LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE
By John C. Carpenter
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote to Christians in Asia Minor who were
experiencing persection, ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth
the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now
the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,
abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak
against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves
to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent
by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye
may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using usiing liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants
of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only
to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering
wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and
suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was
reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own
self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1 Peter 2:9-25).
In
verse 21 above, the word suffering is translated from the Greek word pentho, which means to experience a usually painful sensation,
or be vexed. The word example is translated from the Greek word hupogrammos, which means an underwriting, to copy for imitation, or
to serve as an example. The trying, painful experiences that Christ suffered are to serve as our example for our suffering as an Christian.
CHRIST
SUFFERED
First of all, the Christian life is a life of suffering, at least periodically. Although deep suffering gets our full
attention, we must remember that Christ suffered severely before we did. Our suffering is not unusual, nor the exception. Isaiah details
Christ's suffering: For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness;
and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep
have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed,
and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut
off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and
with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him;
he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and
the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge
shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors;
and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:2-12). We have to admit, it can't get any worse
than that.
In the garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest, Christ told His disciples, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even
unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father,
if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt (Matthew 26:38-39). Later, Christ being
in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:44).
Also
accused of breaking the Jewish law and claiming to be God, Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art
thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered
nothing (Matthew 27:11-12).
Christ also suffered during His crucifixion. We read, And when they were come unto a place called
Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he
would not drink. And they crucified [Greek, stauroo, to impale on the cross, be exposed to death, to extinguish or subdue passion
or selfishness] him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted
my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots (Matthew 27:33-35).
We also see that His suffering involved feeling
completely abandoned by His heavenly Father: about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?
that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46).
Christ was also reviled, abused, and beaten, but
He did not become angry, nor did He retaliate or seek revenge. Peter instructs us, when he was reviled [Greek, loidoreo, to reproach,
to be abused, or vilify], reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose
stripes [a mark left by blows] ye were healed [made whole] (1 Peter 2:23-24).
The apostle Paul adds, But God commendeth his love
toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved
from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled,
we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received
the atonement (Romans 5:8-11). Through His suffering, Jesus Christ justified us, saved us from God's wrath, reconciled us to God,
and atoned for our sins.
GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL CREATION
During His life, Christ surely suffered, and so will believers
in Christ. More than likely, we all have at some point in our lives asked, and rightfully so, why does God the Father even allow us
to suffer, sometimes mightily and without hope? Why is suffering even necessary, and why is it such an inevitable reality in our lives?
Well, for one, man is a sinner and, therefore, brings much suffering upon himself. Secondly, God is sovereign, and in order to accomplish
His own will, plans, and purposes, He allows it; or, in some cases may even engineer it. Because He is God, He can do whatever He
wants, including allowing the believer to suffer for His own purposes. God's sovereignty refers to His absolute rule, control, and
authority over all of creation, including the spiritual and natural worlds, human behavior, history, and lives of the individual,
as well as His comprehensive redemptive plan for His creation. As the Psalmist tells us, our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever
he hath pleased (Psalms 115:3). The prophet Isaiah declares of God, Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is
none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not
yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure (Isaiah 46:9-10).
According to Daniel, God also controls
all things in heaven and on earth: all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in
the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (Daniel
4:35). All of creation exists under God's control and for His glory, For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom
be glory for ever (Romans 11:36).
God also orchestrates in advance all events according to His divine will and purposes, including
His plan of salvation. Paul wrote the church in Ephesus, Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good
pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things
in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will (Ephesians 1:9-11).
In His sovereignty,
all things were created by Him. He was, and is its' only author. Paul instructs the church in Colossae, For by him were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities,
or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the
head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence (Colossians
1:16-18).
The scriptures also teach us that our own human thoughts and intentions are also subject to the sovereign will of God.
In proverbs we read, There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand (Proverbs 19:21).
Throughout
the scriptures, the doctrine of God's absolute sovereighty is distinctly taught. He does according to His own desires, will, and purposes.
However, God and the scriptures also provide us with full assurance of His sovereign control over all circumstances in life. David
summarizes this for us, The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all (Psalms 103:19).
