Facing Challenging Times #sermon #dumcMY #fb

Pastor Dr. Daniel Ho, 20/08/2011

When we are doing something right we will face challenges.


1Pe 4:12-19  Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  (13)  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  (14)  If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  (15)  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.  (16)  However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  (17)  For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  (18)  And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"  (19)  So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Peter’s responses in challenging times

1. Don’t be surprised (v12)

Challenging times bring uncertainty and anxiety. Peter told us not to be surprised.

The church of Jesus Christ is always a blessings in any country. Any nation that doesn’t have the Church of Jesus Christ is deprived of the blessings and goodness. All of us Christians should be providing something good in wherever God has placed us.

There are 2 things God wants to pass into our lives – trust and faith. It is when we grow in faith, our anxiety goes away. Jesus told us not to be anxious about tomorrow. We need to learn to trust God and have faith in Him. He is in control.

2. To rejoice (v13)

Even as we go through hardship and sufferings, we rejoice. This is where we are different from the world. The world sees hardship negatively. As Christians, we shouldn’t be looking for sufferings. But when we have to suffer, we are not afraid. Scripture looks at suffering positively, IF we suffer correctly. (v15) Peter told us we should not suffer for our own sins. He said that when we are suffering for the name of Jesus Christ, we can rejoice.

Rom 5:3-5  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  (4)  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  (5)  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Suffering develops perseverance, character and hope. Life is not just about here and now, it’s about the life eternal Our suffering will end one day.

A prophet came into town and said it will be good for Malaysia in the next 3 years but the 1st 14 years (i.e. ending Dec 2012) would be tough.

Peter told us to rejoin, so did Paul. James too.

Suffering is good. We don’t like it. Pastor Daniel guaranteed that those who have suffered have more patience, they are more kind. It is ok for children to suffer a little.

A person who has suffered pain and suffering is usually more mature, more thoughtful, more kind, more considerate and doesn’t take things for granted. Suffering when taken rightly will always be good for us.

3. Do not be ashamed but praise God (v16)

Some Christian leaders were arrested during Operation Lalang. Some churches felt ashamed. Pastor Daniel was in the thick of it. His mother heard a rumour that he was arrested. Peter told us there is no shame when we suffer for Jesus – when we stand in truth amidst lies.

We must come to a place of security and safety in Christ.

4. Commit yourselves to your faithful Creator (v19)

Peter said when we are going through heartache, we commit ourselves to a faithful creator. Peter acknowledged that he himself was not faithful

Peter’s Galilean accent gave him away before. But he knew God is faithful.

God will always be faithful. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That’s the faith we have.
Psa 66:12  You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.

God is preparing the Church of Jesus Christ for a great breakthrough.

5. Continue to do good (v19)

DUMC has contributed to many good cause.

Peter’s conclusion to challenging times.

1. Know that there is joy (v13)

The demeanor of posture of a Christian is to have one with joy. Joy is independent of happiness; Happiness depends on circumstances

At the end of it all, God will see us through. God is developing in us two elements that will defeat fear – faith and love.

1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

2 Know that one is blessed (v14)

“There is no better church for this to happen than DUMC. There is no better man for this to happen than Daniel Ho.” ~ Pastor Edmund Chan

We will not stop doing what we do just because of the false accusations.

It is unbelievable what some people said about the Marketplace Conference.

3. Know that there is judgement and therefore vindication (v 17, 18)

Judgement begins with us. That’s why we must live lives of integrity, transparency and honesty. We can then walk strong and tall.

God will show at the end who is right and who is wrong. There is no need for us to try to prove ourselves. We can rest assured in the purpose of God. We will remain humble but live a life of integrity. We will have no fear of judgement.