Standing Firm in Fiery Trials

Peter tells us that “the heat will be turned up” as Christians in this world, but our “fiery trials” are tests by which we share in Christ’s sufferings. As ironic as it sounds, we actually “rejoice” in our trials that we may also “rejoice and be glad” when Christ’s glory is revealed (v13). Likewise, if we are verbally assaulted for the name of Christ now, in reality we are blessed in the Spirit who rests upon us (v14). Suffering as a Christian, therefore, is not to our shame but to the glory of God’s name (v16). God is the end-time judge for everyone (v17-18); so according to God’s higher will, when we do suffer for Christ-like behavior, we entrust our souls to our faithful Creator – just as Jesus did when He suffered (v19; 2:23).