The Fiery Ordeal

Sermon Outline:

1. The Fiery Ordeal We Should Expect (12–16)
   • It is not strange (v. 12) — suffering is normal for Christians.
   • It is fellowship with Christ (v. 13) — we share His pattern before sharing His glory.
   • It is a blessing, not a curse (v. 14) — the Spirit of glory rests upon you.
   • It must be for righteousness, not sin (vv. 15–16) — suffering for Christ, not wrongdoing.
   • The Spirit’s role in suffering and sanctification
   • The fiery trial as participation in Christ’s sufferings
2. The House Judgment God Begins (17–18)
   • Judgment begins with God’s household (v. 17) — purification, not condemnation
   • God’s people are refined first — suffering is part of sanctification.
   • The fate of the ungodly is far worse (v. 18) — contrast heightens urgency.
   • The nature of God’s judgment
3. The Resolve of Entrusting Ourselves to Him (19)
   • Suffering according to God’s will — not random, not wasted.
   • Entrusting your soul — active, ongoing reliance.
   • To a faithful Creator — the One who made you sustains you.
   • While doing good — suffering never excuses disobedience.