Resurrected Life Here & Now ~ Embrace the Call to Suffering

Continuing where we left off last Sunday. This message focuses on 1st Peter 4:1-6 and his instructions for living as followers of Jesus in the “time between times,” between Christ’s first and second coming, and all the tensions, pains, and sufferings in between. Because believers have been “born again to a living hope” through Jesus’ resurrection, we are called to live differently from the world around us. Peter reminds the church that, in this, suffering and tension are normal parts of following Christ, just as they were for Jesus.

The message emphasizes three ways we arm ourselves with Christ’s mindset to think like and be like Him: putting sin to death, living for God’s will, and rejecting former sinful passions. In this, it creates both internal struggles against the flesh and external opposition from a world that does not understand godly living. Knowing we may be ridiculed or rejected for our faith, but called to remain faithful, because our hope rests in Christ’s victory over sin and death. God will judge all things rightly, and eternal life awaits those who trust in Him.

((Audio Only))

STUDY GUIDE

1- What does Peter mean by “arm yourselves with the same way of thinking” as Christ (1 Peter 4:1)?

2- The sermon described believers as living in the “time between times.” How does remembering Christ’s resurrection and promised return change the way you view present struggles?

3 – The message emphasized “putting sin to death” rather than claiming sinless perfection. How would you explain that difference to a new believer?

4 – Peter says others may be surprised when Christians no longer join them in certain behaviors (1 Peter 4:4). Have you ever experienced misunderstanding, ridicule, or social pressure because of your faith? How did you respond?

5 – Why is it important to remember that God “is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5)?

6 – How does this truth encourage believers who are treated unfairly?

7 – What evidence of a living hope should be visible in a Christian’s life?

8 – If the “tension” of following Christ is a normal mark of discipleship, how can a church support members who are experiencing that tension at home, work, school, or online? What encouragement from the message would you offer them?

Personal Application:

What is one specific area where you need to (a) set your mind on Christ, (b) put a sinful pattern to death, or (c) live more intentionally for the will of God this week?

Scripture References

2 Peter 3:8-9
1 Peter 1:1
1 Peter 2:11
1 Peter 1:3
Acts 5:40-42
1 Peter 4:1-6
1 Peter 1:15
1 Peter 2:11
1 Peter 1:14
1 Peter 2:1
Luke 12:52-53
1 Corinthians 15:54-55
1 Peter 4:7