 00:14:11.600 but joy because of Christ. 00:14:12.740 --> 00:14:15.240 And then he goes on in verses 14 to 16. 00:14:15.640 --> 00:14:16.180 He says, 00:14:16.280 --> 00:14:18.379 Persecution brings not shame, 00:14:18.660 --> 00:14:20.020 but blessing. 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:22.240 We might wonder, 00:14:22.400 --> 00:14:23.400 Why shame? 00:14:23.399 --> 00:14:27.000 Why is he talking about being ashamed in this context? 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:27.299 Well, 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:32.299 Peter is writing to a church that's living in a largely non-Christian culture. 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:34.299 People would walk out their doors 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:37.000 and they would see the Roman pantheon 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:41.779 lived out in all sorts of big and small ways in their everyday life. 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:43.480 Right? 00:14:44.319 --> 00:14:47.299 Something that we as Americans find it hard, 00:14:47.460 --> 00:14:48.840 even in a place like New England 00:14:48.840 --> 00:14:50.399 where there are churches on every corner. 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:51.659 Half of them are now condos, 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.980 but there are still churches. 00:14:53.299 --> 00:14:55.500 And we see all of those things. 00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:56.899 Right? 00:14:56.959 --> 00:14:59.319 We see how much that's been a part of our culture. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:05.740 But Peter is writing to a place where Christians were small and despised, 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:07.919 not highlighted, 00:15:08.199 --> 00:15:09.120 not seen. 00:15:11.860 --> 00:15:12.759 Peter's saying, 00:15:13.539 --> 00:15:17.699 You may feel like your faith is being diminished and dismissed in your culture. 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:20.360 You may feel marginalized and discriminated against. 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:25.240 You may feel the threat of violence and physical harm. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:26.980 And these things are real. 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:33.120 The privilege that I had of meeting believers in China 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:36.159 who lived in a much more of this kind of a culture 00:15:36.159 --> 00:15:37.279 and to see them, 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:43.779 it was easy at times for them to become so discouraged and overwhelmed. 00:15:44.300 --> 00:15:45.639 Is this really worth it? 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:47.259 Should we really do that? 00:15:47.399 --> 00:15:49.259 They become ashamed of the gospel 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:53.560 because it feels so out of step with the world around them. 00:15:53.559 --> 00:15:57.779 You believe that there's something wrong with you because of your faith. 00:15:57.779 --> 00:16:06.379 The day may be coming when we're close to that here in the West as well. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:10.220 You might feel it in small ways and in large ways. 00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:15.759 You might feel it when you're not up on the latest TV shows and movies 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:20.659 because you've chosen to fill your mind with things that are profitable. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:33.559 Maybe you're suffering as a parent 00:16:33.559 --> 00:16:37.539 because your child can't sign up for community sports 00:16:37.539 --> 00:16:40.240 because they have all their games on Sunday morning 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:44.799 and you've made a prior commitment to be a part of attending church 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:46.879 and being a part of the church community. 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:52.480 Maybe you're a student 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:56.299 and you know that the views that you're expressing in your term paper 00:16:56.299 --> 00:17:00.919 that flow from your Christian convictions and worldview, 00:17:01.580 --> 00:17:03.659 you know that you're going to get docked points 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:05.559 for not the argument, 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:08.019 but for the content of what you say. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:12.660 You know that you will suffer a lower grade because of that. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:20.039 It's easy in these contexts to feel ashamed, 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:22.559 but Peter says don't. 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.180 Don't be ashamed. 00:17:28.119 --> 00:17:30.039 He goes on and he warns us, 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:34.460 but make sure that we're not suffering those things for the wrong reasons. 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:36.799 You see, this is what verse 15 says, right? 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.279 But my summary is like, 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:40.019 suffer for Christ, not for being stupid. 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:42.299 What he really means is, 00:17:42.599 --> 00:17:44.940 don't suffer for doing wrong, right? 00:17:45.059 --> 00:17:47.779 Don't be rude, ungodly, hateful. 00:17:48.139 --> 00:17:50.440 Don't be a murderer, a thief. 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:52.740 I love this word meddler. 