The Trials that Are to Come.

Jake Morris

[0:09] We’ll go ahead, everyone, and have a seat. [0:12] Welcome to Village Church. [0:13] For those who do not know me, my name is Jake, [0:15] and I’m one of the pastors here at Village Church. [0:17] And I am thankful for the opportunity [0:19] to open God’s Word with you all this morning.

[0:23] If you have your Bibles, go ahead and turn to 1 Peter 4. [0:26] We’re gonna be starting in verse 12 this morning. [0:29] But before we dive into the Bible, [0:29] [0:29] I did wanna quickly say happy Father’s Day [0:32] to all the dads that are joining us this morning.

[0:35] For me, there’s no greater joy and privilege in my life [0:38] than being able to be a dad to my three children. [0:41] And so I am thankful for each one of you. [0:43] Just know dads that your faithful presence in the home [0:46] and your leadership is vital, not only to your house [0:49] and how your house thrives, but even to our church.

[0:53] And so I hope all of you today will spend some time [0:56] either with your dad or reach out to your dad, [0:58] give him a call, tell him all the things [1:00] you’re thankful for for him. [1:02] And I’m sure he will appreciate that. [1:05] But last week, Pastor Steve showed us

[1:08] how Peter gave us a game plan for how we are to prepare [1:11] for the end of the world, that we are to engage our faith [1:15] and live in preparation for what’s ahead. [1:18] But in order to do that, we have to have one thing [1:21] and that’s self-control. [1:22] We have to be able to wage war on the battlefield,

[1:26] but that battlefield is really our minds. [1:29] And we need to do that for Jesus and his kingdom. [1:32] But in order to accomplish this, [1:34] we have to actually put our faith in the practice. [1:37] That we have to know that in the end, [1:39] God’s glory is going to reign over everything and everyone.

[1:44] And so this morning, we’re gonna see that Peter [1:46] is gonna turn his attention away from that [1:49] and towards the present church [1:50] and their suffering and trials for the gospel. [1:55] The call Peter gives here to the church is one [1:57] that I think is difficult for us to put into practice,

[2:00] especially when hardship or trials or persecution [2:03] comes into your life. [2:06] But thankfully, especially when it comes to suffering, [2:09] the Bible is not silent with what God desires for us [2:14] and how he desires for us to live in light of our suffering [2:18] for his gospel and ultimately to see

[2:21] how we can live for him even under the worst [2:24] of circumstances. [2:26] So if you have your Bibles, turn with me to 1 Peter 4, [2:28] we’re gonna start reading in verse 12. [2:31] Says, beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial [2:35] when it comes upon you to test you,

[2:37] as if something strange were happening to you. [2:39] But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings [2:43] that you may also rejoice and be glad [2:46] when his glory is revealed. [2:48] If you were insulted for the name of Christ, [2:50] you were blessed because the spirit of glory

[2:53] and of God rests upon you. [2:56] Point number one this morning, [2:58] trials are given by God to build your faith. [3:01] Trials are given by God to build your faith. [3:07] See, the church here has told a very difficult truth [3:09] and that’s don’t be surprised when trials come

[3:13] into your life. [3:14] And he says this because as many times is the case [3:17] with us, the church would easily have gotten caught off [3:20] guard by suffering or trials that entered into their lives. [3:24] And so here, Peter is sending out the warning signal. [3:27] He’s saying, this is something that is coming in your life.

[3:32] This past Sunday after Sunday, fun day, [3:34] I was sitting at home and all of a sudden [3:36] I got a notification on my phone [3:37] that there was a tornado warning, [3:39] which we don’t get much of around here, [3:41] but I’m glad we got those.

[3:42] So I wasn’t just sitting on my couch hanging out [3:45] and half my house get blown away. [3:46] It’s like, hey, this is coming. [3:48] You should prepare for this. [3:50] And so I’m thankful for those [3:51] because it is a warning for a storm that’s coming.

[3:55] And that’s really what Peter was doing in this passage. [3:58] He’s warning them, the storm is coming [4:01] and you better be prepared for the storm that is to come. [4:05] So our response to suffering and trials many times though [4:08] is how Peter describes it here, [4:11] as though something strange is happening to us.

