Class Lesson March 6, 2011

Hey Gang,

We begin a new series this week entitled "Confident Living in Difficult Times" and we will be exploring over the next 4 weeks 1 Peter 1 - 4. This study is about living confidently in difficult times and while suffering is the dominate theme of Peter's epistle, hope and holiness are the prominent emphases. Peter wrote to Christians who were suffering for their faith. He wrote to encourage them with the hope of eternal life and to demonstrate holy living in spite of their suffering. 

We all have our own definitions for "difficult times." At such times, the Lord does not leave us to face these times alone. He is with us to strengthen us, and He inspires us to look beyond our troubles to the promise of the Word of God. 1 Peter opens this week with a lesson on Faith Under Fire.

Peter tells us in this lesson that regardless of your circumstances, believers have a living hope that cannot be taken away, and they have the resources to continue living holy lives. 

Alright now, so the topic is suffering, what's your initial response: (a) been there, done that; (b) I'm living it now; (c) I'd rather not suffer; (d) I know other people who need this lesson more than me?  The fact is that we live in difficult times and some of those difficulties make their way into our homes, kid's lives, and workplaces. Our lesson this week says that when suffering comes, you have resources to draw on: truth, godly people, and God Himself.

But you are probably thinking this is another one of those joy in suffering lessons when nobody can really explain how I'm suppose to be cheerful or joyful when life is hard. The fact is when I'm in the middle of a bad situation, I really just want it to end, I don't want to hear how it's an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Not everyone keeps on keeping on when their faith is under fire. They might give in to a temptation or make a hurtful choice that leads to even more pain. What makes it easy to give up on God? How can we keep on obeying instead? Why is that hard-for-a-little-while action easier for the long run? How can you help someone keep on keeping on?

This week's lesson is from 1 Peter 1:1-12, pay close attention to Peter's encouraging words to Christians that are going through difficult times and let's see how his inspired words might help us today.

Hope your week is blessed and you will prepare for God message this week to each of us when our faith is under fire.

In His Love,

David & Susan