Suffering & Glory (Part One) - To The Exiles: 1 Peter

Suffering is a key element in the Christian life. Peter has repeatedly made this clear throughout this letter. To share in Christ’s suffering is the life to which we are called as we keep our hope fully set on Christ, awaiting his glorious return. Peter, however, takes this a step further by calling us to rejoice now while in the midst of suffering, for it will result in joy and gladness when Christ’s glory is revealed later. Even if we are insulted for standing firm with Christ, it will result in our blessing. The key, though Peter clarifies, is that we not suffer as a result of wrongdoing; such behavior will lead to shameful judgment. Instead, let us suffer for upholding the will of God that we might experience Christ’s glory at his return.