Living Hope - Live Like Jesus
Imagine if an athlete shows up to their sporting event with an empty bag. A baseball player would have no bat, no ball, no batting gloves, no mitt, no cleats, no uniform, only their bag, while a hockey player would be stuck taking the ice in socks or sneakers. The only thing worse than facing a tough opponent is realizing you have nothing to face it with.
This concept is true of our spiritual journey, as well. Maybe we have the tools packed in the bag to face suffering, but sometimes, we might be surprised at our lack of hope, grounding, and equipment.
What if there were some tools we could put in our faith bag to face the inevitable suffering we do in this life? What if today we could be sure we are equipped for hardship, not rummaging through the bag at the last minute?
Peter writes to a group of believers facing suffering and doesn’t want them walking onto the field unprepared. He wants them equipped with a mindset of hope, endurance, and faith in Christ.
1 Peter 4
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Peter is writing to a group of Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These believers were facing persecution, social rejection, and suffering because of their faith in Jesus. At the time, the Roman Empire was becoming increasingly hostile toward Christianity.
To prepare the “elect exiles” for life that comes with being chosen by God, Peter says, “There are a few things you should pack in your bag so that you’re ready and equipped for what you’re facing.”
Think Like Christ
Arm yourselves the way Christ did. Think in this way because even though this is a physical thing you’re dealing with, this is a mindset you need to have.
We do not win our battles when we face them, but in how we prepare our minds before they come.
This is both the way we think and act. If Jesus did this, you do this. If Jesus behaves this way, you behave this way. If Jesus thought this, you think this.
So, what did Jesus think of when it came to suffering? What was His mindset?
Hebrews 12
…..for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Many places in Scripture give us a peak into why Jesus endured the cross.
If this is our mindset, we would begin to live and act differently. When you think like Jesus, you don’t live like everyone else.
Peter is saying to pack this in our bags, arm ourselves with this, and think like Christ. Because having a particular mindset strengthens our resolve.
When we think like Christ, suffering doesn’t steal our hope, it strengthens it.
Love Like Christ
When suffering happens or the check engine light comes on in our lives, we sometimes think we know the solution to our suffering. We go to our bag for the tools of more control, knowledge, or effort, but the way through suffering is to love like Christ.
Peter says to be alert, pay attention, and focus so you can pray. But above everything else, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sin.
When suffering comes, the world around us starts to look different. Suffering offers us a lens through which to see the world and a lens through which to see other people. It tells us we can act inwardly because of all we’re experiencing. Suffering stirs up division, hatred, and retaliation inside of us.
But love is the antidote because it forgives and restores, absorbs offense, builds unity, protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and sustains during hard times.
Loving each other deeply is choosing grace over bitterness in our suffering.
Love isn’t an option, it’s our mission.
This isn’t something we get to do when we feel like it.
Have you ever flipped a coin and been shocked at the outcome? No, because we know it’s either heads or tails. We know the options. The same thing happens when we face trials. Peter is telling followers of Jesus not to be surprised when suffering comes.
Jesus even tells us to expect it.
John 16
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Don’t be surprised when you suffer, find peace in Jesus, not circumstances.
Respond Like Christ
Peter points out that there’s a way to respond to suffering that imitates the way of Jesus.
What if the There’s a distinction between suffering and suffering because you follow Jesus. Not all suffering is because we follow Jesus, but there’s a way to respond to suffering that imitates Jesus in both cases. It’s by rejoicing in future glory, remembering we’re blessed, and not being ashamed.
Suffering isn’t the end of the story. Glory is. It’s not just about right now but that God is present. God’s Spirit is on us, and suffering in our lives points to future glory. Standing in heaven one day in God’s presence is the future we hold to.
Is the suffering that you’re walking through becomes the thing that brings someone else to Jesus? Is that glory worth it? Is them coming to Jesus because of your pain a glory worth enduring?
As we suffer, walking through the pain and persecution, we should think like Jesus, love like Jesus, and respond like Jesus.
But how?
Commit – When suffering enters our lives, hold tighter to Him. Remember that in your suffering, this is who your God is. A faithful creator.
Continue – Suffering doesn’t give us an excuse to stop loving, serving, or trusting. When life hurts, keep showing up, loving people, and walking in obedience because the God who called you is faithful to carry you through.
As you suffer, don’t be shaken, have your bag packed, and be ready for suffering by thinking like Jesus, loving like Jesus, and responding like Jesus. Commit and continue.
Want to play catch-up, or are you looking for a specific topic? Check out our collection of sermons here, or check out LHC Unplugged here.
