SERIES: WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH (9 OF 10)

NOTE: This sermon is part 17 and 18 of a 20 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 17: Living Near the End
Series: When The Going Gets Tough
Stuart Briscoe
1 Peter 4:7-11

Peter was particularly conscious of the limited time available to him. This affected the way he lived, and he sought to share both this consciousness and the response with his contemporaries. His words are relevant to Christians of all generations.

I. Christian Belief Concerning the End.

A. The Jewish understanding of the end. Joel 2

B. The disciple's questions concerning the end. Matthew 24:1-3

C. The apostolic preaching related to the end. Acts 2:17

D. The biblical teaching about the end. 2 Peter 3
1. It is near.

2. It is in God's time.

3. It is certain.

4. It is delayed.

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Part 18: Handling Harsh Realities
Series: When The Going Gets Tough
Stuart Briscoe
1 Peter 4:12-19

There is a natural tendency for human beings to avoid considering the possibility that they may be required to live in difficult circumstances, and if they are confronted with such harsh realities they tend to deny the situation or evade the truth. Peter, in his difficulties did neither, and he expected the believers to handle their harsh realities in a Christian manner.

I. Some Information Concerning Harsh Realities.

A. There is nothing strange about "fiery trials." v. 12
1. A sinful world produces fiery trials.

2. A gracious God permits fiery trials.

3. A mature believer profits from fiery trials.

B. There is nothing sentimental about the "sufferings of Christ." v. 13
1. The necessity of Christ's participation in a suffering world.

2. The reality of our participation in a suffering Christ.

C. There is nothing surprising about being "insulted." v. 14
1. The name of Christ insults man's pride.

2. The pride of man insults Christ's name.