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Writer's pictureLiz Harlan

Rejoice! He Has Overcome!

This week I only used two methods to look at 1 Peter 4:12-14

1. I used a Bible mapping method where I write the verse out in different Bible versions, look up original meanings of words, and then consider what the verses are saying. I have only been including the consideration part. Otherwise, my posts would be exceedingly long.

2. I used the TEND method from www.marieldavenport.com.


August 8, 2024 - Bible Mapping


Prayer:

Psalm 25:1-3

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

2 In You I trust, O my God.

Do not let me be put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one whose hope is in You

will ever be put to shame,

but they will be put to shame

who are treacherous without excuse. (NIV '84)


1 Peter 4:12-14

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. (NIV '84)


Outcome: (August 13, 2024)

We should not be surprised when we are suffering. We live in a world full of sin and suffering. In addition, Jesus told us that as Christians we would suffer for following Him.


John 15:18-19

18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. 19 If you

belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to

the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates

you." (NIV '84)


John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in Me, you may have peace. In this

world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV '84)


Jesus said we would have trouble, but He also reminds us that He has won the ultimate battle over the world. He rose from the dead and reigns in Heaven. He will raise us also to join Him in Heaven. That is what holds us up through our trials. We know that Jesus is with us, strengthening us. Even better though is the knowledge that one day we will be free from this world and forever residents of Heaven.

Have you ever been made fun of for your faith, or the fact that you lead your life differently? I have suffered harassment because I was different. I have been made fun of for being a "goody-goody," even as an adult. It hurts. But I take comfort in knowing that my difference is a reflection of my faith. I rejoice in knowing I share in my Savior's suffering, even just a small amount. I want people to see a reflection of Jesus in me. It is what my Savior asks of me and I want to live for Him.


What is this teaching me about God?

God knows what we, as believers, are up against in this world. Can He save us from it? Yes, and one day He will. For now, though, there is work for us to do for Him here on earth.


October 27, 2024


Take Time to Pray

Psalm 115:1

Not to us, O LORD, not to us

but to Your name be the glory,

because of Your love and

faithfulness.


Examine

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. (NIV '84)


Notice


What do you see about God's character?

  • Jesus suffered and died for us.


What lessons are being taught? Is there a sin, promise, action, command or example being taught? Is there a warning being given?

  • We should not be surprised when we suffer though times. Jesus said we would.

  • We can rejoice in our sufferings because we are sharing in Jesus' sufferings.

  • When we are insulted because of our faith, we can rejoice because that means the world is seeing the reflection of Jesus in us.

  • We may suffer now, but things are going to be so amazing when Jesus returns in all His glory.


Do


Consider how you need to respond to what God is teaching you.


Question

  • Are there any trials I am suffering right now?

  • Am I rejoicing?

  • How can I be rejoicing?


Response

  • Cara's oral surgery.

    Cara's transition from high school after graduation.

  • Not exactly rejoicing - just trying to trust God. My trust should not waver. God loves Cara even more than I do.

  • I can rejoice that everything has come together so well for Cara's surgery.

I can rejoice that so many things are in place for Cara's transition and that I have so much help going

into it.


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