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This concept is true of our spiritual journey, as well. Maybe we have the tools packed in the bag to face suffering, but sometimes, we might be surprised at our lack of hope, grounding, and equipment.
What if there were some tools we could put in our faith bag to face the inevitable suffering we do in this life? What if today we could be sure we are equipped for hardship, not rummaging through the bag at the last minute?
Peter writes to a group of believers facing suffering and doesn’t want them walking onto the field unprepared. He wants them equipped with a mindset of hope, endurance, and faith in Christ.
1 Peter 4
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Peter is writing to a group of Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These believers were facing persecution, social rejection, and suffering because of their faith in Jesus. At the time, the Roman Empire was becoming increasingly hostile toward Christianity.
To prepare the “elect exiles” for life that comes with being chosen by God, Peter says, “There are a few things you should pack in your bag so that you’re ready and equipped for what you’re facing.”
Think Like Christ
Arm yourselves the way Christ did. Think in this way because even though this is a physical thing you’re dealing with, this is a mindset you need to have.
We do not win our battles when we face them, but in how we prepare our minds before they come.
This is both the way we think and act. If Jesus did this, you do this. If Jesus behaves this way, you behave this way. If Jesus thought this, you think this.
So, what did Jesus think of when it came to suffering? What was His mindset?
Hebrews 12
…..for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Many places in Scripture give us a peak into why Jesus endured the cross.
- It ultimately would bring us to God.
- It would put demonic powers to shame.
- It would do what the law could not do.
If this is our mindset, we would begin to live and act differently. When you think like Jesus, you don’t live like everyone else.
Peter is saying to pack this in our bags, arm ourselves with this, and think like Christ. Because having a particular mindset strengthens our resolve.
When we think like Christ, suffering doesn’t steal our hope, it strengthens it.
Love Like Christ
When suffering happens or the check engine light comes on in our lives, we sometimes think we know the solution to our suffering. We go to our bag for the tools of more control, knowledge, or effort, but the way through suffering is to love like Christ.
Peter says to be alert, pay attention, and focus so you can pray. But above everything else, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sin.
When suffering comes, the world around us starts to look different. Suffering offers us a lens through which to see the world and a lens through which to see other people. It tells us we can act inwardly because of all we’re experiencing. Suffering stirs up division, hatred, and retaliation inside of us.
But love is the antidote because it forgives and restores, absorbs offense, builds unity, protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and sustains during hard times.
Loving each other deeply is choosing grace over bitterness in our suffering.
Love isn’t an option, it’s our mission.
This isn’t something we get to do when we feel like it.
Have you ever flipped a coin and been shocked at the outcome? No, because we know it’s either heads or tails. We know the options. The same thing happens when we face trials. Peter is telling followers of Jesus not to be surprised when suffering comes.
Jesus even tells us to expect it.
John 16
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Don’t be surprised when you suffer, find peace in Jesus, not circumstances.
Respond Like Christ
Peter points out that there’s a way to respond to suffering that imitates the way of Jesus.
- If you suffer because of following Jesus, rejoice because glory’s coming!
- If you’re insulted, you’re blessed because God’s Spirit rests on you!
- If you suffer, don’t let it be for criminal reasons, but don’t be ashamed – praise God that we bear His name!
What if the There’s a distinction between suffering and suffering because you follow Jesus. Not all suffering is because we follow Jesus, but there’s a way to respond to suffering that imitates Jesus in both cases. It’s by rejoicing in future glory, remembering we’re blessed, and not being ashamed.
Suffering isn’t the end of the story. Glory is. It’s not just about right now but that God is present. God’s Spirit is on us, and suffering in our lives points to future glory. Standing in heaven one day in God’s presence is the future we hold to.
Is the suffering that you’re walking through becomes the thing that brings someone else to Jesus? Is that glory worth it? Is them coming to Jesus because of your pain a glory worth enduring?
As we suffer, walking through the pain and persecution, we should think like Jesus, love like Jesus, and respond like Jesus.
But how?
Commit – When suffering enters our lives, hold tighter to Him. Remember that in your suffering, this is who your God is. A faithful creator.
Continue – Suffering doesn’t give us an excuse to stop loving, serving, or trusting. When life hurts, keep showing up, loving people, and walking in obedience because the God who called you is faithful to carry you through.
As you suffer, don’t be shaken, have your bag packed, and be ready for suffering by thinking like Jesus, loving like Jesus, and responding like Jesus. Commit and continue.
Want to play catch-up, or are you looking for a specific topic? Check out our collection of sermons here, or check out LHC Unplugged here.
For more LHC content, subscribe to our newsletter below or follow us on Instagram.
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