Tag Archive | the purpose of human suffering

CHRISTIANS MUST SUFFER

Apr24

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