Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV)

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Intro: What does it mean to live in exile?

THE HARDSHIP OF SUFFERING & LOSS
How is suffering often a double experience, not only in daunting circumstances or trials, but also the experience of separation and fear?

THE REACH OF GRACE
How do insiders typically interact with outsiders?

THE HOPE & JOY OF FAITH
How does trusting Jesus bring what He did in space and time into our own hearts in the present tense?

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …

1. Worship the LORD in His holiness and love. Praise Him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that He is so willing to reach out to us in our guilt and brokenness in a way that no one else could do, or would do.

2. How have you lived resentfully or bitterly because of suffering? Confess your fears and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you for blaming or doubting Him, when He is merciful to save us when we have rejected Him.

3. Give thanks to Jesus for His unrivaled ability to work through suffering and loss to guarantee that we gain nothing short of His glory. Thank Him for being the Ultimate Insider who sacrificed immeasurably to reach us as guilty outsiders.

4. Who do you know who is currently navigating suffering or pain? Pray for them, asking the Lord to help them see His love and grace in the midst of their hardships.

5. Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in you His fruit of love and joy. Pray for His fullness (vs. any fear of loss by suffering) so that as you trust Jesus’ work behind you and His guarantees ahead of you, you can live joyfully and with hope.