Persevering under Pressure 1 Peter 4:119

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Persevering under Pressure1 Peter 41-19
Suffering Church Sunday 2009
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Introduction

• Christianity in the West
• Converting to Christianity can lead to criticism
  and mocking
• Converts from a Muslim background
• More severe persecution
• Threats, vandalism, violence
• Even fear of murder

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Introduction

• Nissar Hussein
• Born a Muslim, converted to Christianity
• Lives in Bradford, UK
• Abused, attacked and threatened with arson
• This is just in England!!

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Introduction

• Suffering for faith can bring up many questions
  for new Christians...

Would I be better to compromise or discard my
faith?
What value is my faith??
Is it worth the persecution??
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A letter for persecuted Christians

• The first letter of Peter was written to
  Christian converts from paganism who faced
  extreme pressure to reject their faith

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A letter for persecuted Christians

• Letter was written to
• Show the value of their faith
• Encourage them to maintain a Christian lifestyle

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Breaking with the Past

• 1 Peter 4 1-6
• Following Christs example
• Obey Gods will...Do not yield to sinful desires
• Reject the pagan agenda...live out your Christian
  commitment

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Breaking with the Past

• Taking the long view
• Non-Christians are surprised when Christians do
  not join in pagan celebrations
• But Christians know they will be vindicated when
  the Spirit raises them to new life

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Breaking with the Past

• Taking the long view
• Abdul Rahman
• Convert from Islam to Christianity
• Charged with apostasy
• Forced to flee Afghanistan and live in exile
• The value of their faith is far greater than the
  cost

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Helping one another

• 1 Peter 4 7-11
• Be dedicated to God...
• Be alert and sober for prayer
• Be committed to each other...
• Show constant love towards one another
• Be hospitable without grumbling
• Use Gods gifts to serve each other

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Helping one another

• Prayer and support for Christian converts who
  suffer for their faith
• From the local church
• From the wider Christian community
• Includes love, hospitality, care and ministry

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Facing hostility

• 1 Peter 4 12-19
• Rejoicing in the flames
• Rejoice in sharing Christs sufferings
• South Sudan...God has given us another day and
  we are going to heaven!
• Praise God for bearing His Name

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Facing hostility

• Trusting God and doing good
• Persist in righteousness
• The pain of persecution - Martha Samuel
• Commit yourself to your faithful God

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Conclusion

• 1 Peter 4 places big demands on converts
• But it also offers good reasons for maintaining a
  Christian lifestyle

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Conclusion

• Please pray for your persecuted Christian
  brothers and sisters around the world
• Support converts and empower them to stand firm