EXCEEDING JOY. 1st Peter 4:13 Why should we rejoice when we suffer for Christ? Because it gives us the privilege of being associated with our Lord in His work. If we suffer for Him now, we will be exceeding glad when He comes to reign. We should not expect to be treated better than our Lord Jesus Christ if we, in times of opposition, stand up for Him who was despised and rejected of men. Those who are fully committed to Him will be marked people who will be reproached, mocked, ignored, avoided, and sometimes made to suffer physically.
To be identified as a follower of the rejected Lord Jesus Christ is a privilege and an honor. To bear the name “Christian” is a privilege now. When our Lord is revealed in all His glory, it will be an honor to be associated with Him before all the world. The joy we have now will become “exceeding joy” then.
Our "rejoicing" at present is the joy of seeing a light shining in darkness. The "exceeding joy" in the future revelation of Christ's glory is the overwhelming joy of seeing accomplished that for which we have longed. We share as companions with Christ the experience of suffering now. We will share the "joy that was set before Him" in the future. Our joy will be beyond normal joy as we see Him in His glory.
The sufferings of believers now do nothing to add to Christ’s atonement for sin but are due to our identification with Him. There have been many people in the past, and some even now, who impose suffering on themselves to show God how serious they are about seeking His forgiveness. They believe their “salvation by works” efforts are enhanced by enduring physical and mental pain. Their futile efforts to pay the price for the sins they have committed make “the grace of God of none effect.”
Suffering with Christ results in joy with Christ [1 Pet. 1:6]; fellowship with Him [Phil. 3:10]; being glorified with Him [Rom. 8:17]; and reigning with Him [2 Tim. 2:12]. Those who suffer with Him will take part in His glory [1 Pet. 1:7; 5:1]. In view of the future hope and present joy, believers can endure suffering for His name’s sake.
To look at things through natural eyes leaves much to be desired, for our views often change as events unfold. What we once enjoyed now only leaves us tired. Difficulties that were once only a challenge now bring us pain and suffering. Opposition to truth and the Gospel message may bring discouragement. But when, with holy eyes, we see in that suffering reasons for joy, then we see that God has allowed this to be. It is not some unsolvable problem. God allows it to happen with the future in view, a day when His glory is revealed. Then we will know what we never knew before; all the reasons events were concealed from us.
As sufferings come, we can embrace each one; each event can bring unique glory to God. In time, things will be much clearer, and the sufferings of the past will be part of the story of how God led us through the obstacles He knew would reveal to others the value of faith. From His gracious view, we’ll see how we grew to be objects of His saving grace.
It should not surprise Christians that God allows, and may even plan, suffering and hardship for us. Reproach or censure for the name of Christ is cause for being blessed by God. It is not a reason for us to pity ourselves, but to accept suffering as a privilege for which we thank God. The early believers of this age of grace "rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name."