[4:13] And it’s almost like we were sold a false bill of goods [4:16] when we came to faith in Jesus. [4:18] And I think this is because many Christians, [4:21] new Christians, or even some older Christians [4:23] have this belief that following Jesus [4:26] is gonna magically fix all of your problems.

[4:29] And so you’re never gonna have another hardship. [4:31] You’re never gonna have a trial. [4:33] You’re never gonna have suffering [4:35] ever happen again in your life. [4:37] Only to come home from that conference or that sermon [4:40] to find that your eternity may have completely changed

[4:45] by coming to Jesus. [4:47] But then the immediate may not be as different [4:49] as you hoped. [4:51] That after all, we still live in a fallen and sinful world. [4:55] And this is where it’s helpful for us, I believe, [4:56] to remember what Jesus promised us

[4:59] when it came to being His disciples. [5:01] What did Jesus have to say about our trials and our suffering? [5:05] Matthew 10, 24. [5:07] And Jesus says, [5:09] a disciple is not above his teacher [5:11] nor a servant above his master.

[5:13] It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher. [5:16] And the servant like his master. [5:18] If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, [5:21] how much more will they malign those of his household? [5:25] What is Jesus saying there? [5:27] He’s saying, if they call me the essence of Satan,

[5:31] what do you think they’re gonna call you? [5:33] Jesus is telling us, do not be surprised [5:35] when the trials come. [5:37] John 15, 20. [5:39] Remember the word that I said to you. [5:41] A servant is not greater than his master.

[5:43] Do you think Jesus wants to get us to understand that? [5:47] If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. [5:50] If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. [5:54] John 16, 33, Jesus says, [5:56] I have said these things to you, [5:58] that in me you may have peace.

[6:00] In the world, you will, will have tribulation. [6:06] But take heart, I have overcome the world. [6:10] You see, Jesus is not mincing words here, church. [6:13] He’s not saying that trials may happen in your life. [6:15] He’s not saying it’s a possibility. [6:17] He’s not saying, you know,

[6:18] it just happens that it could be. [6:21] No, he’s saying it’s going to happen. [6:24] That it is inescapable for the true Christian [6:27] to avoid trials for the entirety of their life. [6:32] So then we have to ask, what’s the purpose of these trials? [6:35] And Peter uses an interesting term here for the trials.

[6:37] He calls them fiery trials, [6:39] which really alludes to a furnace that’s melting down metal [6:43] to get rid of its imperfections. [6:45] Then the Old Testament, we see this, [6:47] it’s called the refiners fire or a fiery trial, [6:51] which serves a great purpose in the life of the Christian.

[6:54] That these trials are given to us by God [6:57] to refine us as his people. [7:00] That it’s just like the metal in the furnace, [7:03] Jesus is making us look more like himself [7:05] through our suffering. [7:07] That it sets us apart from a world that’s marred by sin.

[7:11] But this trial is also seen as a test. [7:14] That the testing of our faith [7:16] is to show whether our faith in Jesus is genuine, [7:19] or if it’s not. [7:21] You see, after being a Christian for so long, [7:24] it’s really easy to see how simple it is to follow Jesus

[7:28] when everything’s going well. [7:30] When you’re at that mountain top, [7:31] when you have that mountain top moment in your faith, [7:33] you can come in here and put both hands up and worship. [7:36] You’re engaged with the word, you’re ready, [7:38] you’re fully engaged with what God is doing,

[7:41] but your faith friend is not determined by that day. [7:44] That’s a great day, keep those days in mind. [7:48] But your faith is not determined by that day. [7:50] Your faith is determined by the day [7:52] that is the worst day of your life. [7:55] What does your faith look like when everything goes wrong?

[7:59] You see, these fiery trials reveal who is a true believer [8:02] and who is one, as Jesus said, [8:04] is a seed who was planted in rocky soil. [8:08] You see, the seeds that were planted in rocky soil [8:10] started off fine, but then the sun came out, [8:13] the heat came, and when the heat came,

[8:15] they started to die because they had no root in anything. [8:20] And Jesus is saying there, [8:21] that’s how people are with their trials, [8:24] that trials reveal the genuineness of your faith. [8:29] So understanding the purpose of trials, [8:30] how are we to respond?

