1Pe 4:12-19

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Joy amid persecution (1Pe 4:12-19)

Christians should not be surprised when they have to suffer because of their faith in Christ. Their association with him means that they have to share his suffering now, just as they will share his glory in the future. They should be glad when they suffer for his sake, because it gives them added assurance that they are God’s people. They know that God is testing and purifying their faith (1Pe 4:12-14).

They have no need to be downhearted because of persecution, provided such suffering is undeserved and not because of wrongdoing (1Pe 4:15-16).

If present sufferings are, in a sense, God’s judgment on his people for a good purpose, how great will be the sufferings of unbelievers when God acts in judgment against them! When believers know that they suffer because it is God’s will for them and not because of any wrongdoing on their part, they will trust God to use these trials for their good (1Pe 4:17-19).