1 PETER: HOW TO GLORIFY GOD WHILE ENDURING SUFFERING

What is the purpose of man: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. - Westminster Shorter Catechism

As a follower of Jesus you probably know that our purpose is to glorify God. But most of time, life is really, really hard, and it feels like we are just trying to survive instead. Are followers of Jesus to expect suffering? How exactly does suffering and trials fit into the life of glorifying God? What do we do when we feel stretched to our breaking point?

Because of questions like this we are going to walk slowly through the New Testament letter of 1 Peter. Because according to Peter, suffering is to be expected in the life of a follower of Jesus and it has a purpose in Gods good plan for us.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” - 1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)

1 Peter, among many other things, is a field guide of how to glorify God while enduring suffering. We need to hear from Peter and we need to hear the hope that he reminds us of in Jesus.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 5:10-11 (ESV)