Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
February 19, 2023

The First Epistle of Peter: A Textbook on Suffering (Part 2)
by Bryan Gibson
Some folks suffer because they do wrong. Nothing commendable about that (4:15; 2:20). Others suffer because they do right. That is commendable, especially in the eyes of God (2:19-20; 3:14a). The obvious conclusion: “…it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (3:17).
It may be better, but it’s not easy! It’s not easy to be thought of as strange or ignorant, to get ridiculed and insulted, to endure false accusations, to be excluded from the “in crowd,” to maybe even face the threat of death. The people to whom Peter wrote his first epistle—that’s what they were facing, and here’s what he said to help them (and us) endure. We’ve divided this up into a series of do’s and don’ts, just to make the points as clear as possible. We covered the don’ts in last week’s bulletin, so let’s look at the DOs this week.
DO study God’s word—obedience to His word gave you life, and that same word will now help you grow. Crave it the same way a newborn baby craves milk (1:22-2:3).
DO keep on doing good (2:12, 15, 20; 3:6, 11, 13, 16; 4:19), no matter how much pressure is put on you to do otherwise, no matter how much suffering you have to endure. That won’t be easy, so DO remember these three things: (1) Remember the purpose for which you were called out of darkness—to “proclaim the praises” of God, to be a light to those who are still in darkness (2:9-10, 12; 3:1-2, 16). (2) Remember what it cost your Savior to bring you out of darkness, what it cost Him to redeem you from the slavery of sin—His own “precious blood” (1:18-19). (3) Remember that your heavenly Father will judge you according to your work, and that He will do so “without partiality” (1:17).
DO learn to rejoice in the “blessing” (3:14) of suffering, for the following reasons: (1) You are suffering for Christ, the very one who suffered for you (4:13-14). (2) It has a good purpose—to “try” or “prove” you; to make you stronger; to help you develop a genuine faith (1:6-7; 4:12). (3) It presents a great opportunity—it’s when you’re suffering that your light shines the brightest (2:12, 15, 20). (4) It has a good end—partake of Christ’s sufferings, and you will also partake of His glory (4:13).
DO “be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (3:15). And don’t just say it; practice it. Back up your verbal defense with “good conduct” (3:15-16).
DO look out for your brethren, because they’re suffering too (5:9). Love them “fervently” (1:22; 4:8); “be hospitable” to them (4:9); use your gifts to minister to them (4:10); and speak to them “the oracles of God” (4:11).
DO remember that even though you are “rejected indeed by men” (2:4), you are accepted by God. He has made you part of His chosen generation, His royal priesthood, His holy nation. The world may not make you feel very special, but you are special to Him (2:9).
DO “be serious and watchful in your prayers” (4:7), because you do need God’s help.
DO remember that God is with you—that He will keep you by His power (1:5); that He will care for you (5:7); that He will “exalt you in due time” (5:6); and that He will, “after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (5:10).
DO “rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:13). That’s when you’ll finally get to go home, to the place God has reserved for you in heaven, an inheritance which is “incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away” (1:3-4). You’ve been reproached and reviled for too long (3:9; 4:14)—that’s over, from here on out it’s nothing but praise, honor, and eternal glory (1:7; 5:4, 10).
You see—“it is better…to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (3:17).

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.