The Blessings of Suffering Well - 1 Peter 4:1-6
The Blessing of Suffering Well
(1 Peter 4:1-6)
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
Standing Out in the Crowd - Swindoll
The Liberty of Salvation - Edmund Clowney
Application: 1 Peter 4:1-6 - Scot McKnight
INTRODUCTION: Patterns for Preaching in Peter and Paul
Follow this Example
Be willing to suffer rather than sin.
• Example: The suffering of Christ is the supreme example (4:1a).
• Commitment: Be ready and willing to suffer instead of sinning. (4:1b).
• Submission: Be ready and willing to suffer to live for the will of God (4:2).
Do Not Follow This Example
Leave your past life behind.
• Out of Time: Your pre-conversion life is in your past (4:3a).
• Out of Control: Your pre-conversion life was out of control (4:3b).
• Out of Sync: Your post-conversion is strange to others (4:4).
• Out of Appeals: Everyone will eventually give an account (4:5).
• Out of Excuses: Everyone will be judged fairly (4:6).
Choosing to follow in the footsteps of Christ’s suffering
may alienate you from the world as you avoid sinful living
but provides you with the satisfaction of identification with Christ.
‘Make the Application
“Read the Scriptures, not as one who goes to a wardrobe
to take an inventory of clothes, but as one who goes there
to find something to wear.”
John Donne
Home Church Questions
1. Read Philippians 2:1-11. This parallel passage to Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 4:1-2 expands on the truth found there. Both passages encourage us to follow the example of Christ. How does Philippians 2:1-11 give you additional hope, confidence, and courage for your own suffering?
2. In the Bible Belt, how do you resist the pull of the American Dream while still accepting that suffering is often part of God’s will for us? How do you pursue faithfulness to Christ when the surrounding culture constantly pressures you to seek comfort, success, and security—especially when Scripture teaches that hardship and self-denial are frequently God’s will for believers?
3. In the most practical way you can, articulate what it means to “arm yourself” with the same attitude Christ had when He suffered? Can you give any examples of when you have done this?
4. Jesus, far beyond any of us, suffered when He did not deserve it. How does this frame our response when we recognize that our suffering is also undeserved? Are we entitled to a life of blessing?
5. Have you ever experienced rejection by a past community because you chose to live according to your Christian convictions? Have you ever remained quiet about your Christian practices in order to avoid this?
6. What about your current way of living as a believer and faithful follower of Christ is seen by unbelievers as, in the words of Nijay Gupta’s book, “Strange Religion?”
UPG FOCUS: Pray for the Tai Do in Laos
The Tai Do are a small ethnic group living primarily in central Laos, with a few communities in Vietnam. They follow traditional animistic beliefs, seeking to appease spirits for protection and blessing. Only a small number of believers are known among them, and Scripture translation has just begun. Pray that the growing number of Tai Do Christians would remain strong in faith, that the gospel would spread to every village, and that many would come to know Jesus as Lord.
Finances
Weekly Budget 34,615
Giving For 03/01 22,132
Giving For 03/08 48,141
YTD Budget 1,246,154
Giving 1,588,461
OVER/(UNDER) 342,307
Fellowship Men’s Muster
Men’s Muster is April 17-19, 2026. Senior Teaching Pastor, Chris Moore, will be our speaker, and the weekend promises to be great for growing spiritually and connecting deeply with other men. Cost is $135 or $85 for a college/High School student. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. We will reach out to see what you are able to pay. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men .
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Fellowship 101 - April 12 | 9:00 a.m
Whether you’ve been visiting Fellowship Conway for a few weeks or a few months, we’d love to invite you to take the next step in getting connected. Come hear our heart as a church — who we are, what we do, and why we’re passionate about it. It’s also a welcoming space to ask questions, meet others, and discover how you might grow and serve alongside us. Please register at fellowshipconway.org/register so we can plan well and keep you updated with reminders or any details about the class. If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to Michael Harrison at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org — we’d love to help you get connected.
Holy Week on Hogan Street
Pastors from several churches along Hogan Lane have come together to host a special Holy Week gathering, March 30–April 3. Participating pastors include Herschel Richardson of Grace Methodist, Larry White of Woodland Heights, Chase Moser of Cornerstone Bible, Jim Hays of Grace Presbyterian, along with Chris Moore and Ken Wilson from Fellowship Bible Church. You’re invited to gather each weekday of Holy Week from 12:00–1:00 pm at Grace Methodist for a brief time of worship, a devotional message from one of the pastors, and a shared meal. Donations will be accepted and directed towards local missions.
Crucifixion Dinner
You are invited to join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. for a meaningful evening of reflection as we remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Together, we will share a simple dinner of broth and bread, setting aside time to consider the depth of His love and the hope made possible through His suffering. Childcare is available for children ages six and under by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Please be sure children are fed before being dropped off. Let us gather with grateful hearts as we reflect on the great price that was paid for us.
Join the Worhip Tech Team
Help create a space where people can encounter the Lord through worship. Our Sunday morning Tech Team is looking for a few more volunteers to serve behind the scenes with audio, visuals, and livestream. No experience is needed—we’ll provide all the training and support you need. If you’d like to be part of the team and are college age or older, contact Jordan Mays at jmays@fellowshipconway.org.
Prayer During Service
We love praying for one another. After the message, members of our prayer team will be at the front of the Auditorium under the Hope and Love signs, ready to pray with you. During the first worship song following the message, please feel free to come forward if you would like prayer or encouragement.