Download What`s in it for us?

Brian Fisher
Grace Bible Church
“What's in it for us?”
1 Peter 4:12-19
To the degree that we identify with Jesus Christ in this life, we will suffer.
However, to the degree that we identify with Jesus Christ and share in His
sufferings, we will also be rewarded... and God’s promises are true.
This life is training for the next. Training is sometimes painful. God never wastes that
pain. Read 4:12-13
The testing we experience in this life is not accidental. God is not surprised. We
should not be surprised.
A. Strengthening.
James 1:2-3.
Jer. 12:5
God is always strengthening us, so that He can reward us
B. Reward – 1 Peter 1:6-7 (all trials)
δοκίμιον = Demonstrate the genuineness of
Not testing to cause you to fail
Testing so that He can reward us.
Christians shouldn’t follow Jesus for reward but just for love. Many legitimate
motivations given in Bible.
Mt 19:28-30. Peter to Jesus. We have left everything. Jesus does not condemn
Peter for asking. Tells him what the reward will be.
C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, p. 4
The reward for suffering – 4:13-19
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I.
Share = fellowship. Not just potluck with mystery casserole and green beans
Phil 3:10 – “that I may know Him… and the fellowship of His sufferings”
Why? Reward of suffering well (with joy) is even more joy in the future.
Exceedingly great joy. 4:13
Rejoice now (present tense. “keep on rejoicing”) so that you will rejoice exceedingly
in the future. To the degree that you respond properly to trials (i.e. joy) you will
rejoice in the future. Mt 5:12
Peter (crucified upside down). John (boiled). Paul (beheaded). I don’t want to meet
them and have no scars.
No Scar – Amy Carmichael. Missionary to orphans in India
Hast thou no scar?
No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand?
I hear thee sung as mighty in the land,
I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star,
Hast thou no scar?
Hast thou no wound?
Yet I was wounded by the archers, spent,
Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent
By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned:
Hast thou no wound?
No wound, no scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And, pierced are the feet that follow Me;
But thine are whole: can he have followed far
Who has no wound nor scar?
Phil. 1:29
Gospel – free gift
More scars = more joy
II. Intimacy and power. 4:14
“Spirit of glory and of God rests on you”
1. Power – Is. 11:1-2
2. Intimacy. Especially when suffering.
John 14:21-23. “to lay open to view” (of Christ in the presence of the Father; Heb.
9:24), or “to disclose information”
Do you ever feel like there must be more to the Christian life? Don’t be ashamed.
Thanksgiving/Christmas break is approaching. Opportunities with family and old
friends to make our allegiance known.
Present reward. There is also future reward.
III. 1 Peter 5:1; 5:4; 1:6-7. “Fellowship” (A Share) in His glory.
“glory” = heavy
• 1 Sam 4:18 (Eli was heavy).
• Ezek 21:21 (liver is heaviest organ).
• Gen 13:2 (Abraham “rich”)
Therefore, “important.” To declare, make or recognize importance
Praise – Psalm 86:9-12; 115:1
4:16. Opportunity to “glorify.” Turn praise to Jesus.
God won’t allow His glory to be taken, but He will share
Share in the praise He receives. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Ex – Children do something well, we praise them. We thrive on praise. We were
made to receive praise and to give praise.
C.S. Lewis, p. 13
IV. “Fellowship” (A Share) in His authority
12 thrones
Ruler over many cities
Paul to Timothy – rule and reign
To make a difference
Faithful in a few things; lesser things are earthly things
V.
4:19. Confidence in this life and next. 1 John 2:28
Not everyone understands – this is why we are here; why mankind exists
The recompense of the godless – 4:17b-18
If our suffering in this life is bad, it is nothing compared to what those who refuse
the gospel will experience.
These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the
Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints
on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed….
2 Thess 1:9–10
Deeds – Rev. 22
Response of the godly
Zealous to be found by Him in purity
Urgency for the lost
Penn Jillette (comedian/magician) video – 4 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhG-tkQ_Q2w
Application
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Communion
Thank God that we know Him. That we understand the meaning of life.
Pray for opportunities to make Him known; Thanksgiving/Christmas