Life's Greatest Reality
Jerry Watts
1 Peter 4:12-19
Years ago, I called a well-known Pastor friend and asked, ''How are you doing?'' He responded, ''Life is hard and then you die.'' I have remembered those words as they parallel the words of Solomon in scripture.
Someone else said, ''The only two absolutes in life are death and taxes.'' After seeing the many people who avoid or refuse to pay taxes, my first thought was this; ''the only sure thing in life is death. But I now have amended my thought because, based on God's word affirming my life's experience, I have discovered this.
SUFFERING is a part of life. Peter has addressed this several times in his writings, James tells us to ''Count it all joy WHEN (not if) we have troubles,'' and many other places in God's word reveals this truth. So, let's read this text that is considered teaching about ''Christian Suffering.''
(READ TEXT) I offer 4 aspects or thoughts about this topic.
The Reality of Suffering - (V12) - Verse 12 gives us clear instructions, ''Don't be surprised at the fiery trial ''WHEN'' it comes upon you. Don't be taken off-guard because, if you live for Jesus, it will come to you - count on it. Some people try to portray the Christian life with no problems, this is unreal. Candidly, most people are in one of three places; in a trial, coming out of a trial, or about to enter a trial.
The Response to Suffering - (V13-16) - How should we respond? Well, we shouldn't be surprised, James says, ''Count it pure joy,'' and Peter simply says, ''Rejoice''. By the way, it was only 12 verses in the sermon on the mount when Jesus said, ''Rejoice!!'' Perhaps this is where Peter heard this message. By the way, this JOY is not a 'plastic smile' on your face or a 'falsie attitude, rather it is a recognition and acceptance of the hurt with an awareness that the pain will make you stronger in Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is, ''How do I handle suffering?'' It's not about putting on a ...
Jerry Watts
1 Peter 4:12-19
Years ago, I called a well-known Pastor friend and asked, ''How are you doing?'' He responded, ''Life is hard and then you die.'' I have remembered those words as they parallel the words of Solomon in scripture.
Someone else said, ''The only two absolutes in life are death and taxes.'' After seeing the many people who avoid or refuse to pay taxes, my first thought was this; ''the only sure thing in life is death. But I now have amended my thought because, based on God's word affirming my life's experience, I have discovered this.
SUFFERING is a part of life. Peter has addressed this several times in his writings, James tells us to ''Count it all joy WHEN (not if) we have troubles,'' and many other places in God's word reveals this truth. So, let's read this text that is considered teaching about ''Christian Suffering.''
(READ TEXT) I offer 4 aspects or thoughts about this topic.
The Reality of Suffering - (V12) - Verse 12 gives us clear instructions, ''Don't be surprised at the fiery trial ''WHEN'' it comes upon you. Don't be taken off-guard because, if you live for Jesus, it will come to you - count on it. Some people try to portray the Christian life with no problems, this is unreal. Candidly, most people are in one of three places; in a trial, coming out of a trial, or about to enter a trial.
The Response to Suffering - (V13-16) - How should we respond? Well, we shouldn't be surprised, James says, ''Count it pure joy,'' and Peter simply says, ''Rejoice''. By the way, it was only 12 verses in the sermon on the mount when Jesus said, ''Rejoice!!'' Perhaps this is where Peter heard this message. By the way, this JOY is not a 'plastic smile' on your face or a 'falsie attitude, rather it is a recognition and acceptance of the hurt with an awareness that the pain will make you stronger in Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is, ''How do I handle suffering?'' It's not about putting on a ...
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