Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Facing a Tough Time: Covid 19

a) In the world

b) In Singapore

2. Much suffering

a) Many have been infected (Over 194 million)

b) More than 4 million have died

3. How may we face such Circumstances?

a) Turning to the Scriptures

b) Understanding Suffering in the 1st Century

c) Much suffering

i) Persecution

ii) Loss of lives

ADDRESSING SUFFERING BELIEVERS

1. Pilgrims   (1 Peter 1:1a)

2. Dispersion

a) Pontus

b) Galatia

c) Cappadocia

d) Asia Minor

e) Bithynia

3. Suffering

a) Because of Persecution

b) Loss of homes

c) Loss of lives

4. Believers

a) They fled

b) They were chased out

AN EXAMPLE OF A WONDERFUL APPROACH

1. “Blessed be God”

a) The approach of the Apostle Peter

b) He blessed God

c) Meaning:

i) He did not curse God

ii) He did not complain against Him

iii) He trusted God

iv) He could even praise God!

2. He was a wonderful example

a) As an Apostle

b) As a pastor

c) As a fellow-sufferer

i) He had been imprisoned   (Acts 4, 5)

ii) He had to flee for his life   (Acts 12:1-19)

HOW MAY WE BLESS GOD AMIDST SUFFERING?

1. Because of Knowledge of God

a) Elect of God   (1 Peter 1:2a)

i) Chosen by God

ii) Called of God

b) Foreknowledge of God the Father   (1 Peter 1:2b)

i) God knows all things

ii) He is aware of our suffering

iii) He has allowed this suffering to take place

2. Because of the work of the Spirit of God

a) His work of sanctification   (1 Peter 1:2c)

b) His work of teaching us obedience   (1 Peter 1:2d)

3. Because of our relationship with the Lord Jesus

a) We have been sprinkled by the blood of the Lord Jesus   (1 Peter 1:2d)

i) We have been cleansed

ii) We have been set apart

b) The work of the Lord Jesus in our lives

i) Commencement- Salvation

ii) Continuing- Sanctification

iii) Completion… Heaven

CONCLUSION

1. A Positive Approach

2. A Powerful Approach

3. A Personal Approach

4. A Praising of God Approach