BELIEVERS
IN CHRIST SHALL SUFFER
The scriptures clearly teach that believers in Christ shall suffer. According to the will of the Father,
Christ was predestined, called, and expected to suffer, and believers in Christ are as well. With Christ as our example, we should
not only expect to suffer for the sake and glory of Christ, and for His Kingdom, but we should also warmly embrace and value such
suffering. The believer is certainly not exempt from abuse, torment, persecution, pain, mistreatment, descrimination, hatred, and
suffering. Christ reminded Judas and His own disciples, and us, If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted
me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also (John 15:18-20). Clearly, because of our
own arrogance, sin, and worldliness, we often bring suffering upon ourselves, but we must also recognize that God the Father will
periodically not just allow us to suffer for His own purposes, but He may even design and plan such suffering. In fact, if we are
not suffering, this should concern us, and we should heed the wise words of the apostle Paul: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in
the faith [which will certainly include periodic suffering] (2 Corinthians 13:5). Paul also reminded the believers in Philippi [and
all believers in Christ], For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his
sake (Philippians 1:29), whereas Jesus warned His own disciples, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer (John
16:33). Paul also exhorted the church in Rome to glory in tribulations also (Romans 5:3). Paul even warned Timothy that all that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).
THE SCRIPTURES CAN COMFORT AND STRENGTHEN US
Although
suffering is a reality in life, the scriptures offer a multitude of comforting instructions that can strengthen us when we encounter
suffering. Let us just mention a few. First, the scriptures instruct us that God's sovereignty always works for the ultimate good
of mankind. As Paul wrote, he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for
the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he
also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:27-30).
We must also remember that when we are suffering,
God is not after us, He does not hate us, He is not punishing us, nor is He wanting to subject us to evil. Jeremiah teaches, For I
know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah
29:11).
James exhorts us, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [Greek, peirasmos, putting to proof,
experiencing evil, provocation, or adversity]; Knowing this, that the trying [Greek, dokimion, a testing of trustworthiness, to provide
proof, or a trial] of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing (James 1:2-4). Few of us pair temptations and suffering with joy, but, according to the apostle, we should.
Because we
are suffering, we should energetically strive to forget those things which have passed, and continue to press toward the goal of our
high calling. Paul instructed the church in Philippi, and us, Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing
I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing
ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you (Philippians 3:13-15).
Although we often suffer at the hands of the
world, we must not be afraid. Instead, we should put our trust in our Savior and Lord: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso
putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).
As David taught, we are encouraged to Commit thy way unto the LORD;trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the
noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret [be angry] not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because
of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass (Psalms 37:5-7). At all times of our walk with Christ, but especially during times
of persecution and suffering, we must trust in the Lord, committing ourselves unto the Lord, and rest in the Lord; and, by all means,
fret not.
Paul's words to Timothy are also very encouraging - Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift
of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions
of the gospel according to the power of God (2 Timothy 1:6-8). Paul was encouraging Timothy [and us] to be partakers of the afflictions
of the gospel, and to do so without fear.
Because our suffering is so pervasive, trusting the Lord may be the only thing that
gives us any comfort and relief. We can and should Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
It shall be health [Hebrew, riphuth, a cure, to be mended, or repaired] to thy navel [or center of strength], and marrow to thy bones (Proverbs
3:5-8). Our strength is found in trusting Him, acknowledging Him, fearing Him, and departing from evil. At times of suffering, we
must remember from the scriptures that God is our safe haven and source of courage and strength during our adversiy: God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1).
We should also heed the words of wisdom that Paul wrote the believers
in Philippi: Be careful [Greek, merimnao, to be anxious about, to be distracted with, or to take thought of] for nothing; but in every
thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:6-8). Our prayers and supplications, offered
with thanksgiving, can provide great strength.
We must also remember that when we are weak, God's strength and power can be manifested,
perfected, and glorified in and through our weaknesses. He has His own economy. The scriptures instruct us, My grace is sufficient
for thee: for my strength is made perfect [Greek, teleioo, complete, accomplished, consecrated, finished, or fulfilled] in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure
in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak [in and of myself],
then am I strong [through the strength of Christ] (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
In our own multitude of afflictions, we must not forget
that, in His own timing and way, God will eventually deliver us. As the psalmist teaches, the righteous cry and the LORD heareth,
and delivereth [Hebrew, natsal, to snatch away, defend, cause to escape, preserve, recover, save from, or rescue] them out of all
their troubles [Hebrew, tsarah, adversaries, adversity, anguish, distress, or tribulation]. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of
a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions [Hebrew, raah, evil, calamity, distress, harm,
grief, noisome, vexation, or wrongs] of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all (Psalms 34:17-19). While encountering
suffering, we must never forget that God has promised to deliver us not from some of our afflictions, but from all our afflictions.
