4:12
Peter now returns to the question of suffering for Christ. In the previous few verses he has been talking about more “normal” things. Even in the midst of persecution we will need to know how to live “normal” life. But there will be times when “fiery trials” come upon us. Persecution is normal. For a long time Christianity has been respected in society, but this is no longer the case in the West. It has moved from being ignored, to being derided and in many ways legislated against. We now live in more normal times! So we need to take encouragement from the Bible and its teaching. Nothing unusual is happening in our society, nothing that God has not equipped us for.
4:13
Instead of being surprised or dismayed, we are to rejoice because we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings, we are living in fellowship with Him. There are three key reasons to rejoice. The first is the one just mentioned, our fellowship with Jesus. In the midst of suffering He will draw closer to us, we will know Him better than we do now. Secondly, while our society descends into chaos and madness we have the word of life, and God will work through us to rescue some, maybe large numbers, may be relatively small numbers, but He will work through is to speak to the world. Finally, Christ will return in glory and on that day we will be overjoyed beyond measure if we have held true to the faith.
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