Lesson Notes:  1 Peter  4:7-11 (NIV based)

TITLE:  Proper Conduct During Suffering
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Think of and compile a list of normal ways we respond to suffering:

- introvert
- self-pity
- revenge or strike back
- draw attention to or talk only about our suffering
- consumed or preoccupied with our suffering
- anti-social or isolate
- self-focused
- needy
- unmotivated
- depressed
- pessimistic / gloomy / futile-istic
- “I’m the only one this is happening to”
- confused / distraught
- hopelessness
- abandoned by God
- life comes to a halt
- complain
- find some way to mentally escape
- “Why me?”
- not worth living / suicidal
- lose perspective
- desperation
- make bad decisions
- drift from God

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READ:  1 Peter 4:7-11, with vv.1-2 for context

Look for aspects of proper godly conduct in the midst of suffering, one verse at a time, and then discuss each aspect.

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, . . . 

v.7
- - “clear minded” =
Strong’s #4993 “be disciplined; to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate”; NAS - “sound judgment”; KJV - “sober”.
- - “self-controlled” =
Strong’s #3525 “be sensible; to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet”; NAS - “sober (spirit)”; KJV - “watch”; AMP - “alert”; ‘discreet’ - AHD “Marked by, exercising, or showing prudence and wise self-restraint in speech and behavior; circumspect.”

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, . . . 
- - remember there will come an end and accountability;
- - pray more effectively, more appropriately - with a sound mind and self-control.

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v.8
- - “deeply” =
Strong’s # 1618 “fervent; intent”; NAS and KJV - “fervent”; ‘fervent’ - AHD “Having or showing great emotion or zeal”; ‘intent’ - AHD “Having the mind and will focused on a specific purpose”.

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, . . . 
- - loving others fervently is the primary means of weathering the suffering;
- - look upon those who cause you suffering with deep love.

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v.9
- - “offer hospitality” =
Strong’s #5382 “be hospitable; fond of guests, i.e. hospitable”
- - “grumbling” --
NAS - “complaint”; KJV - “grudging”; repeated words of complaint, perhaps to stir up rebellion.

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, . . . 
- - as a result of fervent love, extend hospitality cheerfully, even if it inconveniences you or is extended to those who cause you suffering;
- - believers can gain encouragement through extending hospitality to endure our suffering.

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v.10
- - “to serve others”
(vv.10-11) = Strong’s #1247 “ministering; to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or [figuratively] teacher)”.

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, . . . 
- - each of us believers should minister to (rather than avoid) those who are suffering;
- - believers should benefit and minister to others even if we are suffering;
- - by extending undeserved favor to others, believers are being good stewards of God’s grace;
- - God has already equipped believers in various gifts to minister in grace during suffering.

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v.11
- - “as one speaking the very words” --
NAS - “utterances”; KJV - “speak as the oracles”.
- - “strength” =
Strong’s #2479 “strength; forcefulness (literally or figuratively)”; KJV - “ability”.
- - “praised” =
Strong’s #1392 “may be glorified; forcefulness (literally or figuratively)”; NAS and KJV - “glorified”.

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING, . . . 
- - believers are to speak the things of God in the midst of suffering from others - not condemnation, judging, ridiculing those who oppress us;
- - believers are to rely on God’s strength, even to serve those who oppress us, which brings praise to God;
- - believers are to always bring glory to God and Jesus - not to ourselves nor to our own endurance;
- - only God deserves the glory because He is the One who provides the strength and means to endure the suffering.

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BIG IDEA:  Believers are to maintain proper Christian conduct to and minister to each other in the midst of suffering.

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MAIN POINT:  What would you say is the main point in these verses?

IMPORTANT SUB-POINTS:  What are some other important points God is making here in these verses?

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APPLICATIONS:  What applications can you think of for how we should respond to the concepts in these verses? 

PERSONALIZED APPLICATIONS:  From these verses, what do you think God wants you to learn, or know, or remember, or put into effect in your life?  How are you going to do that?

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Works Cited:
The American Heritage Dictionary. 3rd ed., ver. 3.6a (CD-ROM). Cambridge, MA: SoftKey International Inc., 1994.

Bible. The Comparative Study Bible: A Parallel Bible Presenting New International Version, New American Standard Bible,
     Amplified Bible, King James Version
. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.

Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.

“Strong's Greek Dictionary.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
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Translation used: NIV, quoted or referred to in various places within this document
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Updated:  August 20, 2015