1) Suffering shouldn't be surprising (4:12), “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.â€
2) Suffering can be a means of rejoicing (4:13-14, 16), “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you…. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.â€
3) Suffering might be for all the wrong reasons (4:15), “But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.â€
4) Suffering should be seen in light of God's judgment (4:17-18), “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?â€â€
5) Suffering is a means of trusting a Faithful God Who does good to His people (4:19), “Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.â€
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