How suffering in Christ powers the best life
Why do saints have to suffer? Why are servants of God found in sickness? Do ‘zealous for Jesus’ believers need to go through suffering?
At the garden of Eden, there was no trial, no sickness. (Temptation started only after Satan entered the garden) There was perfect obedience; God told man how to think, what to do, how to do, when to do, where to be, etc. There was perfect faith, everything man did, was by faith. He did not know any other way to live. They were godly because they lived according to every word that proceeded from the mouth of God.
Sin disrupted our life of obedience, faith and godliness. In order to return to the former union of perfection we need to go through suffering to grow in each of these three traits (among others).
3 ways suffering in Christ changes our lives
- We grow in obedience (Hebrews 5:7-9)
- Faith grows (1 Peter 1:7)
- Fuels Godly living (2 Timothy 3:12)
How to grow in obedience?
Jesus learnt obedience through the things he suffered. Jesus, our example, teaches us through the word of God and the Holy Spirit how to do the will of God. He said, we will be hated like He was. We will need to go through suffering like He did.
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 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 5:7-9)
Suffering in christ grows faith
Tests create testimonies. In order to grow in a godly trait, it needs to go through a test to fully form in us as a lifestyle. What we claim to have spiritually will be tested to bear fruit in our lives so we grow from faith to faith.
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 1:7)
Living godly brings suffering
While living godly brings persecution, the opposite is also true for those who are zealous for the Lord. Meaning, we know it is better to suffer for the Lord rather than this world. The suffering according to the will of God, ignites us to live for Jesus even more.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)
Paul prayed thrice for a sickness he had, still did not get freedom from it. Why? The possibility of being overcome with pride because of the abundance of revelation. (2 Corinthians 12:7)
Every believer goes through dark times. How are we different from a non believer who goes through dark times? We have the light, Jesus, our living and loving God. God gifted us Jesus so we can live through these dark times victoriously. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus as we await His soon appearing. Maranatha, Praise God and Amen!