1 Peter 4:13

1 Peter 4:13 ‘but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.'

‘but to the degree' -‘No, in the degree that you share in the sufferings of Christ' (Wey)

‘that you share the sufferings of Christ' -‘Share'-‘have. share in, take part in' (Vine p. 162). ‘Sufferings of Christ'-The expression doesn't mean that Jesus left something undone. Rather, it means suffering for His cause, suffering for righteousness (1 Peter 3:17-18).

Points to Note: 1. This is. different perspective on suffering. Suffering isn't something strange, rather it is. privilege and not. penalty. God actually will allow me to suffer for His cause (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 3:10; 2 Timothy 3:11). 2. ‘We cannot return to the hill of Calvary and agonize with our Lord there.' (Oberst p. 212). Yet,. can have fellowship with Him in suffering.

‘keep on rejoicing' -‘Instead of being thrown off balance by trials…”In so far as you are sharing Christ's suffering, keep on rejoicing.” It is amazing to think that increased sufferings seem only to increase the believer's joy in the Lord.' (Grudem p. 178). First Century Christians rejoiced when suffering (Acts 5:41; Acts 16:25; Romans 5:3; Colossians 1:24; Hebrews 10:34). Walking in His steps includes enduring persecution (1 Peter 2:21)

‘so that also at the revelation of His glory' -‘when the time comes for the manifestation of his Glory' (TCNT). ‘At his coming with all his holy angels, there will be. radiant splendor visible to all….(2 Thessalonians 1:5; Colossians 3:4).' (Hamilton p. 257)

‘you may rejoice with exultation' -‘exultation'-(1 Peter 1:6 ‘In this you greatly rejoice'). ‘triumphantly happy' (Gspd); ‘you may rejoice and exult' (TCNT). The final reward will greatly surpass whatever trials we will endure in this life (Romans 8:18). People erroneously think that Christianity will deprive them of happiness or prevent them from finding real happiness. The opposite is true. Everlasting and deep joy awaits the child of God. (Luke 6:22; 2 Timothy 2:12)