Explore Prayer About

Open menu

Explore Prayer About

Loading note…

Walk through Scripture. Grow in faith. Together.

Explore Prayer About For Churches Privacy Terms

Don't Be Surprised | DJ Patrick | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Don't Be Surprised

One Life Church • Oct 11, 2026 • 85 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this conclusion to 1 Peter 4, Pastor DJ Patrick reminds believers that suffering and fiery trials should not catch us off guard when following Jesus. Suffering is not merely something happening to us, but a purifying work God is doing in us to shape us into the image of Christ. As exiles on a mission, we are encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, examine the root of our struggles, and trust fully in the God who will never fail us.

Themes

Suffering and PersecutionGod's PurificationSpiritual GrowthStepping Out of Comfort ZonesLiving Sent on Mission

Pastor's Points

1.

Why does God allow suffering?

2.

Should I be suffering?

3.

Why am I personally struggling?

Key Points

1.
Why does God allow suffering? Fiery trials are purifying experiences God uses to shape Christians into the image of Jesus.
2.
Should I be suffering? Believers are sent on a mission and must avoid falling into passive comfort zones that dull their spiritual purpose.
3.
Why am I personally struggling? We must discern whether our suffering comes from standing faithfully with Jesus or from our own poor choices and foolish behavior.
4.
Suffering is not something done to you, but rather a refining work that God is doing in you and through you.
5.
True joy is found when we partner with Christ and fulfill the unique calling and mission God has placed on our lives.
6.
When facing adversity, zooming out allows us to see how God can turn intended harm into ultimate good for many people, just as He did with Joseph.
7.
Stepping out of our comfort zone to share the gospel may feel awkward, but enduring minor discomforts allows us to fulfill our mission.

Sermon Moments

“Coaching football requires watching film and giving a scouting report so players enter battle knowing exactly what to expect and aren't caught off guard.”

“A seven-year-old boy with glasses jokingly claims his astigmatism makes him the perfect quarterback because he can see two things at once.”

“In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good... to save the lives of many people.'”

“Charles Spurgeon famously stated, 'I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the Rock of Ages.'”

“When asked by Peter what severe persecution church leaders face today, the pastor realizes the biggest hurdle is often just feeling awkward.”

“Some people suffer for following Jesus, while other people suffer simply because they are acting like a jerk.”

“Rejoice in the suffering that comes from following Jesus, but repent of the suffering that comes from your own bad decisions.”

This Week

Ask God to show you the one specific step He wants you to take out of your comfort zone this week.

Reflect on current personal struggles to discern if you are suffering for righteousness or suffering due to poor choices.

Invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to an upcoming church service or outreach event.

Shift your perspective during difficult trials by asking God how He is refining you to look more like Jesus.

Repent of any sinful behaviors or self-inflicted habits that are creating unnecessary friction and pain in your life.

Rely on the Holy Spirit as your source of daily comfort rather than seeking ease and convenience in worldly routines.

Commit your life and circumstances fully to the Creator, trusting that He will never fail you.

Remember This

Suffering is not something done to you, but a purifying work that God is doing inside you to form you into the image of Jesus.

A Challenge for You

Submit every area of your heart to God, step out of your comfort zone, and trust the Creator who promises He will never fail you.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.

10 passages. Tap one to see how it was used, hear it, or read it.

Don't Be Surprised

Continue this series

Exiles

Part 2 · Current

Don't Be Surprised

DJ Patrick · One Life Church

Oct 11, 2026

Sermon

Vive Preparado

Jared Moore · One Life Church

Oct 4, 2026

Sermon

Live Ready

Jared Moore · One Life Church

Oct 4, 2026

Sermon

Reason For Hope

Jared Moore · One Life Church

Sep 27, 2026

Sermon

Make Room

Jared Moore · One Life Church

Sep 13, 2026

Podcast

Unshakable Foundation

Jared · One Life Church

Sep 8, 2026

Sermon

Unshakable Foundation

Jared Moore · One Life Church

Sep 6, 2026

Podcast

Built To Grow

Jared · One Life Church

Sep 1, 2026

Sermon

Built To Grow

Jared Moore · One Life Church

Aug 30, 2026

8.

When we are insulted or suffer for bearing the name of Christ, we receive a special blessing and a greater measure of the Holy Spirit's presence.

Messages for what you're walking through

Related teaching for similar life moments

Sermon

The Winning Team

John Patton · West Angeles Church of God in Christ

Oct 15, 2026

Podcast

James "JB" Brown | Who is the Man Behind the Microphone

Dr Tony Evans · Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

Oct 13, 2026

Sermon

When You’re Done Waiting on God and Grab Control

Philip Miller · The Moody Church

Oct 13, 2026

Sermon

Overcoming Resistance

Bryan L. Carter · Concord Church

Oct 12, 2026

Related Sermon Notes

Shared themes: Spiritual Growth

Sermon

This Is Expensive

Dr Dharius Daniels · Change Church

Oct 7, 2026

Explore more Sermon Notes

Browse all sermon notes