1 Peter 1:1-12 (2)

1 Peter 1:1-12

1 Peter 1:1, 2

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 electaccording to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood (life) of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

V.2 – Isn’t it assuring to know that we’re the elect of God and as such we have confidence in knowing that nothing can separate us from Him, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” Romans 8:35. I believe this is another theme in 1 Peter, the Holy Spirit is assuring us that we are secure in Him no matter what our circumstances, especially in our fiery trials. Again, in 1 Peter 2:9, 10 he assures believers of their security by reminding them of who they are in Christ, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy,”. Think about it, not only is Peter saying that we’re chosen, but we’re royalty set apart to be a holy people that God calls His special people. As we walk in obedience a very special thing occurs in us, we begin to become holy, our desires of pleasing ourselves transform into a deep desire to please Him, this process is called sanctification, which Peter mentions here in V.2, it simply means to become holy. This desire for holiness is a clear sign that our hearts belong to Him that we truly our His holy people chosen to proclaim His good works.

Do you have a desire to be holy or are you hanging on to the old you? Until we are done with our old selves and our selfish ways, we’ll continue to struggle in our faith never achieving victory over our sin which is our inheritance paid by His blood on the cross. However, we must be disciplined to gain this victory Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:27, But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection,” the NIV puts it this way, “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave.” In fact, this is about all we need to do in this mysterious process, we must subject our minds and bodies and offer them up as a holy sacrifice which pleases our Creator. He simply wants our hearts to be completely His, and for this to occur we must allow Him to rid us of our sinfulness for sin inhibits our relationship with Him and keeps us defeated. Personal note: I told Corrine and Char a couple of weeks ago an analogy of God closing the door/gate on my old self/life with its selfish desires bent on earthly pleasures, pleasing self, with its worldly goals. I sense this gate is nearly shut where there’s no going back, yes, I still have free will to choose poorly, but the desire to please Him is greater, no matter where this path may lead. I truly believe when we give up this fight to maintain our autonomy, we become free of our-selves and now we’re freed to do His good works or in other words to please Him, this is love. Jesus said in John 15:13 in reference to his love for us and our love for one another, but I think it applies to the love we have for him because He’s now our friend, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Giving up our lives is much more than laying down our physical lives for Him, it’s in living out a holy life before Him, this is truly what laying down our lives for Him means, it’s in living in self-denial and rejecting our fleshly desires so that we conform to His holiness. Maybe I’m expounding more than this text suggest, but I don’t think so for true life only begins when we die to ourselves and are willing to die for our Friend and our friends.

Ref. Verses

John 15:12-16

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

1 Peter 1:3-5

A Heavenly Inheritance

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

V.3 – Begotten is an unusual word that means begetting again or giving birth to again or literally ‘born again.’ What does it mean to be ‘born again into a living hope?’ We must first understand that salvation is fully a work of God, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God,” John 1:13. Peter is inferring that our inheritance is from an immutable God so that we can have assurance in our security of our salvation, Paul puts it this way, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:8-10. Do you see? This living hope is Christ’s power in overcoming death through His resurrection which demonstrates His ability to fulfill all His promises, both past, present, and future Hebrews 13:8 says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I believe is Peter is also reassuring his readers that they can be assured that God hasn’t forgotten them in their sufferings. I think, from what I’ve gathered so far from this epistle, that it's a pep talk to a hurting Church enduring great persecution and what Peter is doing is the primary call of any Godly leader, or any believer for that matter, and that’s to encourage the body of Christ.

V.4, 5 – Again, verse 4 is a promise that our hope is in something far greater, that’s incorruptible and unchanging that will not fade with time and is kept by God Himself! So, is this kind of hope a wish or something more? The use of hope in today’s culture is usually used as a form of wish, but the kind of hope that Peter is referring to is something far greater. Biblical hope is one of a confident expectation mingled with trust and faith. Establishing this kind of hope in our hearts is essential if we’re to endure suffering, but this kind of hope not only helps us just endure, it allows us to supernaturally thrive in our sufferings. I mentioned Romans 8:35, but Paul goes on in verse 37, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” he says we are more than conquerors this means we can overcome anything this life throws at us not just by the skin of our teeth but exceedingly, we can actually thrive in the midst of our suffering. Case in point, the life of Paul, did he not thrive through it all? He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, etc., 2 Cor. 11:22-29, and yet he flourished and so did his message, the Word was spread throughout the Roman empire because of his faithful devotion to follow Christ’s calling. Paul was uniquely made in such a way to accomplish this great mission, but in our uniqueness, God has crafted us to accomplish His will for each of our lives, but only if we shut the gate on our old life like Paul. Paul’s transformation was especially radical, but I believe our transformation can be significant as well, and again, we must shut the gate behind us on that old life so that we can move into a new life in Christ that’s filled with hope, joy, peace and purpose, but not without trials, that comes from living in a world that hates God and his people, remember what Jesus said about troubles in this life, He trumps them all. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20.

