Suffering for the Glory of God - 1 Peter 4:12-19
Suffering for the Glory of God
(1 Peter 4:12-19)
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
Psalm 13 - Tremper Longman
Psalm 13 - A Crisis of Lament - Personal Reflection
The Cry of Lament - Allen Ross
Rest in Him - Swindoll
The Problem of Pain - C.S. lewis
INTRODUCTION: “How Long Oh Lord” (Psalm 13)
The Joy of Suffering
Suffering for Christ is a privilege, blessing, and joy.
•Inevitable: Don’t be surprised when suffering and trials arrive. (4:12).
•Connected: When you share the suffering of Christ, you also share in the joy (4:13).
•Assisted: The Spirit comes alongside during suffering to provide a blessing (4:14).
•Motivated: Suffering as a Christian is a cause for praising God (4:15-16).
The Enigma of Suffering
Suffering has different purposes for believers and unbelievers.
• Comparison: If believers must suffer, how much more will unbelievers suffer (4:17)?
• Contrast: The righteous are saved by grace; the Godless person has no hope (4:18).
• Conclusion: Trust God in the midst of your suffering (4:19).
Suffering as a Christian provides us with an opportunity to
identify with Christ, find assistance from the Spirit,
and praise God for the opportunity.
Home Church Questions
Not Surprised by Suffering (4:12)
• What expectations about the Christian life have made suffering harder for you
to process? How might adjusting those expectations shape your faith going
forward?
Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings (4:13)
• Have you ever experienced a deeper sense of closeness to Christ through
hardship? What made that connection possible?
The Spirit’s Presence in Suffering (4:14)
• Where have you sensed God’s presence most clearly during difficult seasons?
What helps you remain attentive to the Spirit when life is painful?
Suffering That Leads to Praise (4:15-16)
• What does it look like to suffer faithfully rather than resentfully?
How can suffering become an act of worship instead of bitterness?
The Seriousness of Judgment (4:17-18)
• How does this passage shape your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
In what ways does it deepen your urgency for faithful living and witness?
The Enigma of God’s Purposes
• Suffering serves different purposes for believers and unbelievers.
How do you wrestle with the mystery of God’s purposes in suffering without
losing trust in His goodness?
Entrusting Yourself to a Faithful Creator (4:19)
• What does “entrusting yourself to God” look like today? Where is God
inviting you to trust Him more deeply right now?
Finances
Weekly Budget 34,615
Giving For 03/15 28,133
Giving For 03/22 37,881
YTD Budget 1,315,385
Giving 1,654,475
OVER/(UNDER) 339,090
Crucifixion Dinner
You’re invited to join us this Good Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. for a meaningful evening of reflection as we remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. If you’re able, we encourage you to fast during the day and then gather with us in the evening to break the fast with a simple meal of broth and bread. Together, we’ll pause to reflect on 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 ensure children are fed before drop-off. Let’s come together with grateful hearts as we remember the great price that was paid for us.
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.
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.
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.
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. Registration deadline is April 6. If money is an issue, please check the “contact me” button. Register at fellowshipconway.org/men .
Join the Worship 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.tha
Widows’ Spring Luncheon
We’re delighted to share that Ken and Dawn Wilson will be our special guests at this year’s Widows’ Spring Luncheon! Join us for a sweet time of food, fellowship, laughter, and a few surprises along the way. We’ll gather at the home of Ambra Austin on Thursday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. Kindly RSVP to Ambra at 501-730-6795 by Thursday, April 9.