It is a difficult thing to suffer for Christ, and it is uniquely foreign for much of our modern world’s teaching on Christianity. How should we rightly carry Christ into our spheres of influence, and how can we develop a courage that make us willing to suffer for our faith.
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
– 1 Peter 4:16
Observations and Conclusions:
Suffering for Christ will produce:
10. Cultivation – verse 12
9. Clarity – verse 13
8. Confidence – verse 14
7. Contending – verse 14b
6. Certainty – vs 19
5. Courage – verse 20
4. Correction – verse 21
3. Calling – verse 22
2. Conviction – verse 25
1. Contrition – verses 15-18; 21
Application:
1. Pray for courage
2. Do not fear
3. Wear Christ boldly
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
– Luke 9:23-26