Hope from the Spirit

A week or so ago, I mapped out a possible plan for the rest of our study of 1 Peter, with the thought we might finish by the end of the year, even with holidays factored in. Too much good stuff in God’s Word to rush through it! And I hope to include a few graphics to present ideas in visual form.

We left off last week with these encouraging words from Peter.

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:14).

Jesus is always our example.

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. … When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21, 23).

 First, in that the Spirit of the Lord rests on Him.

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:1-2).

Isaiah detailed all the Spirit of the Lord offers.

Peter said the Spirit of God rests on believers who suffer for being a Christian.

If we receive the same Spirit of the Lord, we have access to

• wisdom
• understanding
• counsel
• might
• knowledge of God
• fear of the Lord

We are well prepared to walk through anything!

Peter cautioned believers to keep their walk blameless. The promise of glory and blessings here are in the context of suffering as a Christian, not as a consequence of sinful, wayward actions.

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler” (1 Peter 4:15).

• Trials and suffering as a Christian should not take us by surprise, but rather be cause for rejoicing.
• Our joy increases as God’s glory is revealed.

*How can we keep our lives blameless?

*Why does our joy increase as God’s glory is revealed, now and in the future?

 Peter summarized his thoughts with a call to action.

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16).

• Suffering indicates we have truly identified with Christ.
• Suffering for this reason is cause for rejoicing.
• Our response is to praise God.
• Believers’ suffering has a greater end goal.

*What does it mean that we bear the name of Christ?

*How are we blessed in suffering?

*How can we praise God in the midst of suffering?

*How have you experienced the Spirit of God and His glory resting on you?