Ref. Verses

2 Cor. 11:22-29

“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So, am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?”

Phil. 1:6

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

John 16:33.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,”

1 Peter 1:6, 7

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

V.6 – We have a reason to rejoice knowing that our salvation is found strictly in a God that keeps His promises and is able “to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Knowing that our salvation depends soley on His works and not ours is liberating, but it doesn’t mean we can use this freedom as a license to continue in our sins, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” Romans 6:15.

In a sense sin is like kryptonite to a believer it will render us powerless, not only to resist further sinfulness, but its debilitating effects on us will inhibit our God given ability to rejoice in our sufferings and come through them victoriously. Not living in obedience is especially more evident when we’re faced with troubles or suffering. In these times it’s essential that we’re equipped with the full armor of God so that we can come against our flesh and the temptations of the Devil. God’s promise is that He’ll sustain us through the valleys of strife that will certainly come in our lives, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me, Psalm 23:4.

V.7 – Preparation, perseverance, and faith are essential if we’re to come through trials triumphally. “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside. 12I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food,” Job 23:10-12. Job was a righteous man that walked with God and was mentally and spiritually prepared for the trial of his life that would come. This is a good lesson for us today, we must be prepared as Job so that when the day of trouble comes in our lives, we’ll be prepared and can say like him, “that I have kept His way and not turned aside.”

Peter once again, at the end of verse 7, reminds us that Jesus is coming and this, I believe, is a reminder that all our suffering and trials have a limit and that, finally, at the end of the age, when Christ returns, they will be finally over, forever! Amen!

Ref. Verses

Ephesians 3:20

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”

Romans 6:15-18

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

1 Peter 1: 8, 9

“Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”

V.8 – “Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” John 20:29. Faith in something unseen is certainly a mystery, it’s a gift from God to those that seek truth with a whole heart and likened to a child’s trust of his parents. The reward for trusting in Jesus results, as Peter describes, in inexpressible joy. Another meaning for inexpressible is inexhaustible or unfailing which I think is more consistent to the context of this epistle, which is encouragement. God is promising that if we trust in Him completely that we’ll have unending joy. Glory here means praise or in other words praising God for His high and exalted position. In the Greek it might make more sense written this way, “you rejoice with joy that never ends and praising God for who He is.”

V.9 – The NLT puts it this way, “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”

1 Peter 1:10-12

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

V.10, 11, 12 – This is such a cool verse. Peter is informing his audience that the grace of God is nothing new, but was in fact prophesied through the prophets. Isaiah 53 is probably the most prolific, describing in detail the suffering of Messiah. Many modern-day Jews avoid this chapter and rabbis won’t teach it because of its clear message in that it accurately describes the sufferings of Christ. Isn’t this strange? Not really, as Christians many do the same, we want scripture to fit into our world view and will avoid those scriptures that conflict with our views just like many Jews. It shows how our carnal nature naturally avoids the light of truth and if left unchecked can lead many astray. The Jewish leaders of Jesus day were deceived by their world views and their twisted expectations and lack of honesty in searching out the scriptures, convincing themselves that killing an innocent man was justified. When reading the Word of God, we must always approach it with as little bias as possible. It’s impossible to rid ourselves completely of our natural biases, so it’s essential that we ask God to help us interpretate scripture honestly and in its context. Allowing the Word to lead us into truth no matter where it takes us, even if it makes us feel unconformable, or may be especially when it makes us uncomfortable. We must always remember that His ways our not ours, He’s perfect and we’re not. I think we get that backwards far too often, meaning we know best, and must keep that in mind when reading the Word, the Word is the source of Truth, not us and remembering that our world views are just opinion and not necessarily grounded in the Truth.

Just think, the prophets didn’t fully understand what they were being instructed to write down, even though with much of it a mystery, they were faithful in doing so and we’re the recipients of their obedience, praise God! We can learn from their faithfulness in doing things that God asks us to do that seem to be strange or counterintuitive and possibly go against our views and opinions. Obedience to the Truth is essential if we’re to grow into useful mature servants. Imagine how our faithfulness now can affect, not only current relationships and events, but on future ones as well, just like the prophets. Our lives can have lasting impact, both good and bad, and the choices we make now will have effects that we may never see and having impact more than we’ll ever know, I’m convinced of this.

