Rejoice in Christ’s Suffering to Partake of His Glory

1 Peter 4:12-19, NKJV

Apostle Peter begins this passage by reminding us that believers will suffer. More importantly is our response.

Here Peter tenderly addressed children of God as “beloved”. They were scattered throughout Asia Minor and facing persecution for believing in Jesus. He commanded them to not think the fiery trial which was to prove them, was something unusual happening to them (v.12). This was a test of their faith. Though they’d be distressed by various trials for a little while, they were “to count it all joy” (James 1:2). Yes, they were “to rejoice to the extent that they partake of Christ’s sufferings” (v.13). They were suffering so Peter   encouraged them to keep rejoicing. Rejoice in your suffering, and “when His glory is revealed, they may also be glad with exceeding joy” (v.13).

Again the apostle told these believers that their response to suffering was important. No matter what their circumstances were if they were reproached [insulted or reviled] for the name of Christ, they were blessed. Because they were believers, the Spirit of glory and of God rested on them, indwelling them; therefore, others blasphemed Him, but they glorified Him (v.14). Matthew 5:16 says to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Peter commanded that “none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody [meddler] in other people’s matters” (v.15). “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name (Christian)” (v.16). As believers, we aren’t looking for persecution, but when we are, we are not to be ashamed.

Share the sufferings of Christ, remembering that the sincerity of “your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).