[8:32] And Peter gives us one word here, [8:34] and that word is rejoice. [8:37] Now I don’t know about you, [8:39] but I’m in my sinfulness, [8:41] not always able to say that that’s true of my life. [8:44] In fact, if we’re honest,

[8:47] it’s usually something along the lines of, [8:49] God, what did I do today to make you angry? [8:52] God, what did I do this week? [8:53] What sins did I commit that I don’t even know? [8:55] Why are you doing this to me? [8:57] Which by the way, that’s terrible theology,

[8:59] please do not believe that. [9:01] But in order to rejoice in our suffering, [9:03] we have to understand why is the suffering there [9:06] to begin with? [9:08] Because if you understand the source of it, [9:10] then maybe you can understand how you can rejoice in it.

[9:13] So first we’re to rejoice in our sufferings [9:15] because Jesus commands us to rejoice. [9:18] Matthew 5, 11, he says, blessed, blessed are you [9:22] when others revile you and persecute you [9:25] and utter all kinds of evil against you [9:27] falsely on my account.

[9:28] Rejoice and be glad for your reward is great in heaven, [9:33] for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. [9:37] You see, Jesus there is clear [9:38] that you’re blessed when you are persecuted, [9:40] that you are to rejoice [9:42] because of your reward that’s coming.

[9:44] And that’s the second thing we see. [9:46] We’re called to rejoice in our trials here in this passage [9:48] because when compared to the future glory [9:51] that’s to be revealed, [9:52] Paul calls this a light momentary affliction. [9:57] That your trials and my trials are nothing

[10:00] in comparison to eternity. [10:02] And therefore we can rejoice that even if right now [10:05] you are going through the worst trial you have ever been in [10:08] in your entire life, that trial has an expiration point. [10:13] It is not forever. [10:16] That we can rejoice that Jesus endured even worse trials

[10:19] and was victorious over all of them. [10:21] And therefore one day he will also give us victory [10:24] over our trials as well. [10:27] That we can take courage [10:28] that we get to share in the sufferings of Jesus [10:30] because if we share in his sufferings, friends,

[10:33] we also get to share in his eternal victory. [10:37] And so Peter continues to say [10:38] that we are not just to rejoice, [10:40] but that we are blessed when we suffer for the name of Jesus. [10:44] Now you and I both know that we don’t suffer [10:46] just because of the name of Jesus.

[10:49] See, people don’t just persecute Christians [10:51] because of the name of Jesus, [10:53] because of what Jesus represents, who Jesus claimed to be [10:57] and the things that Jesus said were true.

[11:02] So this means that you are blessed [11:05] when you’re mocked for your belief in only two genders [11:08] and God’s designed for men and women. [11:10] That you’re blessed when your boss doesn’t understand [11:12] your PTO requests to spend time with your kids [11:14] or go on a missions trip.

[11:16] You’re blessed when your coworkers can’t fathom [11:18] why you prioritize the church over your own self interests. [11:21] You’re blessed when you tell the truth [11:22] even when it’s costly to you. [11:24] And you are blessed whenever you stand for the word of God [11:27] and your savior Jesus Christ and the world reviles you

[11:31] because that’s what he promises us. [11:34] You are blessed.

[11:38] Did you notice why Peter says that you’re blessed? [11:40] There’s another part of this. [11:41] Look back at the passage. [11:43] He says, the spirit of God rests upon you. [11:47] You see friend, when you persevere in your trials, [11:50] when you have that perseverance,

[11:51] that shows who you belong to. [11:53] That shows who your master is. [11:56] And what that shows is that you have the Holy Spirit [11:59] and the Holy Spirit empowers you to endure trials with joy, [12:02] seeing them as a blessing. [12:05] In my life, in the trials that I’ve faced so far

[12:07] and I know the ones that will come, [12:10] I take great hope and joy knowing two things. [12:13] The first thing is that every single trial [12:15] that comes into your life has a purpose. [12:17] You may not understand it, you may not get it, [12:20] but it has a purpose if you are a follower of Jesus Christ.

[12:24] But second, I know that I will never walk [12:26] through them alone. [12:27] Jesus promised that. [12:29] He said, I’ll never leave you or forsake you. [12:31] I won’t abandon you as an orphan. [12:33] I will come again for you.

[12:34] He gave us the Holy Spirit as a 24 seven helper [12:37] in our lives.

