1 Peter 4:12-16

v12-13: We should not think it “strange or wonder at the unkindness and persecution of the world” towards Christians, “as if some unexpected event” was happening to them. Christ has warned us that suffering will come to those who follow Him. The trials that we face are not intended to ruin us, but to test our “sincerity, strength, patience, and trust in God.”

v14: “Those who have the Spirit of God resting on them cannot be miserable, even if their adversities are very great.” Why? Because “the Spirit of God is also the Spirit of glory, who will carry you through everything... and prepare and seal you for eternal glory.”

v15-16: Make sure that if you suffer persecution, it is for the gospel and the truth of God’s Word, “for our faithfulness to any of the doctrines or duties of” the faith, and not because of something we brought “on ourselves by our own sin and foolishness.”