00:17:52.919 --> 00:17:55.559 It means getting your nose into other people's businesses 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.839 in the wrong way, 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:59.279 in an unhelpful or ungodly way. 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:01.759 You don't have to fix the whole world. 00:18:01.879 --> 00:18:04.599 You don't have to make everyone do what's right in the world. 00:18:06.039 --> 00:18:08.099 Even if you know it because of Christ, 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:09.460 you don't have to make everyone— 00:18:09.460 --> 00:18:10.720 that's not your job. 00:18:11.839 --> 00:18:14.680 So let's not fall into those things 00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:18.720 and find ourselves on the back end of persecution and backlash 00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:22.779 for being ungodly people. 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:26.240 Because look, we can do it. 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:28.799 Christians, out of zeal for certain truths, 00:18:28.859 --> 00:18:30.279 can do terrible things. 00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:33.960 We can even justify violence against others 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:37.700 on the basis of upholding Christian values. 00:18:37.920 --> 00:18:38.960 We can cheat or steal 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:42.160 because we claim self-righteous ownership of things. 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:46.059 We can compel others to conform to Christian ethics 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:50.639 in a world that we can invite them to do it, 00:18:50.700 --> 00:18:52.359 but to compel them to do it? 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.799 Peter says, 00:18:58.039 --> 00:19:00.220 let us not be suffering for the wrong reasons, 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:04.379 but if we suffer in the name of Christ, 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:06.940 if we suffer for being a Christian, 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:10.039 if we suffer because we identify with Jesus 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:11.740 and his gospel of grace, 00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:15.679 we will always feel like we don't totally belong. 00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:18.480 We will always feel that we will be misunderstood. 00:19:19.539 --> 00:19:21.320 And increasingly in our world, 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:23.580 we will be assigned false motives. 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:28.180 Friends, let us not be unwise about our moment today. 00:19:28.560 --> 00:19:30.799 There are places where a Christian worldview 00:19:30.799 --> 00:19:33.759 is increasingly out of step with our culture. 00:19:34.200 --> 00:19:36.840 In ethics, as we think about the beginning of life 00:19:36.840 --> 00:19:37.759 and the end of life, 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:41.019 as we think about things like abortion and euthanasia, 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:44.680 Christians will uphold a pro-life stance. 00:19:44.680 --> 00:19:47.060 Not in a political sense, 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:49.980 but in a sense of God loves and cares about life 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:54.500 in a way that will be out of step. 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:56.860 We know this, 00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:59.039 but in areas of sexuality and gender, 00:19:59.539 --> 00:20:02.120 our understanding of what humans are 00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:03.980 and how they're created by God, 00:20:04.100 --> 00:20:06.460 how they're affected in their created goodness, 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:08.940 in their fallen brokenness, 00:20:08.940 --> 00:20:11.680 and in their potential for redemption and glory. 00:20:13.259 --> 00:20:15.460 We are out of step with a world 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:17.680 that will tell us different things 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:19.900 about how we can be self-determinative 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:22.980 in these things. 00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:26.559 Religious tolerance is something 00:20:26.559 --> 00:20:29.299 that increasingly has boundaries. 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:31.980 We have religious tolerance for tolerant people, 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:34.039 but we have religious intolerance 00:20:34.039 --> 00:20:37.559 for people who hold to beliefs that are exclusive. 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:40.559 And friends, we believe in exclusive gospel, 00:20:40.740 --> 00:20:43.140 not because we choose to be hateful to others, 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:45.360 but because Christ alone has done 00:20:45.360 --> 00:20:47.160 the only thing that can save us. 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:53.700 And even the most gentle and gracious 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:58.320 and kind orthodoxy will be condemned 00:20:58.320 --> 00:21:00.800 and we will be called hated, 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:03.980 hateful and bigoted and cruel and oppressive 00:21:03.980 --> 00:21:07.540 for our following of Christ. 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:10.860 And we should expect that there will be times 00:21:10.860 --> 00:21:12.160 when we will be excluded, 00:21:12.840 --> 00:21:14.100 disrespected, marginalized, 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:15.660 and discriminated against 00:21:15.660 --> 00:21:18.320 because we follow Christ. 