Sermon by Fr. Carl Smith
Suffering and Glory Series
We started our Lenten sermon series this morning on 1 Peter and the theme, "Suffering and Glory." I hope this will be a fruitful time of discussion within our groups regarding the various types and contexts of suffering, as well as how the hope of the Gospel shapes our perspective in the midst of our various difficulties.
Here are a few questions prompted by my sermon:
- Has it been habitual for you to associate suffering with glory? What difference does this association make?
- The opening Salutation and first section of 1 Peter are focused on the salvation that God provides for us. Read 1 Peter 1:1-5 aloud in your group and talk about what you hear and how it impresses you.
- Does the fact that you and your inheritance are being "kept by God's power" and "guarded through faith" give you a sense of security? Do you ever consider your faith to be the "weak link" in God's plan of salvation? How does this passage indicate your faith can grow?
- Does it give you any comfort that God has a purpose in your various types of suffering (i.e., to bring about the "tested genuineness of your faith")? Does rejoicing in your trials come easy for you?
- The fact that Jesus, our Messiah, was made "perfect through suffering" (Heb. 2:10) provides a model for us in our suffering. How have you seen suffering "perfect" or "complete" you and/or your faith?
- Read again 1 Peter 1:8-9, and discuss how your love, faith, and joy demonstrate the evidence of your salvation even though you have never seen Jesus Christ in person.
- Peter declares that believers after the time of Christ's death and resurrection were specially privileged (beyond the prophets and the holy angels) to understand how the "suffering" and "glory" of Christ fit together in God's plan (10-12). Do you sense that you are privileged to live in the era after Christ's time? Explain.
Let me also encourage you to work on the Lenten series memory verses together:
Peter 4:12-13:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
