TEXT:  I Peter 4:12-19

1. God’s people should not be surprised by trials & suffering    I Peter 4:12
   1. God’s people suffer just like other people
   2. God’s people should not be surprised by trials
   3. God’s people should not think they should avoid suffering     John 16:32-33
2. God’s people should rejoice in identifying with their Saviour    I Peter 4:13-14
   1. Rejoicing in identifying with Him as personal Saviour
   2. Rejoicing in identifying with Him in suffering for Him
   3. Rejoicing in the Spirit of God being with us in suffering for the glory of God
3. God does not want His children making sinful choices    I Peter 4:15-16
   1. Sinful choices bring painful consequences
   2. Sinful choices that result in suffering for doing wrong
      1. Legal consequences for breaking laws that God says to obey
      2. Embarrassing consequences from the shame from doing wrong
      3. Personal consequences that sin causes to ourselves & others
   3. Sinful choices that do not honor Him as their Heavenly Father

Conclusion:    I Peter 4:17-19