We must continue to have trust and faith in God, for He will eventually intervene on our behalf.
As the author of the book of
Hebrews instructs us, Let your conversation [Greek, tropos, mode, style, deportment or character, manner, or way] be without covetousness;
and content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave [Greek, aniemi, to send, let up, be slacken, desist,
forbear, or loose] thee, nor forsake [Greek, egkataleipo, to leave behind in some place, let remain over, or desert] thee. So that
we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper [Greek, boethos, to run, a succorer, or to call for aid], and I will not fear what man shall
do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6). God has promised us that He will never be slack, desist, leave behind, or desert us, but will succor
us when we call for His aid.
In spite of the suffering we shall surely experience, as believers in Christ and God, we should
also strive to walk as Christ walked and lived in righteousness and holiness, that is, to live without sin: My little children, these
things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Andhe is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we
know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not
in him. But whoso keepeth [fulfill, or hold fast] his word [of truth, the gospel message], in him verily is the love of God perfected [Greek, teleioo,
complete, accomplished, to consummate in character, finish, or fulfill]: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth
in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:1-:6). We must also never forget that if any man sin, we have an
advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins.
We also know that we believers
are not the only ones who suffer. Others clearly experience agonies as well. Therefore, in the words of Paul, we should diligently
strive to Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the
which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word [of truth, the gospel message] of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to
the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians
3:12-17).
Reminding believers in several Roman provinces in Asia Minor, specifically Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
Peter wrote, 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 (1 Peter 5:8-10). We can also mightily benefit from this same advice.
Last to be mentioned,
through Isaiah, God also encourages us, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help [Hebrew, azar, to surround, protect or aid, or to succour] thee; yea, I will uphold [Hebrew, tamak, to sustain, keep
fast, follow closely, maintain, hold up, or retain] thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). In His lovingkindness,
God will remind us that He is with us, that He is God and our God, He will strengthen us, He will help us, and that He will uphold
us. Such prophetic words provide tremendous encouragement and strenth in time of need.
THE FRUITS OF SUFFERING
Believers
[and unbelievers for that matter] will suffer. But suffering for the believer in Christ not only has purpose, but fruit. Good can
come from bad. So, how do we benefit from our suffering? What do the scriptures tell us about the fruits of suffering, and what are
some of the temporal and eternal fruits of our suffering?
Well, first of all, Peter explains that the testing of our trials and
suffering bring praise, honour and glory to God: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant
mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible,
and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through
manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with
fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-7). When we are tested by suffering,
we pasise, honour, and glorify God.
Suffering often brings that which we despise and resist the most: it breaks us and humbles
us. Paul clearly connects the value of suffering with humility: For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will
say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And
lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger
of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from
me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will
I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (2 Corinthians 12:6-10). Paul
says the suffering resulting from his thorn in the flesh not only kept him humble, but was a thorn allowed [or even engineered] by
God the Father. James instructs us, Let the brother of low degree [Greek, tapeimos, depressed, humiliated in circumstances or disposition,
base, cast down, or is of low estate; and who has suffered] rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because
as the flower of the grass he shall pass away (James 1: 9-10). In life, deprivation, monetarily or otherwise, does not negate the
glorious inheritance to be experienced in the next life. Suffering, trials, and tribulations in this life are a great leveler.
Christ
also teaches His disciples, and us, that in the Lord's economy, joy often follows pain and suffering. For example, referring to His
ascension and the disciples' unhappiness at His leaving, the scriptures tell us, Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him,
and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while,
and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful,
but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she
is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have
sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you (John 16:19-22). God also chastens
us in our suffering so that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:10-11).
Being disciplined by God contributes to our holiness and righteousness.
The apostles James and Paul taught that suffering is
also a path to growth, perseverance, patience, experience, and hope. James wrote, 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 [Greek, teleios, complete in labor growth, mental and moral character, or of full age, mature] and entire [Greek, holokleros,
complete in every part, sound in body and soul, or whole], wanting nothing (James 1:2-4). Paul adds, 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 (Romans 5:3-5).
Suffering not only brings God's
comforting of us, but teaches us the value of comforting and serving others. Paul wrote the church in Corinth, Blessed be God, even
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the
sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation
and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for
your consolation and salvation (2 Corinthians 13-:6). The apostle Paul suffered as much as any man could, yet he ministered to others
with the gentleness of Christ (Phil 1:8) and with the tenderness of a nursing mother (1 Thes 2:7).