00:21:20.620 --> 00:21:23.640 We need to avoid a culture war mentality. 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:27.060 We need to not see that there's an enemy 00:21:27.060 --> 00:21:29.060 that we have to win the culture war 00:21:29.060 --> 00:21:30.420 in our world, 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:33.560 but we are to hold the truth of God 00:21:33.560 --> 00:21:35.080 with humility and grace 00:21:35.080 --> 00:21:36.440 and belief and practice. 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:38.160 We are to love our enemies 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:41.940 and we are to fight to live 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:44.080 as citizens of a kingdom 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:46.339 that is unshakable 00:21:46.339 --> 00:21:48.240 and cannot be broken 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:50.740 in the midst of a world 00:21:50.740 --> 00:21:52.359 that is increasingly 00:21:52.359 --> 00:21:55.079 going to be difficult to live in. 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.899 So Peter says, 00:21:58.079 --> 00:22:00.299 let us not be ashamed of the gospel. 00:22:01.699 --> 00:22:02.299 Why? 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:03.639 Because he says, 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.839 you are blessed. 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:07.019 You are blessed by God 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:09.159 in the midst of this persecution. 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.919 This is what Jesus said 00:22:10.919 --> 00:22:11.819 in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:12.819 Blessed are those 00:22:12.819 --> 00:22:13.899 who are persecuted 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:15.019 for righteousness' sake, 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:16.519 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:17.779 Blessed are you 00:22:17.779 --> 00:22:18.960 when others revile you 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:19.899 and persecute you 00:22:19.899 --> 00:22:21.220 and utter all kinds of evil 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.359 against you falsely. 00:22:22.619 --> 00:22:23.539 On my account, 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:25.240 rejoice and be glad, 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:27.259 for your reward is great in heaven. 00:22:27.899 --> 00:22:29.720 For so they persecuted the prophets 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.600 who were before you. 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:35.160 God looks at you 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:38.539 as one walking in Christ 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:40.539 and suffering for Christ 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:41.220 and says, 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:42.339 you are blessed. 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:43.799 And how do we know that? 00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:46.380 Because he pronounces your favor, 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.839 his favor on you publicly 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:50.380 because you have, 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:52.680 this is what the end of verse 16 says, 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:55.360 because you have 00:22:55.360 --> 00:22:57.940 the spirit of glory 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:58.880 and of God 00:22:58.880 --> 00:23:01.060 resting upon you. 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:03.279 You see, friends, 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.840 we might feel ashamed 00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:06.380 like we're doing something wrong 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.700 when we suffer persecution, 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:09.180 but God looks at us 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:09.519 and says, 00:23:09.840 --> 00:23:11.240 as you suffer persecution 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:12.840 and as you stand firm 00:23:12.840 --> 00:23:14.900 in humility and steadfastness, 00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:16.519 you are proving 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:17.860 that the spirit of God 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:18.799 is on you 00:23:18.799 --> 00:23:20.420 and you are displaying 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:22.220 the spirit of the gospel 00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.420 and of Christ 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:25.120 in the world. 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:27.000 And he looks at you 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.560 and he says, 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:28.880 this suffering 00:23:28.880 --> 00:23:31.460 is revealing to the world 00:23:31.460 --> 00:23:32.920 what I have already done, 00:23:32.980 --> 00:23:34.920 which is I have pronounced upon you 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:36.000 a blessing 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.600 by giving you the spirit 00:23:37.600 --> 00:23:39.460 by virtue of your faith 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:40.259 in Christ. 00:23:41.860 --> 00:23:43.900 This is what verse 16 says. 00:23:44.660 --> 00:23:45.340 Karen Jobes, 00:23:45.460 --> 00:23:46.120 this commentator, 00:23:46.180 --> 00:23:46.779 we keep quoting 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:47.600 because her commentator 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:48.400 is really excellent 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:49.560 on 1 Peter, 00:23:49.780 --> 00:23:51.180 notes that the suffering here 00:23:51.180 --> 00:23:51.980 is not productive. 