Sharing in Christ’s Suffering and Glory (Part 1) | Resources
Passage:
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.“ 1 Peter 4:12–13
Devotional:
“What is happening to me?”
“God, where are you?”
“When will this end?”
Questions flood our minds when we face unexpected suffering.
My grandma recently reached her 100th birthday just before passing into the arms of Jesus. Reflecting on her life, I noticed a consistent theme of suffering. Grandma Gen lost her mother as a young child; she lost three husbands to cancer, heart attack and a car accident, and faced the burden of being a single mom with only an eighth-grade education. Some trials were long and drawn out, others quick and jarring. Through it all, I also noticed a pattern of response: it didn’t shake her faith, it didn’t drive her to complain or to question the sovereignty of her Creator. Quite the opposite, in fact–it deepened her faith in her Provider and steadied her resolve in the One who suffered for her sake. Grandma leaves an example in suffering the way Peter describes—to the point of rejoicing.
I watched this teaching from Grandma play out as my mom sat by Grandma’s bedside in her last days. Mom spoke daily of God’s goodness and faithfulness. She was rejoicing in the little mercies of each day, choosing a heart of thanksgiving instead of heaviness.
This rejoicing that Peter, in verse 13, calls us to in suffering isn’t merely a suggestion, but a command. A command that often requires a total shift in our mindset. It requires a mind that is set on the things of the Spirit and not the things flesh (Romans 8). It requires a mind that is expectant and prepared for difficulty in the life Christ calls us to walk, a mind that understands that suffering for Christ is not something to fear or be surprised by, but rather a gift that will bring an eternal weight of glory! This “setting of our minds” is active cooperation with God’s sovereign plan, even when we hurt. Through it, He blesses us with the help, strength, power, and peace that are promised in Scripture. Set your mind to rejoice, fellow sojourner. By His power and grace, it will all be worth it!
by Scott Helms
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: 1 Sam. 20; 1 Cor. 2; Lam. 5; Ps. 36
Monday: 1 Sam. 21-22; 1 Cor. 3; Ezek. 1; Ps. 37
Tuesday: 1 Sam. 23: 1 Cor. 4; Ezek. 2; Ps. 38
Wednesday: 1 Sam. 24; 1 Cor. 5; Ezek. 3; Ps. 39
Thursday: 1 Sam. 25; 1 Cor. 6; Ezek. 4; Ps. 40-41
Friday: 1 Sam. 26; 1 Cor. 7; Ezek. 5; Ps. 42-43
Saturday: 1 Sam. 27; 1 Cor. 8; Ezek. 6; Ps. 44
Memory Verse:
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12–13
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
What fiery trials have you been experiencing lately?
Have you been properly rejoicing in your sufferings?
What does it mean to “share in Christ’s sufferings?”
Are you eager and expectant for His glory to be revealed?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?