Suffering And The Christian Believer
By David J. Stewart | April 2014
James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
It is our failures and hardships in life
that make us who we are. The Bible teaches us as born-again Christians to
rejoice in afflictions, knowing that it is all part of the growing in grace
process. Without hardships and suffering we cannot move onto higher ground
in the Christian life. Romans 5:3-5, “And not only so, but we glory in
tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience,
experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the
love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given
unto us.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT SUFFERING AND TRIALS?
- Believers Should Expect Suffering.
1st Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, think it not strange
concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed,
ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
- Believers Must Realize That Trials Are
Used To Sanctify Us And Test Our Faith. Suffering Is Not Meaningless.
James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into
divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith
worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
- Believers Share In Christ's Suffering.
Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his
resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable
unto his death.” 1st Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, think it
not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some
strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed,
ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR BELIEVERS ON SUFFERING
- PRAY for grace, strength, and wisdom from above.
- GROW through the knowledge and grace of God.
- EMBRACE the Body of Christ.
- TRUST the God Who loves you and gave His Son for you.
Jesus suffered more than we could ever know. Christ shares in our sufferings. Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Submit to God during trials and tribulations, accept the suffering as permitted by God, be thankful.
1st Thessalonians 5:17-18, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Notice that the Bible says to give thanks IN everything, and not necessarily FOR everything. You may not be thankful for the afflictions in your life, but you can always be thankful to God IN every situation and circumstance.
God is good ALWAYS God is good.
James 5:13, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Trials are the means through which God grows His people.
“No matter what you face this year, God will be doing 10,000 things in your life that you cannot see. Trust Him. Love Him. And they will all be good for you.” —John Piper