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:53.400 Sometimes we want to say 00:23:53.400 --> 00:23:54.100 our suffering 00:23:54.100 --> 00:23:55.040 and our persecution, 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:55.980 they're only worth it 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:57.920 when we can see 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:59.060 what good it produces. 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:00.780 But here, 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:02.140 Peter's not saying 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:03.040 the suffering here 00:24:03.040 --> 00:24:04.680 doesn't produce the blessing. 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.000 The suffering 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:07.560 simply reveals it. 00:24:07.840 --> 00:24:08.340 The suffering 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:09.360 is a testing fire 00:24:09.360 --> 00:24:09.960 that shows 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:11.259 what is really there. 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:16.780 Friends, 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.559 this is what 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:19.879 Helen Rosevear found. 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.720 If you don't know 00:24:21.720 --> 00:24:22.720 Helen Rosevear's story, 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.259 you should. 00:24:23.639 --> 00:24:24.339 She was a missionary 00:24:24.339 --> 00:24:25.379 in the 20th century. 00:24:26.160 --> 00:24:27.259 She went to 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.619 Central Africa, 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.899 to the Congo, 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:32.359 to serve as a medical missionary. 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:35.039 She suffered deeply 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:35.819 as a missionary. 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:37.799 In the midst of civil war 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.879 and the Simba rebellion, 00:24:39.379 --> 00:24:40.879 she was imprisoned, 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:41.980 she was beaten, 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:43.119 she was raped, 00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:46.039 she suffered immeasurably. 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:48.399 And in the midst 00:24:48.399 --> 00:24:49.179 of her 00:24:49.179 --> 00:24:52.000 faithful service 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:53.319 and seeking God 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:54.359 in the midst of her 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:55.719 terrible, 00:24:55.939 --> 00:24:57.159 terrible circumstances, 00:24:58.039 --> 00:25:00.399 as she reflects back 00:25:00.399 --> 00:25:01.659 on that season in life, 00:25:01.719 --> 00:25:02.739 she writes this. 00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:04.739 One word became 00:25:04.739 --> 00:25:06.159 unbelievably clear, 00:25:06.859 --> 00:25:08.599 and that word was 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:09.279 privilege. 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:09.480 privilege. 00:25:10.379 --> 00:25:11.839 He didn't take away 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:13.559 pain or cruelty 00:25:13.559 --> 00:25:14.740 or humiliation. 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:15.619 No, 00:25:15.799 --> 00:25:17.099 it was all there. 00:25:17.899 --> 00:25:19.579 But now it was 00:25:19.579 --> 00:25:20.660 altogether different. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:23.119 It was with him, 00:25:23.879 --> 00:25:24.700 for him, 00:25:25.519 --> 00:25:26.339 in him. 00:25:26.339 --> 00:25:27.939 he was actually 00:25:27.939 --> 00:25:28.720 offering me 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:30.399 the inestimable 00:25:30.399 --> 00:25:31.139 privilege 00:25:31.139 --> 00:25:32.519 of sharing 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:34.799 in some little way 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:36.399 the edge 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:37.559 of the fellowship 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:39.899 of his suffering. 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:47.859 Friends, 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:49.079 this is what it means 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:49.879 to have the glory 00:25:49.879 --> 00:25:50.799 of God revealed 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:52.299 in a believer 00:25:52.299 --> 00:25:53.459 who stands firm, 00:25:54.039 --> 00:25:55.059 who is not ashamed 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.700 in the midst of, 00:25:55.980 --> 00:25:56.819 but who knows 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.919 that they are blessed 00:25:57.919 --> 00:25:58.859 because the Spirit 00:25:58.859 --> 00:26:00.279 of God resides 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.019 in them 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:02.480 because they can see 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.119 this. 00:26:04.200 --> 00:26:05.480 Suffering is an opportunity 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:06.319 for fellowship 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:07.159 with Christ. 