Anchored - Part 4 [Notes]

In a world full of uncertainties, how can we stay rooted in our faith? Join us for "Anchored," a five-week series through 1 Peter, where we’ll discover how Christ and His Word give us strength to face life’s storms. We’ll explore how the hope of eternal life, trusting God through political uncertainties, navigating family relationships with grace, confronting the reality of suffering for our faith, and standing strong as a church family in challenging times anchor us in Him. This series reminds us that when we’re anchored in Christ, we can endure anything life throws our way with hope and joy.

Takeaway: It is an honor to suffer for Jesus because He suffered for us.

Research for OpenDoors 2024 World Watch List reveals that over 365 million Christians around the world suffer persecution or discrimination for their faith in Jesus Christ. That hostility can look different for each of the millions of believers who face persecution every day. Some experience rejection and isolation from their families, friends, and communities. Others are denied access to basic needs like water, food, and health care. Some face violent abuse, imprisonment, and even death.
– OpenDoors.org

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.
– John 16:33b (HCSB)

Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.
– 1 Peter 4:12 (HCSB)

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.
– John 16:33b (HCSB)

Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of the Messiah, so that you may also rejoice with great joy at the revelation of His glory. If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
– 1 Peter 4:13-14 (HCSB)

If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
– 1 Peter 4:14 (HCSB)

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
– Acts 11:26b (HCSB)

You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice because your reward is great in heaven, for that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
– Matthew 5:11-12 (HCSB)

None of you, however, should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a “Christian,” he should not be ashamed but should glorify God in having that name. For the time has come for judgment  to begin with God’s household,  and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And if a righteous person is saved with difficulty, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?  
– 1 Peter 4:15-18 (HCSB)

meddler: allotriepiskopos, which means one who oversees another's affairs, a busybody; one who intrudes into others' business, often inappropriately or without invitation.

If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.
– John 15:18-19 (HCSB)

For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed.
– John 3:20 (HCSB)

So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.
– 1 Peter 4:19 (HCSB)

Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
– John 21:18-19 (HCSB)

When his wife was led to death, he encouraged her, calling her by name and saying, “Remember the Lord.”
– Clement of Rome, AD 35 to 99

The Crucifixion of Saint Peter by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it.
– Matthew 16:24-25 (HCSB)

Open Doors – www.opendoorsus.org
Voice of the Martyrs – www.persecution.com

In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
– 2 Timothy 3:12 (HCSB)

Trustworthy // Graves Into Gardens // Another in the Fire // Son of Suffering

Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.