Why does God allow Christians to suffer, and how should we respond when we face ridicule or rejection for living a godly life?

In this compelling sermon, Dr. Robert Lewis explores the often-unspoken reality of Christian suffering—not the kind caused by general hardship, but the unique suffering believers face simply for following Christ. Drawing from 1 Peter 4:12–19, he unpacks why this suffering is inevitable, what purpose it serves, and how we are called to respond. With honesty, humility, and clarity, Dr. Lewis addresses the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with being mocked, misunderstood, or even reviled for the mere name "Christian."

Using real-life stories—from Bob Dylan's conversion to personal moments of shame and boldness—he helps believers understand that such trials are not strange but deeply meaningful. They test our faith, shape our character, and identify us with Christ’s own suffering. And ultimately, they prepare us for joy—now and in eternity.

Whether you’re enduring peer pressure, workplace opposition, or quiet loneliness for your faith, this message will challenge and encourage you to rejoice and entrust your soul to a faithful Creator.

1. Introduction

   • The context of 1 Peter and Peter’s own martyrdom.

   • Today's suffering may not be physical—but it is real.

2. The Inevitability of Christian Suffering (v.12)

   • “Fiery ordeal” is not strange—it's to be expected.

   • Christian suffering is promised (2 Tim. 3:12).

   • The “bed of roses syndrome” many young believers fall into.

3. The Reason for Christian Suffering (v.12)

   • It tests our faith and proves its authenticity.

   • Real-life example: a Christian in Peru losing his job over integrity.

4. The Benefits of Christian Suffering (vv.13–14)

   • It aligns us with Christ's suffering.

   • There is joy now and joy to come.

   • It brings power and anointing (Spirit of glory rests on us).

5. The Boundaries of Christian Suffering (vv.15–16)

   • Not all suffering is godly—don’t suffer for wrongdoing.

   • Avoid becoming a "troublesome meddler."

6. The Perspective of Judgment (vv.17–18)

   • God's judgment starts with the household of God but extends to unbelievers.

   • Suffering reveals both the saved and the condemned.

7. The Proper Response to Suffering (v.19)

   • Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator.

   • Do what is right—stand firm in faith.

8. Conclusion & Prayer

   • Encouragement for those who’ve faced rejection for their faith.

   • A call to endure joyfully, just as Christ did.

• Christian suffering is not optional; it’s promised. Living godly in Christ will bring opposition.

• Suffering is a test. It reveals whether we truly follow Christ or just admire Him from afar.

• There is joy in suffering. Rejection aligns us with Jesus and assures us of future glory.

• Suffering brings spiritual power. When we stand up for our faith, God’s Spirit strengthens us.

• Not all suffering is righteous. We must guard against self-inflicted trouble and judgmental attitudes.

• Eternal perspective is essential. Our present trials are nothing compared to the judgment awaiting those who reject Christ.

• 1 Peter 4:12–19 – Main passage on Christian suffering and response.

• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

• Hebrews 12:1–2 – Jesus endured suffering for the joy set before Him.

• Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

• Matthew 5:11–12 – “Blessed are you when others revile you… rejoice and be glad.”

Recorded 10/26/80

Guiding Question What’s the best way to be morally pure in a world that constantly pulls us the other way?

Summary

Robert Lewis challenges believers to confront the ever-present pull of sin, not by merely resisting it, but by replacing it—through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The message opens with a stark reality: sin is not just around us; it’s in us. Using both humor and Scripture, Lewis exposes the deceptive nature of sin and the limitations of simply trying to “fight” it.

Drawing from Titus 2:11–14, a passage used as an early church creed, Lewis explains how Jesus not only brings salvation but also purifies lives. The key to moral purity, he argues, is not just in putting off sin but in actively pursuing Jesus. Lewis critiques the legalistic “fight sin” approach common in past generations and offers instead the “freedom-through-pursuit” model—developing new desires by loving and following Christ.

He ends with practical applications: one, seek forgiveness through Jesus immediately, and two, commit to a long-term path of spiritual growth through Scripture and obedience. That, he says, is how your story ends in freedom.