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.639 So persecution 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:13.079 brings not surprise, 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:13.759 but joy. 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.559 Brings not shame, 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.419 but blessing. 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:17.960 And finally, 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:19.559 verses 17 through 19, 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.700 persecution brings 00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:21.440 not fear 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:22.879 of condemnation, 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:24.279 but confident faith. 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:26.359 So I don't know 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:27.559 if you felt it 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.579 when we read through it, 00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:30.019 but verses 17 through 19 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:31.480 strike me 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.200 as you read through 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:33.519 the logic of this 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:35.839 as a bit of a non sequitur. 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:37.240 What is he doing here? 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:38.359 He's talking about 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.759 suffering for Christ. 00:26:39.899 --> 00:26:40.619 He's encouraging 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:41.119 the believers. 00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:42.259 This all makes sense. 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.359 And then verse 17, 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:44.339 he says, 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.179 for it is time 00:26:45.179 --> 00:26:45.740 for judgment 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.339 to begin 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:47.919 at the household of God. 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.460 And if it is 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:49.259 to begin with us, 00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:50.500 what will be the outcome 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.679 of those who do not obey? 00:26:51.680 --> 00:26:57.720 And why does he turn to this? 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:59.360 Why does he turn to judgment? 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:00.660 And I think that 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.600 to get this right, 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:02.880 I think Peter may be 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:03.500 using judgment 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:04.680 in a slightly different way 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:05.840 than we usually think of it. 00:27:05.900 --> 00:27:07.100 Usually we think of judgment 00:27:07.100 --> 00:27:08.820 as condemnation. 00:27:09.080 --> 00:27:10.019 We think of judgment 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:11.640 as bringing punishment. 00:27:12.180 --> 00:27:13.259 And so it often is 00:27:13.259 --> 00:27:13.940 in the New Testament. 00:27:14.100 --> 00:27:15.380 It means that judgment is, 00:27:15.880 --> 00:27:16.960 and for believers, 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:17.880 it can be judgment 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:19.840 that comes to refine people 00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:22.119 so that they might be purified 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:22.819 of their sin. 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:24.359 There's a final judgment 00:27:24.359 --> 00:27:25.459 on the whole world 00:27:25.459 --> 00:27:26.119 where there will be 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:28.139 a final reckoning 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:28.839 and accounting 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:30.419 for our standing 00:27:30.419 --> 00:27:31.480 before God 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.879 and where God 00:27:32.879 --> 00:27:34.959 will vindicate 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:35.579 the righteous 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:36.839 and where he will condemn 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:38.759 and punish evildoers. 00:27:41.159 --> 00:27:43.199 But it doesn't seem like 00:27:43.199 --> 00:27:44.179 this is the sense 00:27:44.179 --> 00:27:45.299 of judgment here. 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:48.000 because there's no sense 00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:50.259 of Peter saying, 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.899 hey, you guys are falling short 00:27:51.899 --> 00:27:52.480 in holiness 00:27:52.480 --> 00:27:53.779 and you need to grow in this. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:55.180 And there's no sense 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:57.099 that Peter's saying, 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:59.359 hey, there's a final judgment 00:27:59.359 --> 00:28:00.579 that's going to come, 00:28:00.659 --> 00:28:02.799 so hold on for that 00:28:02.799 --> 00:28:04.559 because in verse 17 it says, 00:28:04.639 --> 00:28:05.720 for the time is now 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:07.399 that this judgment is happening. 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:09.659 So what is Peter talking about? 