SMBC Principal's Hour Express

How do we persevere in following Jesus when we are mocked or face hostility for our faith? In 1 Peter 4:1-11, Peter outlines a series of very practical steps we can take that strengthen us to walk the path that Jesus has already walked.

Rob Smith, a speaker at SMBC, dives deep into 1 Peter 3:13-22, focusing on the theme of hope amidst suffering. He showcases the journey of a young believer facing persecution and encourages steadfast faith through Christ's victory. The conversation also touches on respectful dialogues about morality with non-Christians, the importance of apologetics, and the transformative power of suffering for righteousness. Lastly, he shares the inspiring story of Richard Wurmbrand, highlighting perseverance in faith and the hope found in Christ's sacrifice.

In 1 Samuel 7, when God delivers Israel from the Philistines, the prophet Samuel sets up a stone as a reminder of the rescue, and names it Ebenezer, (meaning “stone of help”). Just as the stone helps Israel remember what God has done, so too this text trains us in remembering God’s past deliverance in ways that shape our present action.

In 2:11-3:7, Peter addresses three groups who are in a vulnerable position because they are under the authority of others: citizens (to governments), slaves (to masters) and wives (to husbands). And his radical instruction to all three groups is that even when the one with authority over them exercises that authority badly, they should still submit. Why? In this talk, we focus on the instruction to wives to submit (3:1-6), seeking to understand what it means and why it’s important, and then on the instruction to husbands to respect the position their wives are in (3:7). Ultimately, it is an opportunity for all to be to grow in understanding what it means to imitate Christ in hard situations.

As well as loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, God also wants his people to honour those who aren’t believers. This will mean, submitting to human authorities and following Christ’s example of enduring the unjust suffering we face, as we live ‘good lives’ wherever God has us. In all of this, God invites us to entrust ourselves to him.

How do we stand firm in the face of suffering: persecution, illness, devastating loss, unfulfilled dreams, or depression. We can stand firm by clinging to the anchors for our souls that God provides in the hope of our salvation, the Bible, Jesus, and a community of believers.

As Christian believers, we have had our sins wiped clean by Jesus’ death, but there is then a new life to live showing our gratitude to God our Father and showing love to our fellow-believers. We have a great future ahead with eternal life, but in this life we all need help in a hostile world, so we need to care for one another. Also, God is at work in us by his Spirit, with the gospel message as the basis and heart of our new life.

As Christians, we know that the gospel has the power to produce a changed life. Which makes it a real grief when we continue in sin, or we see Christians around us continue in sin. What we need is God’s help and empowering to pursue this changed life. In 1 Peter 1:13-21, we have exactly that. In this text, God equips us to pursue the changed life that the gospel requires.

God promises a glorious future for believers and this enables us to press on in hope. Yet, sometimes the trials and challenges of life as a Christian can make us wonder if we can keep trusting in God’s promises. In this text Peter points us to assurances that help us to continue trusting in God’s promises as we press on toward our glorious hope.

Derek Brotherson, a speaker at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, explores the profound themes of 1 Peter 1:1-9. He highlights how joy can coexist with suffering, emphasizing the hope found in trials. The discussion reflects on choices in ministry, showcasing the deeper fulfillment from serving others. Brotherson also dives into the transformational power of new birth and 'living hope,' assuring listeners of their eternal inheritance. Ultimately, he encourages embracing joy as a divine purpose, even amidst life's challenges.