Outline:

1. Opening Insight – “Sin is not my friend”—but why does it stay so close?

2. Two Reasons Sin Persists – It's deceptive and it's part of our nature.

3. A Missed Target – Illustrating sin as “missing the mark” (harmatia).

4. Titus 2:11–14 – Jesus came to save and purify a people for Himself.

5. What We’re Called to Deny and Embrace – Ungodliness, worldly passions vs. self-control, uprightness, and godliness.

6. Wrong Approach to Moral Purity – Fighting sin head-on doesn’t work; it wears us out and leaves us vulnerable.

7. Right Approach to Moral Purity – Pursuing Jesus transforms desires, replacing sin’s hold with superior joy.

8. Results of Pursuing Jesus – Freedom, joy, influence, and the life we've always longed for.

9. Two Applications – Seek forgiveness now; commit to obeying God’s Word as the path to freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Sin is deceptive and internal—it disguises itself as a better way and lives within us.

• Moral purity cannot be sustained by sheer willpower or prohibition.

• Jesus came not only to save but to purify His people for good works.

• Pursuing Christ is the only effective path to lasting moral purity.

• Right living follows right focus: when Jesus becomes our joy, sin loses its pull.

• The goal isn't just to be "clean"—it's to live freely, purposefully, and fully through a relationship with Christ.

Scriptural References

• Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray…”

• Romans 7:15–24 – Paul’s struggle with the evil within.

• Titus 2:11–14 – Jesus came to save and purify a people zealous for good deeds.

• Luke 11:24–26 – A house swept clean but empty is still vulnerable.

• Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

• Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…”

• 1 Timothy 4:12 – Be an example in purity and conduct.

• John 10:10 – “I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.”

• 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful…to forgive…”

Recorded 9/5/04

Guiding Question How do you stand strong and live well when you're spiritually on your own?

Summary

In this message, Robert Lewis draws a parallel between the emotional farewell of parents dropping their child off at college and the apostle Paul’s final words to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 16. These “parting words” from Paul are short but charged imperatives meant to prepare the young, struggling Corinthian believers to live faithfully when left to stand on their own.

Lewis opens by summarizing the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church: educated and gifted, yet immature, morally confused, and spiritually wobbly. Then he unpacks Paul’s five closing exhortations in verses 13–14—urging believers to be spiritually alert, to stand firm in their faith, to be courageous, to draw strength from Christ, and to do everything in love.

Each imperative comes with vivid illustrations and real-world applications. The message concludes with a personal challenge: When you’re spiritually alone—at work, at home, or in a crisis—what’s actually true of you? And if it’s not working, are you ready to become something more?

Outline:

1. Introduction: A Parent’s Parting Words – Connecting college send-offs to Paul’s final exhortations.

2. Snapshot of the Corinthian Church – Gifted but immature, well-taught but not spiritually grounded.

3. Paul’s Parting Words (1 Corinthians 16:13–14):

   • Be spiritually alert – Stay awake to the spiritual realities and threats around you.

   • Stand firm in the faith – Hold fast to historic Christian truth amid cultural drift.

   • Be courageous – Take bold leaps of faith and live for eternal rewards.

   • Be strong (in the Lord) – Draw inner strength from the living presence of Christ.

   • Do everything in love – Let love temper your convictions and your courage.

4. Application Challenge – What is true of you when you’re spiritually alone?

Key Takeaways

• Living the Christian life means learning to stand alone with strength, courage, and clarity.

• Faith requires spiritual alertness in a world filled with subtle and overt threats to your soul.

• You must decide if you truly believe “the faith” (historic Christian teaching)—because you can’t stand firm in what you’re not sure of.

• The Christian journey involves leaping into faith experiences that feel risky but reveal God’s power.

• Inner strength comes not from self, but from Christ alive in you.

• Love must guide all your spiritual practices; without it, truth becomes harsh and courage becomes pride.

Scriptural References

• 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 – Paul’s five imperatives: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, let all you do be done in love.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 – The Corinthians were spiritual infants.

• Hebrews 5:14 – Mature believers have trained their senses to discern good and evil.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 – “Stand firm...and hold to the teachings.”

• Ephesians 3:16 – Strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner man.

• Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

• John 14:23 – Jesus promises to make His home with those who love and obey Him.

Recorded 8/8/04