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:11.159 Peter's talking about 00:28:11.159 --> 00:28:11.919 the persecution 00:28:11.919 --> 00:28:14.220 that the church is suffering now, 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:16.319 not as a condemnation 00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:17.240 on the church, 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:18.440 but as a test. 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.440 This is what we saw 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.140 in verse 12 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:22.180 and I think he's coming back 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:22.799 to this idea. 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:24.900 A test in God's hand 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:26.900 that is a trial 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:29.360 that as we stand firm 00:28:29.360 --> 00:28:30.039 through it, 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:32.120 we see 00:28:32.120 --> 00:28:33.539 and what God sees 00:28:33.539 --> 00:28:35.319 is who are truly 00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:36.940 his people. 00:28:37.519 --> 00:28:38.620 So judgment here 00:28:38.620 --> 00:28:39.900 is not the condemnation, 00:28:39.900 --> 00:28:41.440 but it's rendering a verdict, 00:28:41.620 --> 00:28:42.940 whether good or bad. 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:47.160 And then he explains 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:48.279 that the verdict 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:49.799 could be good or bad. 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:51.279 Right? 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:53.259 For judgment, 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.299 that is this testing, 00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.740 starts with the house of God. 00:28:56.079 --> 00:28:56.680 God comes 00:28:56.680 --> 00:28:57.980 and through this fiery trial 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:58.819 that's happening now 00:28:58.819 --> 00:28:59.660 of persecution, 00:29:00.100 --> 00:29:00.940 the true church 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:01.940 is being revealed. 00:29:02.380 --> 00:29:03.299 Those who are 00:29:03.299 --> 00:29:05.019 falsely claiming Christ 00:29:05.019 --> 00:29:06.200 or those who are 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:07.960 saying they want 00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:08.640 to follow Christ, 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:10.319 but only when it is easy 00:29:10.319 --> 00:29:11.180 and when it doesn't 00:29:11.180 --> 00:29:11.960 include suffering, 00:29:11.960 --> 00:29:13.620 those people are winnowed 00:29:13.620 --> 00:29:14.460 out of the church. 00:29:14.860 --> 00:29:16.259 Yes, that's a true thing. 00:29:16.700 --> 00:29:17.759 And so the church, 00:29:17.880 --> 00:29:18.640 the true church 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:19.660 will be revealed 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.940 in its glory. 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:23.980 Peter says, 00:29:24.079 --> 00:29:25.579 well, if that's what's happening 00:29:25.579 --> 00:29:27.200 with those who know Christ, 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:29.160 what about those who don't? 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.019 When he says 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:31.259 those who do not obey 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:32.220 the gospel of God, 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:33.640 this is a different language 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:34.059 for saying 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:35.100 for those who have not 00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:36.680 put their faith in Christ. 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:37.960 It's going to happen 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:39.940 and those who are in Christ 00:29:39.940 --> 00:29:40.980 are going to be preserved, 00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:42.900 then the message 00:29:42.900 --> 00:29:44.079 for those who are not 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:44.700 in Christ 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.799 is a fearsome one. 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.860 And the persecution 00:29:47.860 --> 00:29:48.740 that the church 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.980 is feeling now 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:52.039 is of a piece 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:53.519 of that final judgment 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:54.620 that will come 00:29:54.620 --> 00:29:56.100 and that final verdict 00:29:56.100 --> 00:29:56.779 that will come 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.759 upon all people. 00:29:58.019 --> 00:29:59.259 This is why he quotes 00:29:59.259 --> 00:30:02.340 Psalm 11, 31, 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:03.880 if the righteous 00:30:03.880 --> 00:30:04.840 are scarcely saved, 00:30:04.900 --> 00:30:05.140 that is, 00:30:05.220 --> 00:30:05.799 if the righteous 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.400 are saved 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:08.000 through a great trial, 00:30:08.340 --> 00:30:09.540 what will become 00:30:09.540 --> 00:30:10.340 of the ungodly 00:30:10.340 --> 00:30:10.860 and the sinner? 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.240 That is, 00:30:11.460 --> 00:30:12.800 those who don't know God 00:30:12.800 --> 00:30:14.400 and don't care about God. 00:30:15.220 --> 00:30:16.500 The great sorting 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.160 of humanity 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:18.120 is prefigured 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:19.120 in persecution. 