5 Minute Lessons on the Kingdom of God
The Suffering Christian
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"1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1‑2 King James Version)

Recently, I saw a raid on a group of Christians. I will not mention the country. The police stormed into their meeting. They were told to take off their clothes and put on these prison uniforms. They were then led off to be imprisoned. One person cried out, "Just let me be faithful to God. I am just concerned that I remain faithful to the Lord." I cannot tell you how this affected me.

They were then led off to be imprisoned. As far as I know they remain in prison to this very day. This group of both males and females were about 15-20 people. The police confiscated their meeting place and destroyed their Bibles and Christian literature.

The Apostle Peter tells us that these suffering Christians have "ceased from sin" (1 Peter 4:1). These suffering Christians will never live the American dream nor will they ever want to. The lust for wealth, material things, boats, cars, houses, mansions and other lusts of men will never be their desire. Peter tells us that their desire will only be for "the will of God" (1 Peter 4:2).

The Apostle John tells us that,
"the world is passing away, and the lust (desires) of it;" (1 John 2:17 NKJV)

And again the Apostle Peter tells us "the heavens shall pass away" and "the earth also" (2 Peter 3:10).
"Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness," (2 Peter 3:11 NKJV)

"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13 NKJV)

"10Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has happened at last! God's salvation and the power and the rule, and the authority of his Christ are finally here; for the Accuser of our brothers has been thrown down... 11They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony; for they did not love their lives but laid them down for him.'" (Revelation 12:10‑11 The Living Bible)
Questions
  1. Read Luke 18:28‑30.
    "28Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." ‑ Luke 18:28‑30
    Read 1 Peter 4:1.
    "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;" ‑ 1 Peter 4:1
    Those that suffer for Christ by laying down their lives "hath ceased from sin" (1 Peter 4:1).
    True or False
    Answer
  2. Read 1 Peter 4:1‑2 (NKJV).
    "1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." ‑ 1 Peter 4:1‑2 (NKJV)
    Those that suffer for Christ by laying down their lives will no longer live to fulfill their own lust.
    True or False
    Answer
  3. Read 1 Peter 4:2 (NKJV).
    "that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." ‑ 1 Peter 4:2 (NKJV)
    Those that suffer for Christ by laying down their lives will live their lives to fulfill the will of God.
    True or False
    Answer
  4. Read 2 Peter 3:11.
    "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness," ‑ 2 Peter 3:11
    What kind of life as a Christian believer should we be living?
    1. a life to please ourselves
    2. a life pleasing to God
    3. a holy and godly life
    Answer
  5. Read 2 Peter 3:13.
    "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." ‑ 2 Peter 3:13
    Our future home as a believer is where:
    1. ungodliness dwells
    2. grandma dwells
    3. righteousness dwells
    Answer
  6. Read Revelation 12:11.
    "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." ‑ Revelation 12:11
    The faithful believers defeated the Devil by:
    1. their handguns
    2. the blood of the Lamb
    3. their testimony or witness
    Answer
  7. Read 1 John 3:16.
    "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." ‑ 1 John 3:16
    We can't go to the cross like Jesus, but we can lay down our lives for others.
    True or False
    Answer
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We would love to hear your feedback on these lessons and how you use them in your own study or in discipling others. If you have any thoughts, stories, testimonies, comments, or questions we would love to hear them!








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