[12:39] Therefore, anything I go through in this life, [12:42] I am never walking through it alone. [12:45] That the God of the universe is living inside of me [12:47] because I’m a Christian and therefore I know [12:49] that he’s with me. [12:51] So what’s the outcome if we suffer well

[12:53] as this passage commands us? [12:55] I think we find the answer to this in James 1 verse 2. [13:00] James says, count it all what? [13:02] Joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [13:07] for you know that the testing of your faith [13:08] produces steadfastness.

[13:12] And let steadfastness have its full effect [13:15] that you may be perfect and complete, [13:18] lacking in nothing. [13:20] You see, your trials have a great purpose. [13:23] They’re meant to produce a great faith in you. [13:27] They’re meant to give you a steadfastness

[13:29] so that no matter what comes your way in your faith, [13:33] you never lose your grip on the gospel or on Jesus [13:37] or on his mission, regardless of the storm that may come. [13:42] So friends, this morning, I beg you, [13:44] stop seeing your trials as a sign of God’s judgment [13:47] and start seeing your trials as an opportunity

[13:50] to first grow in your faith. [13:52] But it’s also an opportunity to worship. [13:55] It’s an opportunity to rejoice, Peter says.

[14:00] But as good as that is, Peter also has to give us [14:02] a warning here about suffering. [14:04] 1 Peter 4, 15. [14:07] Says, but let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief [14:10] or an evil doer or as a meddler. [14:13] Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian,

[14:16] let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God [14:19] in that name. [14:21] Point number two this morning, [14:23] obedience to God puts you on the right side of history. [14:27] Obedience to God puts you on the right side of history. [14:33] Here, Peter reminds us of an important truth.

[14:35] Not all suffering is holy and righteous. [14:38] And so here he’s gonna show you [14:39] that there’s two ways to suffer according to this passage. [14:42] The first one was one that he doesn’t say, [14:45] but I’m gonna say it. [14:46] Suffering for stupidity.

[14:47] That’s number one. [14:49] Number two is suffering for righteousness.

[14:53] Church, I wanna encourage you this morning [14:55] to please not suffer for stupidity.

[15:00] See, when we look at the first few examples here, [15:02] I don’t think anyone, even your non-Christian neighbor [15:04] would disagree with the statement [15:06] that murder is clearly wrong. [15:10] That stealing is clearly wrong. [15:13] I wanna encourage you, if your neighbor believes

[15:17] that either of those things are okay, [15:19] couple things, number one, [15:21] please watch all of your valuables constantly. [15:23] Make sure you lock your doors. [15:27] Second, move.

[15:30] Because I don’t want you to end up [15:32] on a Netflix murder documentary special, all right? [15:35] Trying to help, I’m just trying to help. [15:37] But if a murderer goes to trial and says, [15:41] your honor, I’ve been really suffering in jail. [15:44] This prison cell is small and it’s cramped.

[15:47] I barely get any free time. [15:49] The food is terrible. [15:52] I’m suffering so much. [15:55] Is he gonna care? [15:56] Maybe if he’s in California. [15:58] Like that.

[16:01] No, he’s not. [16:03] If one of your friends comes to you [16:04] and embezzles a bunch of money from their company [16:07] and gets caught and gets fired, [16:09] then they come to you and say, [16:11] man, I don’t know why God is putting me

[16:14] through such a terrible trial in my life right now. [16:17] What are you gonna say to them? [16:19] I hope you’re gonna say something along the lines of, [16:22] well, God’s not putting you through that trial. [16:24] You are, you dummy. [16:27] You see, not all suffering’s created equally.

[16:29] But then Peter turns in a much more difficult direction [16:32] for us because those things were like, okay, cool. [16:35] I’m not doing that. [16:36] Hopefully you’re not stealing, murdering. [16:38] All right, fine. [16:40] But what about the other ones?

[16:42] He says, evildoers or meddlers. [16:44] Basically, this is describing any person [16:46] who does a sinful thing and suffers for it [16:49] or those who involve themselves in things [16:51] they have no business being in and suffer, ouch.

