Christians are sufferers (pt1) . . . with a duty to love and stewardship.

Christians are sufferers (pt1) . . . with a duty to love and stewardship.

1) Dealing with difficult texts

2) Focusing on key take-aways

Simple framework for dealing with difficult texts

First, focus on what does/can seem clear.

Second, look for clues to how the difficult section relates to its context.

Suffering is NOT a pirate in your life; it’s a plotline. 

We can find comfort in suffering because we know that it is God’s will. (3:17)

We can find comfort in suffering because we know that Christ is our pattern. (3:18)

We can find comfort in suffering because we know that baptism symbolizes and crystalizes our deliverance from our greatest threat: sin. (3:21)

We can find comfort in suffering because we know that Christ has authority over every authority and power. (3:22)

Christians have a duty to love in the midst of difficulty.

We have a duty to good stewardship in the midst of difficulty.

We have a duty to delight in God in the midst of difficulty.