1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.
16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1. Don't be surprised

Peter reminds us not to be surprised by our challenges and to think: "I'm doing right, and still catching flak. Why is that?" "If God loves me so much, why doesn't he take away my problems?" "Nobody really cares about religion. Why are they so upset?"

a. That's how they treated Jesus, too.

b. Challenges refine our faith in a great way. You never know how good you are until you're put to the test.

c. Suffering teaches us to say "no" to sin. The bible commands fasting, but doesn't really explain it. Fasting shows us how sensual we are, how controlled we are by our appetites. (See 1 Peter 4:1)

d. Suffering teaches to rejoice.

As Christians we want to be perfect like Christ, but we really don't want to be perfected like Christ, we just want to be perfect.

2. What's In a Name?

"Christian" is only used three times. The disciples didn't mind it. It really means "slave of Christ." That's what we are.

a. Acts 11:26
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

The world started viewing the church separately from Judaism here. "Disciple" is used more often than "Christian", because it's a better description. We use "Christian" very casually. Don't use "disciple" that way. We have to read daily to know what God expects of us. Ask myself, "Could the world describe me as a slave of Jesus Christ?"

b. Acts 26:24-29
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable.
26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
29 Paul replied, "Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

Paul is insulted, laughed at and called insane for his message here. King Agrippa says, "Do you think you can persuade me?" We've all said that. Here we see that a Christian is somebody who testifies with words. It's not enough to set a great example. We have to speak out for Jesus. Has your faith made it from your heart to your mouth? Invitations to church aren't enough. We need to share our faith.

c. 1 Peter 4:16
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Our neighbors all think we're great, but do we challenge them?

3. It's a Difficult Life

1 Peter 4:18
And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

Malachi 3:2-4
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,
4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.

On the one hand it's easy (Matthew 11). It's hard living day after day, though. This is why we have church, because it's hard being a disciple. We enjoy going against the stream. That's why we signed up for this. If the saved are to be judged, what does that say about the lost? Stay in the battle--never give up when it gets tough in the kingdom.