In 1 Peter 4, the Apostle Peter introduced the topic of living in the Spirit. A Christian’s walk is filled with tribulations and testings. Apostle Peter encouraged Christians to rejoice in tribulation, and to persevere with rejoicing.

1. We can rejoice because it is not strange (1 Pet 4:12)

God will always be with us and His grace is always sufficient. God has ordained that we are to go through tribulations. Thus, it is not strange to suffer for Christ. The word “happen” does not imply by accident or chance or out of the ordinary. The “fiery trial” includes all sufferings (even physical suffering) we go through for Christ. To be able to rejoice in tribulation, we must first know that it is according to God’s plan and that He is in control.

The purpose of these fiery trials is to test or try us. To face these daily battles is a test of our genuine and enduring faith. When we are tested, it is not for God to know, but for us to know ourselves and to strengthen our faith. These fiery trials will reveal the true character in us.

2. We can rejoice because we are sharing in the same suffering of Christ (1 Pet 4:13)

The word “partakers” comes from the word fellowship. It is the sharing of partnership/companionship. When we are suffering for Christ, we are sharing in the same companionship with Christ. Christ identified Himself with us. Likewise in Hebrews 4:15, the phrase “touched with the feelings of our infirmities” means that Christ identifies with our sufferings. We must find comfort that we have an High Priest who knows our sufferings. He went through sufferings and was tempted like us and yet without sin. It is a great privilege that Christ identifies Himself with us.

3. We can rejoice because God will be glorified (1 Pet 4:13-14)

If we look only at ourselves, we will feel discouraged in our tribulations, and we cannot rejoice. We must look beyond ourselves. We must see God’s glory and rejoice in them.

In Christ, we can rejoice in our tribulations. So let us bear the sufferings for Christ.