Tag Archive | human suffering

Why we must sometimes suffer

Mar10

SUFFERING CAN PERFECT, ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN AND SETTLE US

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (1 Pet. 5:8-11).

Why would we worry ourselves about the suffering we have to endure in this life if we know it is for a good purpose in eternity? Why do we not seek to understand what that purpose is instead of letting our worries get us down and keep us from our goal?

CHRISTIANS MUST SUFFER IN ORDER TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

  • True path of Christianity is one of trial and suffering (Rom. 5:3-5).
  • There must be a process that leads to the complete man (Heb. 6:1-3).
  • Jesus showed us that pathway of suffering to do right (Heb. 2:10; Heb. 5:8-9).
  • Through finishing the fight, we may overcome sin (Eph. 6:10-16; 1 John 2:1).
  • Through suffering temptation we may gain the love of God (James 1:2-4; 1 John 2:5).
  • Through suffering we may become Christ-like (1 John 2:17).

THE TRUE CHRISTIAN’S PATHWAY IS OF TRIAL AND SUFFERING.

  • Matt. 7:13-14—the ‘narrow way’ is the Greek word ‘thlipsis,’ translated pressure, tribulation, affliction, etc.
  • Acts 14:22—God had ordained that it is through ‘much’ tribulation (thlipsis) we must enter the ‘kingdom’ This is one of the few times the word kingdom refers to the eternal abode Jesus has gone to prepare for us (John 14:1-3; ref. to Matt. 25:34)
  • 2 Tim. 3:12—all who desire to live godly will suffer this persecution (dioko, a similar word to thlipsis).
  • Phil. 1:28-30—this isn’t being forced on them…”…it is given.” (pascho, another word similar to thlipsis).
  • Matt. 5:10-12—the prophets were on the same pathway (thlipsis and dioko).
  • 2 Cor. 1:3-7—our salvation is ‘effectual’ in enduring the same suffering (pathema, another word similar to thlipsis).
  • 1 Pet. 4:1-2—we shouldn’t fear to suffer or worry about it, but we should determine to suffer to obey God (pascho, yet another word similar to pathema).
  • 1 Pet. 2:18-23—this is the pathway Jesus walked as our example (pascho).
  • 1 Pet. 1:10-11—the OT prophets understood a little of Christ’s suffering (pathema).
  • Job 23:10—Job also understood that God was training him (1 Pet. 1:5-7).

As Peter said in our introductory scripture, “…after we have suffered…” a little and endured that suffering, the Lord will have established, strengthened and settled us (1 Pet. 5:10).

—Beth Johnson

******New “Deeper Insights” post – “The Value of Human Life” by Tricia Reno

LORD, “WHY?”

Dec10

Often in this world of sorrows it is difficult to focus on the positive. Every day someone is dealing with sickness or death, a broken marriage, financial reverses, persecution, family problems, and a number of other heartbreaking situations.

Those who have served God faithfully by going beyond the call of duty, by diligently teaching their children the ways of righteousness, and have stood for truth and morality are no exception. These faithful Christians sometimes fail to understand why these things are happening.

Job reminds us that, as human beings, our days on this earth are ‘few and full of trouble’ (14:1).

But, aren’t we promised that all things work together for good to those who love God (Rom. 8:28)? I suggest that circumstances DO work together for our good. But, the “why” of these problems is most often the result of sin and Satan. Immoral lifestyles can lead to sickness and death, poverty and prison. Too much pride to admit that we may be wrong can take us down a road to will worship—a form of worship that entertains, rather than glorifying of God. Selfishness can result in the loss of family relationships.

Our ungodly peers will sometimes hate us because we stand up for what is right. They will resent us because our steadfastness in the Lord is a stark reminder to them of their rebellion, or rejection.

The early Christians suffered things beyond our comprehension. Many of them were faithful until an early death because they were murdered for their faith.

This world was never intended to be a place free of trouble and worry. The Lord knows our struggles. He has provided comfort and peace for our eternity.

We must keep in mind that earthly struggles are only temporary. We must fill our minds with comforting words given to us through the Holy Spirit. “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a crushed spirit” (Ps. 34:18). “Eye had not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (I Cor. 2:9).

By Becky Honeycutt
Scriptures from NKJV