In verse 12 it states, “the angels desire to look into,” seems odd that Peter would throw this into this verse, but I’m glad he did because it makes me have greater appreciation for my redemption and the work that God has done, through His Son, in me, let me explain. Have you ever thought of how the angels see salvation or redemption? It must be a complete mystery to them, verse 12 alludes to this, ‘they seem to have a longing to understand salvation’ and what it must be like to experience redemption. Their longing should inspire us as recipients of this mystery to not only cherish our redemption, but to act on it with the authority that Christ himself has given us for we are His sons and daughters grafted into His royal family who has granted us with many gifts just waiting for us to discover, but sadly few of us will discover or fully utilize them.

Gotquestions.com has a good explanation of the angel’s curiosity regarding salvation:

“Believers in Jesus Christ understand what it’s like to be dead in sin and alienated from God (Ephesians 2:1–3). They also understand the overwhelming grace and mercy shown in Christ dying the death they deserve (Ephesians 2:13). They are adopted into the family of God, and their relationship with God is redeemed (Romans 8:14–17). Angels, on the other hand, do not know the sweetness of redemption. They have no experiential knowledge of grace and salvation. Angels in heaven have not been separated from God, nor have they personally known reconciliation or the depth of intimacy that follows. It is a foreign concept that piques their curiosity. The Greek word for “to look into” means “to physically stoop down, peer intently, and inspect curiously.” Over the course of human history, angels have had a front row seat in watching God’s redemptive work with humanity (1 Timothy 3:16). The book of Hebrews describes them as “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14, ESV). They are amazed by salvation and lean in attentively, longing to understand its mysteries.”

Here are a few more Old Testament verses prophesying the grace of God coming to the world through Messiah, see references below:

Ref. verses

Isaiah 53 (read entire chapter, starting in chapter 52:13, ‘The Suffering Servant’)

Isaiah 53:5

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:12

“Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Jeremiah 31:31-34

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Ezekial 36:26, 27

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

Hosea 2:19, 20, 23

V.19, 20 – “I will betroth you to Me forever (the bride of Christ/me & you); Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy (grace); 20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.” (God initiated the betrothal, it is His work, and it’s our decision to accept the invitation)

V.23 – And I will have mercy on her who hadnot obtained mercy; Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You areMy people!’ And they shall say, ‘You aremy God!’” (God’s special words to me 2008)

Reference Verses for 1 Peter1:1-12

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (The Value of a Friend)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

7 Reasons Why We’re Called to Suffer with Christ

(https://growingintime.com/suffering-with-christ)

Have you ever wondered why some of the most faithful Christians seem to face the toughest battles? Suffering with Christ can feel like a heavy phrase, especially when we’re already navigating life’s challenges. Yet, in my years of pastoral counseling, I’ve witnessed how understanding this concept has transformed people’s perspectives from viewing their trials as punishments to seeing them as profound opportunities for growth.

Throughout this journey of discovering what it means to suffer with Christ, we’ll explore seven life-changing truths: how persecution strengthens our faith, why standing for truth matters, the power of sacrificial love, and the transformative impact of facing ministry challenges with grace. Whether you’re a new believer questioning your current struggles or a seasoned Christian seeking deeper understanding, these insights will help you navigate your path with renewed purpose and hope.

Think of suffering with Christ like training with a master athlete – it’s not about the pain itself, but about the transformation that occurs through the process. Just yesterday, Maria from our prayer group shared how her battle with chronic illness led her to a depth of faith she never knew existed. Your struggles, whatever they may be, can become stepping stones to a more profound relationship with Jesus when viewed through the lens of suffering with Christ.

1. Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake

“You lost the account because you wouldn’t lie?” Mark nodded slowly at our lunch meeting. His commitment to honesty had cost him a major client, but his peaceful expression told a deeper story. This kind of suffering – choosing righteousness over worldly gain – is exactly what Jesus spoke about in Matthew 5:10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Suffering for righteousness isn’t always about dramatic persecution. Sometimes it’s the quiet choices we make daily: refusing to participate in office gossip, standing firm on biblical principles in a hostile environment, or choosing integrity when dishonesty might bring quick profits. Peter reminds us, “If you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed” (1 Peter 3:14).

Today’s challenges might look different from biblical times, but the core remains the same. Consider Daniel, who faced the lions’ den rather than compromise his prayer life (Daniel 6), or Joseph, who chose prison over moral compromise (Genesis 39). Their stories remind us that suffering for righteousness often comes with both a cost and a reward.

