“These trials will show that your faith is genuine … tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor.” 1 Peter 1:7, NLT
“When troubles come your way ... you know your faith is tested … a chance to grow. So let it grow.” James 1:2, 4
A. JESUS PROMISED HIS FOLLOWERS WOULD SUFFER TRIALS AND PERSECUTIONS
1. Because of God hatred. “If the world hates you … it hated Me first” (John 15:18, NLT).
2. Because we follow Jesus. “Since they persecuted Me, they naturally will persecute you” (John 15:20, NLT).
3. Because there are “worldly desires that war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
4. Because they “lived that way; following the … desires … of our sinful nature” (Ephesians 2:3, NLT).
5. Because there are “evildoers” (1 Peter 2:12).
B. WHAT SUFFERING ACCOMPLISHES
1. Suffering conforms us to Christ. “Trials will … purify (your faith) as gold” (1 Peter 1:7, NLT).
2. Suffering grows your faith. “Your faith is tested … grows” (James 1:14).
3. Your suffering helps you comfort others who suffer (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
4. Suffering because you follow Christ. “God calls you … suffering, just as Christ suffered … follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21, NLT).
5. Suffering gets God’s attention. “Since He Himself has gone through suffering … He is able to help us when we are tested” (Hebrews 2:17-18).
C. WHAT CAN YOU LEARN FROM CHRIST ABOUT SUFFERING
Develop the attitude of Christ when suffering. “Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had ... He did not demand and cling to His rights ... He made himself nothing ... and in human form He obediently humbled Himself ... by dying a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5, 7, 8, NKJV).
1. Yield everything, as did Christ.
2. Pray, “Your kingdom come in my life, Your will be done.”
3. Remember, sufferings did not just end Jesus’ life; it was the beginning of all things new. Your sufferings can touch/give you new things.
4. If you are suffering, keep on doing what is right and commit yourself to God.
5. Bitterness and complaining only make you feel worse, not better.
6. The joy of doing right can bring more relief from pain than wallowing in self-pity and constant complaining. Your complaints will only make you feel worse.
7. In one sense, MIND OVER MATTER. If you don’t mind, it don’t matter. “He will not allow you to suffer above that you are able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, paraphrased). “Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way” (Colossians 3:17, The Message).
8. Always recognize God is in control.
9. So yield the control of your life to CHRIST.
10. Never forget. “You are never alone.” “Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth” (Hosea 6:1-3, NKJV).
11. The same providence of God that allows you to be afflicted, on the other hand can relieve you and comfort you.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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