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Observe here, 1. The metaphor which the apostle uses to set forth the Christian's afflictions and persecutions by; he calls them fiery trials: burnings, because very painful and afflictive, very grievous and burdensome to sense, and also because men are tried by them as metals are by fire.
Observe, 2. The warning given by the apostle to all Christians, not to think it strange concerning these fiery trials; that is, not to look upon them as unusual things, but to expect them, and prepare for them; for unexpected trials fall upon the soul in their full weight, and suddenly overthrow it: what we fear, for that we prepare; but when trials come, and we never looked and prepared for them, they strike us to the heart, because not armed to receive the blow.
Observe, 3. The gracious end that God has in the afflictions and persecutions which fall upon his people: they are to try them, not to consume them; to try their graces, and destroy their corruptions, to give them opportunity to make proof of the truth of their faith, sincerity, and constancy.
Observe, 4. The high honour which God puts upon his suffering saints and servants: they are said to be partakers of Christ's sufferings, because they suffer for him, and he suffers with them, and in them, and also because he suffered the same things before them, and much worse things for them.
Observe lastly, The duty which God expects and requires from them who suffer these fiery persecutions for the sake of his Son; and that is, to rejoice and be exceeding glad.
From the whole learn, 1. That no afflictions of persecutions should seem new or strange things to sincere Christians.
2. That the end and use of all afflictions, is the trial and improvement of the Christian's graces.
3. That believers in suffering afflictions and persecutions, are partakers of Christ's sufferings; he suffers in them, and they are made comformable to him by them.
4. That it is the will of God, that such as suffer for him should not only be meek and patient, but be joyous and cheerful.
5. That at the great day when Christ's glory shall be revealed, then especially will the suffering saints rejoice and be glad with exceeding joy, when they shall see their dear Redeemer coming in the clouds, with an human body, shining brighter than ten thousand suns; a body which still retains the marks of his sufferings, and the tokens of his love.
O joyful day of Christ's appearing, when this royal bridegroom shall take his suffering spouse the church by the hand, and present her to his Father, own his in the presence of men and angels, bestow a kingdom upon them, that they may be with him where he is, eternally to behold his glory, to feed upon an happiness as large as their capacities, and as lasting as their beings; such honour have all his suffering saints, and therefore ought greatly to rejoice, inasmuch as they are made partakers of Christ's sufferings: that when his glory shall be revealed, they may be glad also with exceeding joy.