There is a little saying we use from time-to-time that expresses how we feel when life seems to take us from one unpleasant experience to another: ‘I’ve been thrown from the frying pan into the fire.’

Well, believe it or not, there is actually some degree of Biblical justification for such a comment.  The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 4:12, tells us that we believers in Christ often find ourselves in the midst of a “fiery trial.”

As this designation suggests, afflictions and episodes of suffering often burn like hot coals, glowing red with intense heat and producing searing pain, either of soul, or body, or both!  And yet, as we’ve learned previously, we have each been “called” by our Heavenly Father for this very purpose, that we might “follow” closely in the “steps” of Jesus our “example” who “suffered” for our sins (1 Peter 2:21).

In our second of three messages on Peter’s gracious command to “follow” Jesus in suffering (1 Peter 2:21), we will consider what he teaches us in 1 Peter 4:12-13 this coming Lord’s Day.  In this passage we will identify and explore two additional exhortations regarding the reason and the manner in which we are to copy our Savior’s life, carefully stepping where He once walked.

First, Peter will exhort us not to “be surprised” when we find ourselves in the fires of suffering (v. 12). And he will also tell us why we are afflicted to begin with.

Then, he will urge us to “rejoice and be glad” at the privilege of fellowshipping with our Savior in His “sufferings” (v. 13).

What a joy it will be to immerse our minds and hearts in our Father’s Word this Sunday!