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:20.300 Who will endure 00:30:20.300 --> 00:30:21.320 and stand to the end 00:30:21.320 --> 00:30:22.160 and who will not? 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.660 If those who claim Christ 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:25.700 may waver and fall, 00:30:26.280 --> 00:30:27.340 what about others? 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:31.640 Without Christ, 00:30:32.400 --> 00:30:35.100 when we face God's trial 00:30:35.100 --> 00:30:35.860 and his judgment, 00:30:36.400 --> 00:30:38.120 there is condemnation 00:30:38.120 --> 00:30:38.860 for sin. 00:30:39.800 --> 00:30:40.560 God's wrath 00:30:40.560 --> 00:30:41.420 is poured out. 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.440 There will be 00:30:43.440 --> 00:30:44.380 an eternal punishment 00:30:44.380 --> 00:30:45.220 for those 00:30:45.220 --> 00:30:46.360 who are outside 00:30:46.360 --> 00:30:47.040 of Christ 00:30:47.040 --> 00:30:49.380 because a holy God 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.300 cannot suffer 00:30:50.300 --> 00:30:52.360 to overlook sin. 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:54.800 And only in Christ, 00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:57.620 only in Christ, 00:30:57.620 --> 00:31:00.240 has those sins 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:00.980 been dealt with 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:01.840 and taken away. 00:31:01.839 --> 00:31:05.099 with the gospel, 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:05.899 there is hope 00:31:05.899 --> 00:31:07.419 to persevere. 00:31:07.419 --> 00:31:08.519 Without the gospel, 00:31:08.679 --> 00:31:09.279 there is only 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.099 condemnation 00:31:10.099 --> 00:31:11.159 and fear 00:31:11.159 --> 00:31:11.699 and death 00:31:11.699 --> 00:31:12.579 for all people 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:14.000 at all times 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:15.859 who do not know Christ. 00:31:17.439 --> 00:31:18.839 This is why Peter 00:31:18.839 --> 00:31:20.439 ends with this exhortation 00:31:20.439 --> 00:31:21.359 in verse 19. 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:22.119 Therefore, 00:31:22.359 --> 00:31:23.459 let those who suffer 00:31:23.459 --> 00:31:24.819 according to God's will 00:31:24.819 --> 00:31:26.720 entrust their souls 00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:28.240 to a faithful creator 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:29.740 while doing good. 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:31.160 He's saying, 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:31.740 friends, 00:31:31.920 --> 00:31:33.279 I know that there's 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.140 a fiery trial. 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:35.339 You're either in it 00:31:35.339 --> 00:31:36.559 or it's about to come. 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.960 Don't be surprised. 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:39.140 Don't be ashamed. 00:31:39.579 --> 00:31:40.559 Don't be afraid. 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:44.539 But entrust yourself 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:47.140 like a little child 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:47.759 who runs 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.940 to his daddy's arms 00:31:48.940 --> 00:31:53.019 and who's enveloped 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:53.779 by the grace 00:31:53.779 --> 00:31:54.620 of the gospel 00:31:54.620 --> 00:31:56.120 and protected 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:58.380 from all the harm 00:31:58.380 --> 00:32:00.460 and all the trial 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:01.880 and all the hardship, 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:04.940 all the condemnation, 00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:05.920 all the attack 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:06.539 on them 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:07.900 from the outside. 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:12.019 So we run to Christ 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:13.559 and trust ourselves 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.660 to our creator 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.519 who knows us 00:32:15.519 --> 00:32:16.920 and what he's made us for. 00:32:16.920 --> 00:32:19.000 We run to this one 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:23.539 and find in him 00:32:23.539 --> 00:32:24.140 refuge 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:25.380 and strength. 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:27.640 And as we entrust ourselves, 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:29.580 not trusting in our own ability 00:32:29.580 --> 00:32:30.660 to manage 00:32:30.660 --> 00:32:31.480 or to navigate 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:33.000 or to take care of ourselves, 00:32:33.180 --> 00:32:35.000 but to give ourselves over 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:36.259 to him 00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:37.200 and to his purposes 00:32:37.200 --> 00:32:38.220 in our lives, 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:43.279 this is how we endure 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:44.420 suffering. 