That I May Know Him (3) - The Fellowship Of Christ's Suffering Series

TEXT: 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."

CHRIST SUFFERED FOR YOU

Suffering is not pleasant but sometimes necessary to ascend to the seat of glory. Christ had to suffer to pay the ransom for the sin of mankind. He was mocked, insulted, hit, beaten with stripes and crucified cruelly on a cross. He endured it all and rose above death to gain a name above every name. Hebrews 12:2 says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Glory comes after suffering. You will not suffer for Christ in vain in Jesus name.

SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

Godly living in this present world comes with sufferings and persecutions. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12). Suffering for sin is not the same as suffering for Christ. People who suffer as a result of breaking godly and secular laws are paying for the wages of their unrighteous deeds. When you suffer for Christ or for the gospel, it is for a righteous cause. Jesus told Ananias concerning Paul, "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:16). He indeed suffered a lot for the sake of the gospel. However, in the midst of this suffering, God's presence is assured. "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" (Ps 23:4). The presence of God will not depart from you in Jesus name.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRIST'S SUFFERING

The fellowship of Christ's suffering means passing through the path that Jesus passed. Every believer will pass through this test of faith. "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps" (1 Pet 2:21). When people mock, insult, stone or persecute you for Christ's sake; you are partaking in the fellowship of Christ's suffering. You are on the narrow road that Jesus followed. The path is also the way that leads to the demonstration of God's awesome power - the power of Christ's resurrection.

This fellowship of Christ's suffering also comes with eternal rewards as we see in Rom 8:17, 1 Pet 4:13 and 5:10:

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

"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."

"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."

The Lord will strengthen you, establish you, settle and perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name.

PRAYER:

Father, reveal your glory in my life in Jesus name.

CONFESSION:

I am a joint heir with Christ.

God bless you. Shalom.