Suffering, especially extreme
suffering, suffering to the point of even despairing of life, can result in our greater dependence upon God's power. To the Corinthian
church, Paul, again, writes, For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether
we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also
suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye
are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble
which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had
the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead (2 Corinthians 1:5-9).
When we come to the end of our own strength, we may be forced to seek Him who is omnipotent - despairing of life is not always a bad
thing.
At those points in life that we experience suffering, we may also develop greater hope for the future. As Paul taught
the church in Rome, ...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience,
hope (Romans 53-:4), while Peter adds, 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 [and give you hope as well] (1 Peter 5:10).
Suffering
also results in our receiving the crown of eternal life and reigning with Christ. James wrote, Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:
for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12). In encouraging
Timothy to embrace his suffering, the apostle Paul wrote, If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will
deny us (2 Timothy 2:12).
Suffering also results in a greater sense of God's presence, and the comfort He provides. David, the
psalmist, exhorts us, The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside
the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest
a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever (Psalms 23:1-6).
Suffering can also
reveal who or what it is that we truly love. For example, in Deuteronomy we read, the LORD your God proveth [Hebrew, nasah, to test,
assay, or prove through testing] you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall
walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto
him (Deuteronomy 13:3-4). Suffering will, in the words of Moses, help us to know whether we truly love the Lord our God with all our
heart and with all our soul, and whether we will serve Him and cleave unto Him. We can also put it this way - suffering may reveal
to us, so to speak, our true colors.
Suffering can also teach us obedience, as it did Christ. Referring to Jesus Christ, the
scriptures teach us, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became
the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9). Again, referring to Christ, the apostle Paul adds, And
being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also
hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name (Philippians 2:8-9). We also see here that, in God's economy,
obedience also leads to exaltation.
Through Isaiah, God clearly promises in our suffering to be with us, be our God, to strengthern
us, to help us and to uphold us: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea,I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).
Suffering can often result
in a greater fear of the Lord [and others], which often results in greater understanding, knowledge, and wisdom, including the understanding
derived from others. In Proverbs, we read The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy
head, and chains about thy neck (Proverbs 1:7-:9), for how much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather
to be chosen than silver (Proverbs 16:16). James advises us If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).
Paul also teaches us that our momentary troubles and suffering
will produce an eternal glory that far outweigh our temporal suffering (2 Cor 4:17, whereas Jeremiah teaches that God declares that
His plans for us are plans not to harm us but to give us hope and a future (Jer 29:11).
Suffering can also teach us to reject
worldly materialism as a main priority. In the story of the rich young man, we read: And when he was gone forth into the way, there
came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said
unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery,
Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him,
Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go
thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and
follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions (Mark 10:17-22). Suffering may cause
us to ask, as Jesus asked His own disciples,For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or
what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26). Suffering can often cause us to reject temporal and worldly priorities
in favor of eternal and spiritual priorities.
According to the scriptures, facing our trials, tribulations, and persecutions
with courage, determination, and faith will result in us obtaining a better and lasting possession, that is, eternal life with God
and Christ (Heb 10:34-36). Christ, Himself, encourages us with these words: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:11-12). We should be joyous over the greatness of our
heavenly rewards.
In the book of Mark, John Mark, the son of Mary, we read that the disciples of Christ wondered what the benefits
and fruits would be for their suffering through giving everything they had and following Christ. The scriptures answer, Peter began
to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man
that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's.
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with
persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life (Mark 10:28-30). Jesus taught that those who suffer for His sake and Kingdom shall
receive in this world one hundred times as much, and in the world to come, eternal life.
The scriptures clearly teach that believers
in Christ will suffer, but, the scriptures also well remind us that our humble and patient suffering, our willingness to suffer is
not only pleasing and acceptable unto God our Father, but it will also offer great temporal and eternal rewards. Peter specifically
reminds us, what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer
for it ye take it patiently, this is not only glorious but acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also
suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:20-21), May we humbly and eternally follow in His
steps, and reap the rewards in this life, as well as in the one to come. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the
LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to
pass”
(Psalms 37:3-5).
"Forasmuch as ye
know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was
foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that
raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying
the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being
born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is
as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word
of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached
unto you”
(1 Peter 1:18-25).
