Rejoice in suffering
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
1.) Followers of Christ should not be surprised when they face trials and persecution.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you 1 Peter 4:12 NKJV
2.) When you endure trials and suffer as Christ did rejoice and be glad.
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
20 "Remember the word that I said to you, ’A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:20 NKJV
a.) Count it a privilege to suffer for Christ.
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings
b.) Remember when Christ returns in his glory we will have exceeding joy.
, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
3.) You should rejoice when you suffer for Christ because it reveals God’s power in your life.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
a.) Enduring persecution reveals God’s presence in your life.
b.) Enduring persecution brings glory to God.
4.) We are to rejoice in suffering for Christ but are not to bring needless suffering on ourselves.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 1 Peter 4:16-16 NKJV
a.) It is dishonorable to suffer due to our own sin.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
b.) It is of tremendous honor to suffer for the cause of Christ.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
