How do we, as Christians, participate in Christ’s suffering?
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
Yet if any one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter…. Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
(1 Peter 4:12-16, 19 NKJ)
In the previous text the Bible refers to us suffering for our Christian witness, or to our enduring faith through persecution. We don’t want to be reproached (spoken badly of) for doing wrong. Yet if we’re reproached for Jesus, we are blessed. Partaking of Christ’s suffering refers to us being persecuted physically or verbally. He was persecuted, and we will also be persecuted.
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth;’ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23 NKJ).
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.