I Peter 4:12-19 “Surprised by Suffering”

In I Peter 4:12, Peter says something surprising, “Don’t think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you”, in other words, don’t be surprised by suffering. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” and yet many of us are surprised, even disappointed, sometimes distraught by the suffering of this life. In tomorrow night’s text, I Peter 4:12-19, Peter doesn’t tell us how to overcome suffering but he stresses the importance of enduring it, he teaches that our suffering has a purpose, it leads not only to Jesus’ glory but it builds our joy.