Have you ever been in a place so dark that you felt disoriented? I suspect we all have at one time or another. In this passage Peter helps us gain perspective in our dark seasons and shows us how they can become a positive test of faith. We'll also look at some of Jesus' words to his disciples as they were getting ready to head into a terribly dark time. Peter's advice and Jesus' words from John 16 provide some promises that give us a ray of light when we're experiencing darkness.  

This Sermon was preached on November 10th at Living Water Community Church by Pastor Clark Cothern

Questions for Discussion:

1. Have you ever been in a place so dark that you felt disoriented? 

2. Peter talks about dark times being opportunities for us to test our faith. In verse 12 he tells his readers not to be surprised that they find themselves in trying times. Why should we not be surprised that we find ourselves in dark places at times? 

3. How does knowing Jesus help us as we seek perspective when we’re in darkness? 

4. In John 16 Jesus makes two important promises (verses 12-15 and 16-24). What are those two promises? 

How does knowing the truth that the Holy Spirit reveal help us find peace when things aren’t peaceful? What truth is he talking about? 

5. Peter says that in darkness we can still find reasons to rejoice. What is at least one reason to rejoice? 

In verses 14-16 of 1 Peter 4 Peter talks about two different kinds of suffering. What are they? 

How do we cause ourselves to suffer? 

If we allow God’s judgment to come upon us as believers, how does that help us as we face darkness and earthly suffering? 

6. What about this passage allows us to commit ourselves to our faithful Creator to continue, “doing good,” even when we find ourselves suffering and in emotional darkness?