REJOICE AS YOU PARTICIPATE IN CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS, Ron Ward
REJOICE IN OUR SUFFERING
Passage: 1Peter 4:12~19  
Key verse: 13
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.(D) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,(E) you are blessed,(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.(G) 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;(H) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?(I) 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a](J)
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will(K) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Footnotes
- 1 Peter 4:18 Prov. 11:31 (see Septuagint)
Cross references
- 1 Peter 4:12 : 1Pe 1:6, 7
- 1 Peter 4:13 : S Mt 5:12
- 1 Peter 4:13 : S 2Co 1:5
- 1 Peter 4:13 : Ro 8:17; 1Pe 1:7; 5:1
- 1 Peter 4:14 : S Jn 15:21
- 1 Peter 4:14 : Mt 5:11
- 1 Peter 4:16 : Ac 5:41
- 1 Peter 4:17 : Jer 25:29; Eze 9:6; Am 3:2; 1Ti 3:15
- 1 Peter 4:17 : 2Th 1:8
- 1 Peter 4:18 : Pr 11:31; Lk 23:31
- 1 Peter 4:19 : 1Pe 2:15; 3:17
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Be overjoyed when his glory is revealed (12-16)
When fiery ordeals come to Christians, we are caught by surprise. We think that Christians shouldn't suffer! But Peter teaches us not to be surprised or caught off guard, but to rejoice in our suffering. As much we suffer for Christ in this life, as much we will be overjoyed when we see him again. We will one day come face to face with his marvelous glory. Then all the suffering we endured in this life because of the gospel will be like nothing. When we are insulted by others for our faith, we can remember how blessed we are to carry the name of Christ. We should never be ashamed, but praise God that we bear His name!
2. It is time for judgment to begin (17-19)
God is coming as the judge. One day, we will all be judged. It will be hard enough for the righteous to be saved. What will happen to those who are unbelievers? So Christians must continue to submit ourselves to God our Creator, and continue to do good.
Prayer: Lord, I hate to suffer. But when I suffer for the gospel, help me to rejoice.
One Word: Rejoice in suffering for Jesus