1 Peter: Is All of This Worth It?Sample

Have you ever heard the phrase “Failing to plan is planning to fail”? There are many versions of this quote floating around cyberspace, but the point is, planning is important for success. Preparation is important for Christians too. We live according to a different order, but there is still work to be done. 

It’s vital to get our heart in order, to live in community with other believers, and to study God’s word. Peter puts into words what the church’s preparation should look like.

In the passage from Revelation, John is writing to a church who is also facing persecution. His words are meant to lift them up and encourage them in their suffering. Again, the church is reminded that the persecution they face will result in the “crown of life.” God sees His church in the midst of their suffering, and a great treasure awaits them.

We have the benefit of history to show us what happened when the church came under intense persecution. Yes, generations of believers have suffered. Yet, The Kingdom of God continues to spread across the globe. More and more people choose to follow Jesus. Countries facing some of the most intense and violent religious persecution are experiencing exponential growth. The church continues to cling to the promises of Jesus that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Questions:

-Do you feel differently about suffering and persecution having read Peter (and John’s) words?

-Why is suffering necessary to build the kingdom of God?

Next Step:

Is there someone in your life that is going through a tough time? Even if the suffering isn’t a result of their religious beliefs, God calls us to carry one another burdens. How can you support them in a Christ-like way?