Steadfast
“Hope In Suffering”
1 Peter 3:8-22

God’s perspective on suffering
How do you find hope in suffering?
If God is loving and all powerful, why doesn’t He do something?

The Bible
Speaks a lot about suffering
Doesn’t edit out suffering from the human experience 
Teaches that evil and suffering actually point to the existence of God 

“My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of ‘just’ and ‘unjust’? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” –C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity  

1 Peter 3:8-22

“Finally…”

God knows …
1. Suffering can cause those closest to us to suffer – 1 Peter 3:8-9
• Walk with one another.
• Be sympathetic to one another.
• Act like family.
• Be aware of how your pain impacts your actions.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” –Romans 12:15

God knows …
2. Suffering has a way of detaching us from our hope in this world – 1 Peter 3:10-14

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” –1 Peter 3:13

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled …” –1 Peter 3:14

“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” –Popular saying
“Whether or not suffering kills you, it doesn’t steal your hope.” –Peter   

God knows …
3. Suffering because Jesus suffered for us. – 1 Peter 3:18-22	
		
Hope in suffering
Remind yourself of your commitment to Jesus. – 1 Peter 3:15
Be ready to defend your hope. – 1 Peter 3:15-16

“My victory was secure on the cross.” –Scottie Scheffler

Hope in suffering	
Keep a clear conscience. – 1 Peter 3:16
Do what is good before God, regardless. – 1 Peter 3:17

Steadfast hope is having God’s perspective on suffering.