1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange was happening to you. But rejoice since you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when God reveals glory. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and God rests on you.
Peter was reminding all of the followers and believers in Christ Jesus how suffering was in the purpose of God, to encourage them to preserve with the appropriate attitude (James 1). As children of God, we should not be taken back at the trials we must endure, even if they are turbulent and intense sufferings. There was a time that Peter told Jesus that He should avoid the misery and torment of the Cross (Mark 8:32-33). At this writing, Peter is surprised that he could have imagined anything else. Sometimes Christians are surprised when they are misunderstood, disliked, insulted, and mistreated as they go about carrying out the will of God. Peter reminded all the followers in Christ Jesus not to be surprised if this happens because it will happen. If suffering was an appropriate tool to teach Jesus (Hebrews 5:8), it is reasonable to teach His followers and believers. Our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus was not a sinner, nor was He imperfect in any shape, form, or fashion. His growth was in the sense of development from childhood to adulthood. Since the only sinless person to ever live on this earth, Christ Jesus, needed development, how much more do we need spiritual development.
We do experience what Jesus did during His time on earth as He continued faithfully to follow the will of the Father. God will glorify us just as He has glorified Jesus. Therefore, we can rejoice now at that prospect (1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 1:10-11; 1 Peter 2:21; Acts 5:41). The revelation of Christ Jesus' glory to be revealed is most likely a reference to the Second Advent that includes the Rapture and the Second Coming (1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 1:13). His glory will become manifest at both of these appearings, to the church at the Rapture and the World at His second coming.
Some suffering in this life comes as a result of being an evildoer, that shame is deserved and brings dishonor to the name of Christ Jesus. However, if the suffering we encounter is because of the Name of Jesus, we should rejoice because we are sharing in the suffering of our Lord and Savior. Suffering as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of, even though the World may despise the suffering Christian. Instead, we should rejoice in these matters. We don't glorify God for suffering, but we do glorify Him in suffering, and we glorify Him for what He will accomplish in us and through us through that suffering.
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