[16:57] Practically, this means we cannot claim we’re suffering [16:59] if we do evil or meddle in others’ lives. [17:03] For instance, if you drive 30 miles per hour [17:06] over the speed limit and you get a reckless driving ticket, [17:09] that is not suffering. [17:11] If you lie and get caught and lose everyone’s trust,

[17:14] that is not suffering. [17:16] If we spread rumors about someone [17:18] and it affects our friendships, that is not suffering. [17:21] If we get involved in things, we should not, [17:23] and it ruins your life in the process, [17:26] you cannot sit around at community group

[17:28] or your discipleship group and say, man, [17:31] God is really putting me through a fiery trial. [17:34] No, he is not. [17:35] You are. [17:38] God is not doing that. [17:39] Stop being foolish.

[17:43] Church, this should be a wake-up call to all of us [17:45] when it comes to suffering. [17:46] If you’re going to suffer, if you’re gonna go through that, [17:50] why would you suffer for stupidity? [17:53] See, Peter reminds Christians here [17:54] that if they are to suffer,

[17:56] they should suffer for righteousness’ sake. [17:58] See, Peter compares this foolishness [18:01] to actual suffering in verse 16. [18:03] And here he uses the title of Christian. [18:06] And the title Christian originally [18:08] was not a term of endearment,

[18:10] nor was it a term that followers of Jesus [18:12] even gave themselves, [18:14] that it was a mocking term [18:15] that was given to them by outsiders. [18:17] It showed the hatred of the world [18:19] towards followers of Jesus.

[18:22] And so here’s where you really get to see [18:23] if you are suffering a trial righteously. [18:27] You have to answer this question. [18:30] Are you suffering for your belief in Jesus? [18:33] Are you suffering because you are a Christian? [18:36] If that’s true, then you are suffering well in your trial

[18:39] according to this passage. [18:42] And living in 2025, I don’t think it takes long [18:44] for us to see this play out in real time. [18:47] That I believe if you take the basic tenets of Scripture [18:49] and you live them out in your day-to-day life, [18:52] you don’t just say that you believe it,

[18:54] but you actually live it. [18:55] Things like this, God is the creator. [18:59] God created male and female [19:00] and imposes any relationship outside of the marriage covenant [19:03] between one male and one female. [19:06] The God says we’re sinful and will judge us for our sin.

[19:10] You say Jesus is God, Jesus died for our sins, [19:13] Jesus rose again, and Jesus is going to return. [19:17] If you believe this church, [19:19] understand trials are going to come according to Jesus. [19:24] You see, I’ve come to a point, it took me a while to get here. [19:29] I’ve had multiple people call me a bigot in my life.

[19:32] And now I’ve gotten to the point [19:33] where I respond with two words, thank you. [19:38] And you may say, Jake, why in the world [19:40] would you respond that way?

[19:43] And it’s simply because if I’m called a bigot, [19:46] because I take God’s word, I take this book, [19:50] and I say what God says is true. [19:52] What God says about masculinity and femininity is true. [19:57] If what he says about marriage is true, [20:00] and I hold to that, and I don’t budge,

[20:03] and I don’t move, and you call me a bigot, go ahead. [20:06] It doesn’t hurt my feelings, [20:07] because I would rather stand for the truth [20:09] than the bout of this culture. [20:11] And I hope that you all are with me on that.

[20:16] Friends, the harsh reality this morning [20:17] is that we must be prepared and ready [20:19] to be rejected by sinners and the sinful culture around us. [20:23] There’s no way around it. [20:25] You see, you can follow Jesus, [20:27] or you can follow the culture, but you cannot follow both.

[20:31] You have to choose, because they are completely different [20:34] and distinct from one another, [20:36] two completely different worldviews.

[20:40] But when you follow Jesus, [20:43] when you take that title of Christian, [20:44] and don’t just make it something that you write down, [20:46] but something that you live, [20:49] please understand, you’re telling the world [20:51] the one thing that nobody, especially me,

[20:54] if you ask any of my friends or my wife, like to admit, [20:57] you’re telling them that they are wrong.

