I PETER: The Purpose of Our Suffering is for Christ to be Glorified; "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you!"

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. (I Peter 4:12-14)

It's amazing, especially in the western culture, that there is a belief that becoming a Christian means we will get along with everyone and not have any problems.  Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Paul wrote to Timothy, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (II Timothy 3:12) Yes, being a Christian does mean that life will be easier for us, in the sense that we desire to please God instead of men; Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (II Corinthians 3:17) 

This liberty we have in Christ Jesus also makes our life difficult because we don't fit in with the world and what's acceptable with society.  We represent Christ and we strive to live our lives based on the Word of God, through the power of His Holy Spirit.  So when we experience difficulties, we are not to think it strange, as though some strange thing happened to us; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings.

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” [Proverbs 11:31] Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. (I Peter 4:15-19)

As Christians, we are to do certain things, and be sure not to do others.  But most importantly, we are not to judge whether someone is going to heaven or hell, whether someone is saved or not. The righteous one is scarcely saved, because we're not perfect, no more than the unsaved.  We still make mistakes and need to ask for forgiveness of our sins.  But where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? They don't have the same assurance we have because they don't have a relationship with God through faith in Christ Jesus. The difference between us and the unsaved is we know God hears us when we ask, and He forgives us for our sins. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. (Romans 14:12-13)

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (I Peter 5:1-4) How do we lead others to Christ?  By our example towards others, starting with those who have been called by God to be elders and overseers of His church.  If we haven't been called by God, we shouldn't try to fill this role.  Everyone can not shepherd the flock of God; some of us better serve by being a part of the flock. But whatever our role, we are always to be an example of Christ.

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” [Proverbs 3:34] Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  (I Peter 5:5-9)

With so much warning in the scripture for us to accept the fact that being a Christians means we will have tribulation, deal with fiery trials, partake of Christ's suffering, and suffer according to the will of God, we may be tempted to say we want no part of being a Christian.  But, if we understand that ...the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Corinthians 4:8); that ...here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come (Hebrews 13:14); then we will rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 

The key to our success in this Christian life is to stay steadfast in the faith.  We have to stay faithful to study to show thyself approved unto God (II Timothy 2:15), pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17), casting all your care upon Him, and resist the devil. (James 4:7) ...the devil, ...was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44) We may have problems in this world, but remember that the devil is the source behind those problems. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:7-8) 

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. (I Peter 5:10-14)