1 Peter 4:12-19

 
Summary: Peter was someone who had shied away from suffering for the sake of Christ (e.g. his denial of Jesus; Paul’s rebuke in Gal. 2:11ff). But now a much older and wiser Peter expounds a view of suffering in keeping with what his Saviour taught him. In short, Christians should expect to suffer for the sake of Christ. Though painful, suffering in Christ’s name is a testament to our fellowship with him and a refining fire that makes us more like him. Not only do the sufferings of Christ make him an understanding and sympathetic Saviour, his sufferings are also the means by which he will one day make all things new and remove the tears of all his suffering people.