Endure Sufferings & Victories In Christ
Dear Saints,
I had a different title for today’s study: Suffering Is Part of The Package in Christ. I realized that we couldn't talk about just suffering without simultaneously discussing victories in Christ. We have often magnified the successes and buried the sufferings and pains we all go through.
Apostle Paul, while in jail, reminds the Philippians: “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” Philippians 1:29-30.
Christianity is not an escape from suffering nor a cover for the reality that it exists. There is sound theology of suffering throughout the Bible. It is in plain view in Scripture. Why do we reject and/or cover up suffering in our lives? Suffering is painful and it hurts.
As we continue our study of 1 Peter, let's go deeper on sufferings and victories in Christ, who is our “example.”
“20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." 1 Peter 2:20-24
Peter continues in chapter 1 Peter 3:17-22:
17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.. Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.”
I thank God for our sister, who last week cried out to the Lord about her pain in this forum. We must acknowledge such and then pray with such people for the victory and praise to come.
Let’s learn from Jesus, who said, My God, why have you forsaken me, and if it is possible, let this cup pass (paraphrased). Remember, Jesus was fully God and fully human, and He acknowledged His suffering; so must we and cry out for deliverance. King David is a good human example like us. Check out the psalms such as 22 and many others.
Of course, we do not go about praying. Lord, give me suffering today. Bring it on. No, the sufferings will come without asking for them. Peter later tells us, “Don’t be bewildered or surprised when you go through fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you.”
The victories come when we pray and cry out to our Abba, Father, who always delivers us “from the evil one.” As sure as Jesus rose from the dead, our victory in Christ is certain. It is secured forever in Christ. Hallelujah!
Where are you today on sufferings and victories in Christ? Are you denying, camouflaging and covering, and faking it as if you are a “super” Christian? Are you one of those who confess, “this is not my portion?” Whose “portion” is it? Believers and unbelievers in Christ are never exempt from suffering. Let us stop pretending and be honest with ourselves and others.
May the Lord grant you and me sufficient grace and victories in our suffering, but we first must acknowledge and name the suffering. Amen. Let us share and pray with and for one another today and always. Please don’t die in silence.
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