[21:01] They’re not gonna like that. [21:03] They’re going to combat against it. [21:06] Yet God’s word tells us that when we suffer for these things, [21:09] we glorify God in the process. [21:11] I wanna skip over a couple of verses [21:13] and come back to the rest in a moment,

[21:15] but I believe the last verse of this section [21:17] is important to the subject of righteous suffering. [21:20] 1 Peter 4.19, [21:22] Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will [21:25] entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing good. [21:30] See, this teaches us a vital truth about our suffering,

[21:33] but one that many of you probably will not wanna hear [21:36] this morning, that all suffering, every trial, [21:41] comes directly from God’s hand. [21:43] It is all according to God’s will. [21:47] It may make you uncomfortable, [21:48] but it should actually be a great relief to you

[21:51] that every trial, all suffering that comes into our lives [21:54] does not surprise God. [21:56] In church, that’s good news [21:57] because if the opposite was true, [21:59] if it did surprise God, that is terrifying [22:03] that God is not in control of those things.

[22:06] But yet the Bible tells us the opposite is true, [22:09] that God is so sovereign, [22:11] that even he is sovereign over your trials [22:14] and your suffering. [22:16] And you may say, well, how do I know God’s will? [22:20] Isn’t that the million dollar question?

[22:22] Everybody asks that. [22:23] There’s been countless books written about the will of God. [22:26] Being in student ministry, [22:27] I have students come to me frequently and ask, [22:29] how do I know if blank is the will of God for my life? [22:32] And I wanna take you to the passage I always take them to.

[22:35] First Thessalonians 4.3 through 4. [22:38] It says, for this is the will of God. [22:39] Thanks, Paul. [22:40] That’s pretty clear. [22:41] So now we got a baseline. [22:43] Here’s what it is.

[22:45] Your sanctification. [22:47] That you abstain from sexual immorality, [22:50] that each one of you know how to control his own body [22:52] and holiness and honor. [22:55] So church, what’s the will of God for your life? [22:58] Your sanctification.

[23:00] And that is simply the process of you becoming more like Jesus [23:03] and less like your old self. [23:06] So what is the will of God in your suffering? [23:08] That you suffer for righteousness as Jesus suffered, [23:12] eager for the day that trial [23:14] or that suffering comes to an end.

[23:17] But what we know, church, [23:18] is that God’s will is known through scripture. [23:20] And scripture is the avenue by which God chose [23:23] to reveal his plan and his will. [23:26] And there is no other way around that. [23:30] So how do we put all of this together?

[23:33] If we suffer well, [23:35] if we suffer for Christ, we glorify God. [23:38] If we know his will in scripture, [23:40] we know the end of the story. [23:41] We know how all of this ends, that Jesus wins in the end. [23:47] And if you are a Christian, you not only glorify God,

[23:50] but you are on the right side of history. [23:53] And because you’re on the right side of history, [23:54] that should create in you a bold and courageous faith. [23:59] When I was studying this passage this week, [24:01] I was reminded of the first martyr in the early church, [24:04] Stephen, and how his life summarizes his point.

[24:08] Stephen goes before the Jewish leaders [24:10] for preaching the gospel, [24:12] and they put him basically on trial. [24:14] And I love Stephen because when he goes on trial, [24:16] you want to guess what he does? [24:18] He preaches to them. Love that.

[24:22] But after he preaches to them, they are angry at him. [24:25] They’re angry that he’s calling them to repentance, [24:27] calling out their sin. [24:29] But I want us to look at how Stephen’s story ends. [24:32] And this is Acts 7, starting in verse 54. [24:35] It says, Now, when they heard these things,

[24:37] they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. [24:41] But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven, [24:45] saw the glory of God, [24:47] and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [24:50] And he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened [24:52] and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.

[24:55] But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears [24:58] and rushed together at him. [25:00] Then they cast them out of the city and stoned him. [25:02] And the witnesses laid down their garments [25:04] at the feet of a young man named Saul. [25:08] You see, Stephen had conviction.

[25:11] Stephen believed Jesus was God. [25:14] Stephen believed that Jesus was true, [25:17] so much so that he was willing to die for that truth, [25:20] and he would die for that truth. [25:23] But church, did you notice that before he dies, [25:26] he gets a glimpse into heaven?

[25:28] And that glimpse into heaven, he looks and he sees Jesus [25:31] standing at the right hand of God. [25:33] When Jesus ascended into heaven, [25:35] he’s at the right hand of God. [25:36] Why? [25:37] Because that is his victorious spot,

[25:40] that he is saying that I am victorious over this world. [25:44] Take heart, I’ve overcome the world. [25:46] And he’s standing to greet Stephen into his kingdom. [25:51] And so in the end, Stephen loses his life. [25:56] The world will look at that and say, See, Stephen lost.

