The most striking feature of Peter’s teaching on suffering for Christ is its bold
emphasis on the sovereignty and initiative of God, even in the suffering of his
own people:
– God allows us to suffer to demonstrate our character (v. 12).
– Those who identify themselves with Jesus Christ will share in the sufferings
of our Savior (v. 13; cf. Phil. 3:10).
– Our sufferings will be an occasion of God blessing us (v. 14).
– In addition, our suffering will glorify God (v. 16).
– He then redirected our perspective on suffering by reminding us of the difference in the time and intensity of our sufferings as compared with those
of unbelievers (vv. 17-18).
– Finally he concluded with an exhortation to trust God and do right (v. 19).