Greater Hope: Sharing Christ's Sufferings

You can count on suffering. 12 

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you

Our sufferings are not accidental or incidental, but are providential.

Our sufferings are for the purpose of testing.

You can rejoice in suffering. 13-14

13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled ^afor the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

We rejoice in proportion that we share the sufferings of Christ.

We rejoice in anticipation of the revelation of His glory.

We rejoice in ministry of the Holy Spirit upon us.

We rejoice in the opportunity to suffer for His Name.

You must consider the cause of your suffering. 15-16

15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a ^btroublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

You must consider the church in your suffering. 17-18

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of thegodless man and the sinner?

Trials purify the church community.

Trials purify the believers personally.           

You must completely trust in Christ in your suffering. 19

19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

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