2. Suffering Builds Character

“I wouldn’t wish that year on anyone,” Lisa shared during our small group, “but I wouldn’t trade what it taught me either.” After losing her job, house, and dealing with chronic illness all in one year, she discovered what James meant when he wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Think of character like a muscle – it needs resistance to grow stronger. Each trial we face with Christ becomes a spiritual workout, building endurance we didn’t know we needed. Paul understood this when he wrote, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

The transformation process isn’t comfortable, but it’s purposeful. Just as gold must endure the refiner’s fire to be purified, our faith often requires testing to develop genuine strength. As Peter explains, “These trials have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7).

3. Sharing in Christ’s Mission

When Tom and Maria decided to sell their dream home to serve as missionaries in a dangerous region, many called them crazy. But they understood something profound about sharing in Christ’s mission – it often involves sacrifice. As Paul declared, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10).

Sharing in Christ’s mission means participating in His work of redemption, which often involves personal cost. Sometimes it’s financial sacrifice, other times it’s emotional or physical hardship. Paul captured this reality when he wrote, “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).

This participation in Christ’s mission isn’t about earning salvation or proving our worth. Rather, it’s about joining Jesus in His ongoing work of reaching and transforming lives. Consider missionaries throughout history who left comfort for hardship, or modern believers who risk everything to share the gospel in restricted nations. Their suffering isn’t punishment – it’s partnership with Christ in His redemptive work.

Remember Jesus’s words to his disciples: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Taking up our cross means accepting the challenges that come with following Christ’s mission, knowing that our temporary suffering serves an eternal purpose.

4. Suffering Deepens Our Relationship with God

“It was in my darkest moments that I felt God’s presence most strongly,” shared Rachel, a cancer survivor from our church. Her story echoes what many believers discover – that suffering often becomes the soil where intimacy with God grows deepest. This truth reflects Paul’s heart when he wrote, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10).

Think about your closest relationships. Didn’t they often grow stronger through shared difficulties? Similarly, suffering draws us closer to God in unique ways. When everything else is stripped away, we discover what David meant in Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

During trials, we experience God’s comfort personally rather than theoretically. Paul explains this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” This comfort transforms our understanding of God from distant deity to intimate Father.

5. Suffering as Witness

Last month, our colleague Mike’s response to being unfairly fired caught everyone’s attention. Instead of rage or retaliation, he showed grace and continued to speak well of the company. His Christ-like response opened more doors for gospel conversations than years of lunch break Bible studies. As Peter writes, “But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:20).

Suffering becomes a powerful testimony because it shows our faith isn’t just for good times. When we respond to trials with faith, hope, and love, people notice. Paul understood this when he wrote, “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:10).

Our response to suffering can be the most powerful sermon we’ll ever preach. It demonstrates that our faith is real, tested, and triumphant even in adversity. As Jesus promised, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

6. Suffering with Eternal Purpose

“Sometimes I have to remind myself this isn’t the end of the story,” whispered Anna, clutching her husband’s hand during his funeral. In that moment of raw grief, she grasped a profound truth about suffering – it has eternal significance. Paul captures this perspective perfectly: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Every trial we face with Christ has purpose beyond our present pain. Like a master weaver creating a tapestry, God works our suffering into a larger pattern of redemption. Romans 8:18 reminds us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

This eternal perspective doesn’t minimize our current pain, but it infuses it with meaning. Each tear, struggle, and sacrifice becomes an investment in eternal glory. As Peter encourages us, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

7. Suffering in Community

When Sarah lost her child, our church family rallied around her – meals appeared at her doorstep, shoulders were offered for tears, and prayers never ceased. This beautiful picture of community support illustrates Paul’s teaching: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Christian suffering isn’t meant to be faced alone. The early church modeled this beautifully, sharing resources, encouraging the persecuted, and strengthening one another in trials. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 wisely notes, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Community support in suffering serves multiple purposes:

– Practical help in times of need

– Emotional support and understanding

– Spiritual encouragement and prayer

– Shared wisdom from others’ experiences

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes this: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). When we suffer in community, we not only find support but also provide living testimony to the power of Christian love.

Conclusion:

Understanding what it means to suffer with Christ transforms our perspective on life’s challenges from mere obstacles to opportunities for growth and testimony. As we’ve explored these seven aspects of Christ-like suffering, we see that it’s not about seeking hardship but about responding to trials with faith, courage, and love. Remember that you’re not alone in your struggles – countless believers throughout history have walked this path, and Christ Himself understands your pain. When we embrace the privilege of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, we also share in the promise of His glory and the joy of deeper intimacy with our Savior.