[26:02] But to Stephen, he won. [26:06] He was on the right side of history. [26:08] You want to know why else I know [26:10] that he’s on the right side of history? [26:12] Who’s the last person mentioned in that passage? [26:14] Saul.

[26:16] Saul was the one that was over his execution. [26:18] If you don’t know, read a couple more chapters [26:20] in the book of Acts, and you’re going to find [26:21] that Saul becomes Paul, [26:24] and Paul writes half of the New Testament. [26:27] Friends, you are on the winning side.

[26:33] Jesus wins.

[26:35] So fight like it. [26:38] Be bold for Jesus. [26:40] You’re on the right side of history. [26:42] Live a fearless life. [26:44] That leads me to point number three this morning. [26:46] Follow Jesus in preparation for judgment.

[26:49] Follow Jesus in preparation for judgment. [26:52] First Peter 4, 17 [26:55] says, For it is the time for judgment [26:57] to begin at the household of God. [26:59] And if it begins with us, [27:01] what will be the outcome for those

[27:02] who do not obey the gospel of God? [27:04] And if the righteous is scarcely saved, [27:07] what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? [27:11] Peter closes his section on suffering, [27:13] talking about the judgment of God on two different groups, [27:16] the righteous and the ungodly.

[27:19] And the text tells us that judgment begins [27:21] with the household of God. [27:23] But I think we need to unpack that a little bit, [27:25] because what does that mean, [27:27] and how is it different than the second judgment? [27:30] So the first one that we see there

[27:32] is the judgment for Christians. [27:35] And so what we know is that judgment does not mean [27:37] eternal condemnation. [27:39] Romans 8, 1, it says, [27:41] There is therefore now no condemnation for who? [27:45] Those who are in Christ Jesus.

[27:47] So eternal condemnation is off the table. [27:49] Jesus has completely covered you for that. [27:52] There is no fear of that in judgment.

[27:55] But judgment does not mean, however, [27:57] that you will never face discipline from God in this world. [28:01] 1 Corinthians 11, 32. [28:03] When we are judged by the Lord, [28:05] we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned [28:09] along with the world.

[28:12] So just because we are no longer condemned [28:14] doesn’t mean God does not have work still to do [28:17] in our hearts and in our lives. [28:19] That this is an earthly disciplining for our sin. [28:23] It’s when God makes us more like Jesus, [28:25] helping us to understand the weight of our sin

[28:28] and pulling us away from that sin [28:30] to make us more faithful followers of Him. [28:33] But this is why Peter says [28:35] that the righteous are scarcely saved. [28:37] How difficult of a process is it to suffer well, [28:41] to suffer at all, to go through trials,

[28:43] to be disciplined by God. [28:47] See, we’re only saved because of what God has done [28:49] on our behalf, not because of anything that we have done. [28:53] But the last thing we see is that [28:55] although we’re not eternally condemned, [28:57] we all will still face judgment

[28:59] for the things that we’ve done. [29:01] 2 Corinthians 5, verse 10. [29:03] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, [29:07] so that each one may receive what is due [29:09] for what he has done in the body, [29:11] whether good or evil.

[29:14] Church, please understand this. [29:16] Your works matter. [29:18] The things you choose to do [29:20] and the things you choose not to do, [29:22] they all matter. [29:24] That we will all appear before Christ

[29:25] to give an account of our lives. [29:27] And my fear is that that time is gonna be [29:29] very sobering for many of us. [29:32] That this has to serve as an encouragement to us [29:34] in how we choose to live our lives on a day-to-day basis.

[29:39] Friends, I asked you this morning, [29:41] if you died right now, [29:43] would you be satisfied appearing before Jesus [29:45] with the choices that you are currently making? [29:48] With the life you are currently living? [29:51] With how you are dealing with your sin?

[29:52] With how you are trying to grow in your faith?

