John the Baptist doubting (Matthew 11:2-6, 11)

 

2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples

3 to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”

4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:

5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

 

11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

 

Jesus said he was the greatest man who ever lived!

Filled with the Spirit from his mother’s womb…

…he had been chosen by God to prepare the way of the Lord.

He preached that people should repent – and they did!

All Jerusalem and all Judea went out to be baptised by John in the Jordan.

No wonder Jesus said he was the greatest… (11)

 

And yet, isolated in Herod’s dungeon,

 

THE GREATEST OF THE PROPHETS IS OVERWHELMED WITH DOUBT!        Are you the one? (v.3)

 

If this great man of God was overwhelmed with doubt, we must not be surprised or feel guilty if we are tempted to doubt in our experience of isolation

 

Let’s take a look at

 

• The nature of his doubt
• The causes of his doubt
• The remedy for doubt

 

The Nature of his Doubt

He was doubting:

His own testimony – one mightier than I – the Lamb of God…

The testimony of Scripture

 (Isa. 61) – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…

The testimony of God himself

(Jesus’ baptism) – This is my beloved Son

 

The Cause of his Doubt

Circumstances – he was in prison v.2

Lack of fellowship

The apparent non-fulfilment of a promise (‘set the prisoner free’)

 

The Remedy for Doubt – 5 things

 

Talking to Jesus about it

John sent a message to Jesus

 

Hearing from God afresh

Jesus had an answer for John

 

Recognising the need for Fellowship

v4 ‘GO, and show…’

 

Emphasising the promises that HAVE been fulfilled (v.5)

In this connection we need:

                Patience

                Right understanding of Scripture (spiritual fulfilment)

 

Submitting to the will of God (v.6)

We must not be offended by God’s will for our lives

When John did that, deliverance came! He was set free from the prison – but not as he had expected!

 

Some promises – especially with regard to the body – will not reach final fulfilment until the redemption of the body at the resurrection.

 

Is God cheating us in this way? By no means. We have no grounds for resentment. See Hebrews 11:35

Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain A BETTER RESURRECTION.

Today we are looking at Jeremiah 32 where Jeremiah is imprisoned in a city that is already being besieged.

You could say that he is doubly in isolation.

1 Peter 5:1-14 ESV

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.

14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

The theme of present suffering but future glory continues in this final chapter:

V1

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed

4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

V10

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Today:

What does this chapter teach us about suffering?

How should we respond to suffering?

What does this chapter teach us about suffering?

Universal

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

NB Christians are not exempt

Caused by Satan

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Temporary

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

How should we respond to suffering?

 

Remember

The love of God

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

he cares for you – you matter to God

The supremacy of Christ

11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The glory to come

 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed

4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Resist

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Resist the devil

Stay firm in your faith resisting the temptation to doubt

Relate

Shepherds

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you,

exercising oversight,

not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;

not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

3 not domineering over those in your charge,

but being examples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Sheep

5 Likewise, you who are younger,

be subject to the elders.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Rely on God

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,

will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 … I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Stand firm in God’s grace

Show God’s love to one another

Receive God’s peace because you are in Christ

In our first talk in this series we did a quick survey of Peter’s letter and showed that its main theme is suffering now but future glory. Today’s passage summarises all his teaching so far on this important theme.

Let’s read the passage together

1 Peter 4:12-19

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Six points:

 

1: Christians should not be surprised if they suffer

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

2: Suffering can be God’s will

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

3: The suffering Peter is talking about is suffering for being a Christian, not suffering for doing wrong

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

4: As Christians we should rejoice when suffering for Christ

 Because we are sharing in his sufferings

And will share in his glory.

13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

NB

Rejoice now… rejoice in the future

Glory now 14… glory in the future 13

5: Suffering for Christ should be seen as a blessing

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

6: Suffering for Christ is nothing compared with the suffering of those who reject the gospel

17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Introduction

As we saw in our last two talks,  Peter is offering special encouragement to Christians who are suffering and reminds them of the sufferings of Christ. This theme continues in the opening verses of Chapter 4.

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Comments

1-2 Follow the example of Christ

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh,

arm yourselves with the same way of thinking,

for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

The Amplified Bible is very helpful here.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world],”

1 Peter 4:1 AMP

2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

As we’ll see next time, later in the chapter Peter encourages his readers to share in the sufferings of Christ.

3-6 Don’t follow the example of the Gentiles

 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, (I.e. to Christians who have now died) that though judged in the flesh the way people are (it is because of sin that our bodies die), they might live in the spirit the way God does.

 7-11 Living in the last days

7 The end of all things is at hand;

therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded

for the sake of your prayers.

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Last time:

Special encouragement for those who are suffering

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

 

Today:

The example of Christ

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,

20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

 

Comments

18 For Christ also suffered

Remember, Christ suffered too

suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous,

His suffering was substitutionary

that he might bring us to God,

There was purpose in his suffering

being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Physical death is not the end.

Resurrection and heaven lie ahead

21 …through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

 

19 …he went and proclaimed

 (not evangelised but proclaimed his victory)

to the spirits (fallen angels, not human spirits) in prison,

There was a Jewish tradition that immediately before the flood fallen angels who had disobeyed God were punished by imprisonment

20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this,

Antitype The water of the flood speaks of judgment

The water of baptism speaks of salvation

now saves you,

It doesn’t save you. It’s a picture of salvation.

not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience,

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

Last time we concluded a section on submission to authority:

Submission to rulers

Submission to masters

Submission to husbands

 

Today’s passage deals with:

How we should behave and why 8-12

Encouragement to those who are suffering 13-17

 

Remember, Peter is writing to Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. The theme of the letter is:

Suffering now – maybe, future glory – certain.

 

1 Peter 3

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling,

but on the contrary, bless for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days,

let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”  (Psalm 34)

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,

always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

 

 

How we should behave

8 Finally, all of you,

have

unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

 

9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling,

but on the contrary, bless…  (cf. beatitudes, Rom. 12)

 

Why we should behave in this way

 

…for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

 

You were called

 – by the example and teaching of Christ

• by the encouragement of Scripture (Ps. 34 quoted in 10-12)

 

You …obtain a blessing

• love life and see good days 10

–  the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer 12

 

Special encouragement for those who are suffering

 

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

 

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

 

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,

always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Last Time:

• Submission to rulers
• Submission to masters

Today:

Submission to husbands – 1 Peter 3:1-7

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, ² when they see your respectful and pure conduct. ³ Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewellery, or the clothing you wear— ⁴ but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. ⁵ For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ⁶ as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

⁷ Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.