When Do We Suffer For Christ And Why?
Dear Saints,
Are you suffering for Christ or just suffering? These two are different. We can suffer for our own making, like being a “busybody in other people's business.” For example, you saw your neighbor’s new car. You bought yours, and now you can barely pay for it, and you are working two jobs and can’t sleep.
When do we suffer for Christ, and why?
We continue our study of 1 Peter. Apostle Peter encourages the suffering pilgrims and us as follows:
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:12-16.
“Reproached” is “the expression of disapproval and disappointment.” It says that if you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed for the Spirit of glory and of God rest on you. It is a great honor and privilege to suffer for Christ.
My friend, evangelist Paul Adam, takes the gospel to the universities and colleges around the country and abroad. He has often been pushed, harassed, and insulted by some errant students. He uses the sketch board to illustrate and preach the gospel; some have pushed down his materials. Paul keeps going back because of his love of Christ, his savior. Paul is a mentor. I have joined him in the past on street evangelism.
There are more severe sufferings around the world for the sake of Christ. Some have died as a result. Why go through these and more?
Apostle Peter’s audience had first-hand experience of suffering for Christ. The governments around them often were mean and required people to worship other gods/rulers, and there were consequences for disobeying. These pilgrims were ridiculed for their faith in Christ because many around them did not believe.
In our time, we have believers in Christ from Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and other backgrounds who are disowned and ostracized by their families and communities. These indeed bear the reproach of Christ.
Are you living to avoid shame and reproach for Christ intentionally? You can make everyone like you when you refuse to stand for Jesus and His gospel. Do people know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian? This is not a time to be politically correct and deny Christ.
Oh, friend, there are some initial feelings of shame in sharing the gospel with people. The devil tries to inflict humiliation on us, but greater is He that is in us. Often, the shame or fear goes away immediately after we open our mouths and speak what the Holy Spirit tells us as He promised. See Luke 12:12, Luke 21:14-15, John 14:26, Isaiah 51:16-23, and Exodus 4:10-12.
What are your sufferings? Let it not be for murder, stealing, or doing evil, including being a “busybody in other people’s matters.”
Many of us complain about suffering. Most of us are not suffering for Christ. Often we suffer for gratifying our fleshly desires in pursuing the American dream imposed on us by society. May we, instead, inconveniently do good to others and suffer for it in the name of Christ.
We don’t go about asking for trouble, but some of our lifestyles as believers and faithful followers of Christ can bring problems to us. And that’s okay. Peter says, don’t think it strange or be surprised by the trials and sufferings, especially the fiery ones.
Let us not waste any suffering and trials. May we see God in our trials and suffering. May God be glorified as people watch us go through them and still praise God for His faithfulness. He said he would never leave nor forsake us. That is a sure promise of God. Someone said, “To be faithful means to keep your promises. And that is where the problem lies. We tie God’s faithfulness (His keeping His promises) to things that He never promised.”
In the context of evangelism and making disciples, Jesus gave us a sure promise:
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Oh, saints, let us venture to obey this command. Tell people about the love of Christ, his death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of their sins. Jesus said he would be with us to the very end, even when we suffer in the process.
Is it possible some of us are not feeling the presence of God because we are not making disciples? Jesus is ever present as we talk about Him. Food for thought. What else are you talking about, sports, sex, money, etc.?
Intentionally suffer for Christ and let His Spirit of glory and God rest upon you as you tell the gospel's good news. Go out of your way, love, and do good for others. Let us pray for others and our suffering brethren all over the world. May God strengthen them. Amen.
Remember, “Though He [Jesus] was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8. We are to have the “mindset” of suffering for Christ. We must “rejoice to the extent you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
If you are suffering for sins, have not repented, and asked for forgiveness, please do so right now. Believe and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Come into an everlasting relationship with God and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“In Me [Jesus] you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Comments
Thank you sir.