[29:57] Do you understand now why Peter says, [29:58] if we are scarcely saved? [30:01] It’s difficult. [30:03] And if our judgment is difficult, [30:05] if it begins with us, [30:07] what happens to those who do not

[30:10] know Jesus as God, who do not obey the gospel? [30:13] Once again, I want to fast forward [30:14] to the very end of the story. [30:17] Revelation 20, verse 11. [30:20] It says,

[30:42] And the sea gave up the dead who were in it. [30:44] Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. [30:48] And they were judged, each one of them, [30:50] according to what they had done. [30:52] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. [30:55] This is the second death, the lake of fire.

[30:58] And if anyone’s name was not found written [31:00] in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. [31:06] What will be the outcome for those who do not [31:08] obey the gospel of God? [31:09] Who do not submit to Jesus as Lord? [31:12] Death eternally, hell, eternal suffering,

[31:16] separation from God. [31:19] Friends, this is a reminder of why we don’t [31:21] just keep our faith to ourselves. [31:24] I think it’s an incredible thing that Jesus saves us. [31:27] It’s not deserved in any way, shape, or form. [31:29] But even more incredible than that,

[31:32] Jesus looks at you after he redeems you, [31:34] and he says, now I want to use you to tell others. [31:37] I want to use you to make my kingdom bigger. [31:41] But that’s what’s coming for people who do not know Jesus. [31:45] That’s your friends, your coworkers, [31:48] your neighbor, your family.

[31:51] Sometimes we forget what’s on the other side of judgment [31:55] for those that don’t know Jesus, [31:56] and we need to be reminded of that. [31:58] And that’s what Peter does here.

[32:02] But my encouragement for you is that if you are a Christian, [32:05] this will never be a reality. [32:06] The saying goes that this is the closest thing to hell [32:10] on this earth that any Christian will ever experience.

[32:14] And I praise God for that. [32:16] That we’ve been rescued from hell because of the death [32:18] and resurrection of Jesus.

[32:21] Therefore, friends, suffer well. [32:23] Don’t suffer for stupidity. [32:25] Remember that you serve a sovereign God who is even sovereign [32:29] over your worst suffering and has a plan. [32:32] And because he is, you can live boldly for him. [32:37] You can bear fruit of following Jesus

[32:40] and being disciplined by a loving heavenly father. [32:43] Then you go into eternity without fear. [32:47] That yes, you still have to give an account. [32:49] But imagine entering into heaven and being able to say, [32:52] Jesus, I know I failed you in so many ways, [32:56] but I did the best that I knew to do to follow you,

[33:01] to repent of sin, to turn to the gospel, [33:04] to tell others to live for your kingdom and your glory. [33:08] And then you hear those words that all of us long to hear. [33:12] Well done, well done, good and faithful servant. [33:16] Enter into the joy of your master. [33:19] Friends, on that day, your suffering ends.

[33:22] On that day, the trial is over. [33:25] And on that day, there is only eternal joy [33:29] in the presence of King Jesus. [33:31] Remember that it’s coming. [33:34] So that when suffering and trials come into your life today [33:36] or next week or next month,

[33:39] you won’t forget the God who told us how to get through those [33:44] and how to be conquerors over those things. [33:46] A couple of application points this morning. [33:49] Number one, trials are coming. [33:50] Prepare for battle. [33:52] The only way to prepare for battle is to know scripture,

[33:55] to know what God’s will is, [33:56] to understand what the trials are that are coming into your life [34:00] that they are not meant to destroy you, but to build you up. [34:05] Second, suffer for righteous actions, not stupidity. [34:08] Stop trying to pretend that your stupid actions are the thing [34:10] that make you more holy or righteous.

[34:13] They are not. [34:14] Suffer for things that Jesus tells us [34:16] that we need to actually suffer for. [34:19] Third, if you bear the title of Christian, wear it proudly. [34:22] I am not ashamed to be called a Christian. [34:24] I’m not ashamed to be called a disciple of Jesus.

[34:26] And I hope you are not either. [34:28] But we need to actually live that way in our society. [34:31] Don’t cower when people make fun of Jesus. [34:34] Fight. [34:35] Wear it proudly. [34:36] Tell them the truth of the gospel.

[34:39] But then fourth, live each day with eternity in mind. [34:42] Remember, every action you make, [34:44] everything you say yes to and everything you say no to, [34:47] all has an impact on your life and on the kingdom.

[34:51] Remember those things. [34:52] Live with that eternity in mind. [34:54] Remember the gospel and remember what’s on the other side [34:58] of all the suffering and trials.