For the week of September 21, 2026
MONDAY
Day One: Fiery Trial
Truth: 1 Peter 4:12-19 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Sermon Point: Isn’t it wonderful that Peter again reminds his readers that they are beloved, held in deep affection as members of Christ’s body; what an encouragement that must have been for them! And because Peter loves them, he tells them the truth: that believers should expect fiery trials to test and prove the genuineness of their faith. These God-appointed trials are never interruptions to God’s plan but instruments within it, and those who have walked through them know the immense joy that comes when the Lord brings them out on the other side!
Application: Instead of treating a current hardship you are facing as a frustrating disruption, consciously frame it as a fiery trial meant to strengthen your dependence on Christ – and then respond to it with prayerful trust as you just do the next right thing.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Praise God for people in your life who love you enough to tell you the Truth.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to see all that He is trying to teach us and the ways He is seeking to refine, strengthen, and prove the genuineness of our faith.
TUESDAY
Day Two: Rejoice!
Truth: 1 Peter 4:12-19 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Sermon Point: Our response to fiery trials should be rejoicing, not because we “enjoy” suffering, but because sharing in Christ’s sufferings is a precious, God‑delighting act of faith. We rejoice specifically in suffering for Christ’s sake, because it shows we value God’s glory above our own comfort just as Jesus did. These trials refine us, affirm our identity as God’s beloved children, and strengthen our growing dependence on Him. And we can rejoice because the temporary pain of testing is far outweighed by the future joy we will experience when Christ’s glory is fully revealed! When believers are insulted for Christ’s Name, we are actually blessed, in part because it affirms our identity in Him.
Application: Choose one concrete step of obedience that elevates God’s Glory over your own well-being or comfort – that might be telling the truth when its costly, loving someone who mistreats you, or standing firm in your faith when it’s unpopular. In these ways, we mirror Christ’s own heart and life of obedience.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Thank Jesus for all He was willing to endure to live a life of obedience for His Father’s Glory alone.
- Pray that more and more we would lean into the opportunities we have to share in Christ’s sufferings.
WEDNESDAY
Day Three: Two Different Kinds of Suffering
Truth: 1 Peter 4:12-19 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Sermon Point: Peter makes it clear that the blessings tied to fiery trials apply only to suffering for Christ, not to the pain we bring on ourselves through sin or meddling. He contrasts all forms of deserved suffering with the honor of suffering as a Christian – where we refuse shame, stand tall, and glorify God in the Name above every name. When we suffer for Christ, that suffering tests and proves our faith, and we glorify the One before whom every knee will one day bow.
Application: Examine your life for any suffering that is self-inflicted through sin or meddling – things like gossip, dishonesty, manipulation – and repent of it so your suffering is not the kind that Peter warns against.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Pray for those you know who are suffering specifically because they are Christ-followers.
- Pray that FM would be a church of beloved believers who simply keep doing the next right thing.
THURSDAY
Day Four: Judgement
Truth: 1 Peter 4:12-19 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Sermon Point: God’s judgment begins with God’s own household. So that means believers will face His judgment, but the verdict? NOT GUILTY! Because Christ already paid their penalty. This is what makes suffering for Christ an unexpected privilege, proving and refining genuine faith and assuring believers that they belong to Him. Peter’s first rhetorical question highlights the sobering reality that the ungodly face eternal separation from God. But for those who suffer for Christ now…they can expect to share in His glory forever!
Application: “Obey the gospel of God” today…by going and making disciples, for His Glory Alone.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Praise God that by grace through faith, the verdict for believers is: NOT GUILTY!
- Pray for all those you know who are still living in unrepentance and rebellion against God.
FRIDAY
Day Five: Trust God and Stand Firm
Truth: 1 Peter 4:12-19 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
Sermon Point: Peter teaches that when we suffer for Christ, we do so according to God’s will, meaning our trials are not accidents but part of His sovereign, refining plan for His beloved children. Because of this, we can entrust our souls to our faithful Creator, standing firm in God’s grace and peace – just doing the the next right thing no matter what is burning down around us.
Application: Just do the next right thing today. No matter what feels chaotic or messy or painful – just do the next right thing. As you do, your feet will become more firmly rooted in God’s grace and peace.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Praise and thank God for being our faithful Creator and all that means for His beloved children.
- Pray that FM would be a church bursting with fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who simply keep doing the next right thing, standing firm in God’s grace and peace – no matter what – all for God’s Glory Alone.