00:32:44.420 --> 00:32:45.900 This, 00:32:46.100 --> 00:32:47.460 it's with these attitudes 00:32:47.460 --> 00:32:48.920 that we are able 00:32:48.920 --> 00:32:50.500 to face the fiery trials 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:52.320 of living as aliens 00:32:52.320 --> 00:32:53.000 and strangers 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:53.860 in a world 00:32:53.860 --> 00:32:55.640 that does not know us. 00:33:00.160 --> 00:33:00.720 Friends, 00:33:00.840 --> 00:33:01.600 we do this 00:33:01.600 --> 00:33:03.279 because we know Christ. 00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:05.539 We are able to do this 00:33:05.539 --> 00:33:06.440 because Christ 00:33:06.440 --> 00:33:07.920 is our treasure. 00:33:07.920 --> 00:33:10.880 and in Christ 00:33:10.880 --> 00:33:12.539 we find joy 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:13.380 and blessing 00:33:13.380 --> 00:33:14.480 and hope. 00:33:15.560 --> 00:33:16.920 We find a place 00:33:16.920 --> 00:33:17.519 of refuge 00:33:17.519 --> 00:33:19.120 where we can hide ourselves, 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:22.279 where we can be 00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:23.700 what Peter 00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:25.420 exhorts us to be. 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:27.519 And friends, 00:33:27.580 --> 00:33:28.680 if we're here this morning 00:33:28.680 --> 00:33:30.140 and we don't know Christ yet, 00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:31.600 or we're not sure 00:33:31.600 --> 00:33:33.180 how we stand with Christ, 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:35.039 if we are wondering 00:33:35.039 --> 00:33:36.560 whether Christ is worth it, 00:33:36.559 --> 00:33:38.419 if the cost may be too high, 00:33:38.740 --> 00:33:39.619 if the suffering 00:33:39.619 --> 00:33:40.960 may be too hard, 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:44.220 this word has 00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:45.960 a warning for us as well. 00:33:46.179 --> 00:33:47.099 There is no hope 00:33:47.099 --> 00:33:48.079 outside of Christ 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:49.480 and the hard things 00:33:49.480 --> 00:33:50.200 and the trials 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:50.839 that are facing, 00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:52.559 that you may be facing now 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.859 are nothing compared 00:33:53.859 --> 00:33:56.220 to the final judgment 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:57.000 when you will stand 00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:57.720 before God. 00:33:58.619 --> 00:34:00.359 And Peter would implore you, 00:34:00.879 --> 00:34:01.879 turn to Christ, 00:34:02.500 --> 00:34:03.579 put your hope in him, 00:34:03.919 --> 00:34:04.879 put your trust 00:34:04.880 --> 00:34:06.380 in him today. 00:34:08.260 --> 00:34:09.559 And then you will be able 00:34:09.559 --> 00:34:10.200 to endure 00:34:10.200 --> 00:34:12.059 these fiery trials. 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:13.140 Let's pray. 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:21.019 Lord, we thank you 00:34:21.019 --> 00:34:21.619 this morning. 00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:26.240 We thank you this morning 00:34:26.240 --> 00:34:28.180 for this word, 00:34:28.179 --> 00:34:29.199 Lord, 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:29.619 that 00:34:29.619 --> 00:34:32.419 Lord, 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:33.739 is meant to encourage us 00:34:33.739 --> 00:34:36.139 to give us strength 00:34:36.139 --> 00:34:37.259 in our inner being. 00:34:40.480 --> 00:34:40.940 Lord, 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:41.719 we know that 00:34:41.719 --> 00:34:42.599 when you called us 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.299 to yourself, 00:34:43.399 --> 00:34:44.179 you called us 00:34:44.179 --> 00:34:45.239 out of this world 00:34:45.239 --> 00:34:46.839 and that 00:34:46.839 --> 00:34:48.719 as long as we live 00:34:48.719 --> 00:34:49.399 on this earth 00:34:49.399 --> 00:34:50.839 as your people, 00:34:50.839 --> 00:34:51.779 we will feel 00:34:51.779 --> 00:34:52.779 like aliens 00:34:52.779 --> 00:34:53.500 and strangers, 00:34:54.500 --> 00:34:55.440 like exiles 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:56.839 whose home 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:57.780 is somewhere else. 00:35:01.519 --> 00:35:02.160 Lord, 00:35:02.220 --> 00:35:02.579 we pray 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:03.460 you would give us 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:04.140 endurance 00:35:04.140 --> 00:35:05.000 and patience 00:35:05.000 --> 00:35:06.140 and steadfastness 00:35:06.140 --> 00:35:08.340 to embrace this life. 00:35:09.300 --> 00:35:09.620 And Lord, 00:35:09.680 --> 00:35:10.420 when we do 00:35:10.420 --> 00:35:11.720 suffer persecution, 00:35:12.180 --> 00:35:13.120 when we do 00:35:13.120 --> 00:35:14.700 suffer for Christ's sake, 00:35:15.740 --> 00:35:16.079 Lord, 00:35:16.160 --> 00:35:16.980 we pray 00:35:16.980 --> 00:35:18.300 that you might bring us 00:35:18.300 --> 00:35:18.900 the joy, 00:35:19.800 --> 00:35:20.460 the confidence, 00:35:20.980 --> 00:35:21.539 the blessing. 00:35:22.500 --> 00:35:23.079 Lord, 00:35:23.140 --> 00:35:24.180 that our faith 00:35:24.180 --> 00:35:24.960 may be tested 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:25.619 and found 00:35:25.619 --> 00:35:27.780 to be true. 00:35:29.220 --> 00:35:29.699 Lord, 00:35:29.740 --> 00:35:30.139 the faith 00:35:30.139 --> 00:35:31.320 that you have given us 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:32.900 and so we might 00:35:32.900 --> 00:35:33.500 stand firm. 00:35:34.920 --> 00:35:35.559 Thank you, 00:35:35.639 --> 00:35:35.840 Lord. 00:35:36.539 --> 00:35:37.760 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:35:38.599 --> 00:35:38.820 Amen.