1. Reasons Why I Am Not A Christian
1 Peter 1:6-9

2. Christians Often Suffer-

3. Christians Often Suffer
1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2

4. People Suffer All the Time
1 “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble. 2 He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
Job 14:1-2

5. We Often Suffer Because We are a Christian
Put to Grief by Trials
1 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

6. We Often Suffer Because We are a Christian
Put to Grief by Trials
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:6-9

7. We Often Suffer Because We are a Christian
whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
1 Peter 1:8

8. We Often Suffer Because We are a Christian
Suffer For Well-Doing
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:17

9. How Might You Suffer Today?
Ridicule
In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
1 Peter 4:4

10. You Can’t Do What You Want To Do-

11. You Can’t Do What You Want To Do
3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.
1 Peter 4:3-4

12. The world says: “Do as you please.”
“Enjoy yourself. You only live once.”
Do what everybody else is doing (Peer Pressure)

13. Paul’s statement…
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Galatians 5:17

14. Have to Constantly Battle Satan-

15. Have to constantly battle Satan
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9

16. Have to constantly battle Satan
He is always there attempting to deceive or seduce Christians.
A new Christian faces: temptations and discouragements.
One can get weary in this battle

17. Have to constantly battle Satan
One can get weary in this battle
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

18. Have to constantly battle Satan
One can get weary in this battle
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

19. Have to constantly battle Satan
One can get weary in this battle
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Hebrews 12:3-6

20. Have to constantly battle Satan
There is Hope of Victory
14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 2:14

21. Have to constantly battle Satan
There is Hope of Victory
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

22. Have to constantly battle Satan
There is Hope of Victory
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13

23. Have to constantly battle Satan
There is Hope of Victory
The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:10

24. Lessons For Us Today -

25. If you want to be a Christian, you must be prepared.
Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
Luke 14:31

26. If you want to be a Christian, you have to WANT to be a Christian.
61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:61-62

27. If you want to be a Christian, you have to WANT to be a Christian.
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ezra 7:10

28. Conclusion
1. Not all people are willing to pay the price to follow Christ.
2. Not all people REALLY want to be a Christian.