1. Surprised by suffering
1 Peter 4: 12-19
Surprised by suffering

4. Expect opposition and persecution v 12
Take heed to yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them” (Mark 13:9–10; Matt. 10:17ff.; Luke 21:12ff.).
John 15:20–21: “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.

5. How do you know if you are a Christian?
Are you being persecuted?

6. So who is persecuting me?

7. Peter is gently reminding us of this fact

8. These trials are for our good. V 12,14

9. Why should we expect persecution?
Because we are like Jesus.

12. That’s the bad news, the good news is that better days are coming. V 13

13. When these times come check out your own life.

14. Meddler?
Allotri episkopos
ἀλλοτριεπίσκοπος = a meddler

15. Bottom line
If you are going to be persecuted as a Christian make sure its not for being a jerk!

16. Don’t be ashamed to suffer as a Christian

17. Entrust ourselves to God

18. Keep on doing good

19. If you are a Christian you will be hassled.
Don’t be ashamed of Jesus.
Don’t give people an excuse.
Do your best and entrust yourself to God.
Keep on doing good.