Theme: Rejoicing in suffering

Exegetical note
With this passage, the author seems to narrow his focus from generalities about suffering for the sake of righteousness to specific sufferings that his readers have endured or may endure. In this context, he tells them to rejoice in their sufferings (v. 13) in the knowledge that they are shared by the Christ and in anticipation of eventual triumph and glory, the prospect of which is further spelled out in vv. 5:6ff.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 68)
Leader: Sing to God! Sin…