Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we delve into a profound and often challenging aspect of our Christian journey: suffering.
The idea that suffering is an integral part of reigning with Christ can seem paradoxical, yet it is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:12, "If we endure, we will also reign with him."
This morning, let us explore how suffering and reigning with Christ are intrinsically connected and what it means for our spiritual growth and eternal reward.
1. The Biblical Foundation of Suffering and Reigning
The Bible clearly establishes the link between suffering and reigning with Christ. Throughout Scripture, we see that suffering is not just a consequence of living in a fallen world but also a crucial part of our spiritual formation and future glorification.
Scripture: Romans 8:17
Romans 8:17 (NIV) says, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." This verse highlights that sharing in Christ’s sufferings is a prerequisite for sharing in His glory.
Illustration: The Refiner's Fire
Consider the process of refining gold. The gold is heated until it melts, allowing impurities to rise to the surface and be removed. This refining process makes the gold purer and more valuable. Similarly, suffering acts as a refiner’s fire for believers, purifying our faith and preparing us for eternal glory.
Application:
Embrace Suffering: Understand that suffering is not meaningless. It has a purpose in God’s plan for your life, shaping you into the image of Christ.
Seek God's Perspective: Pray for God’s perspective on your suffering. Ask Him to help you see how He is using it to refine and strengthen your faith.
2. Suffering as a Pathway to Spiritual Maturity
Suffering is a powerful tool that God uses to mature us spiritually. It deepens our reliance on Him, develops our character, and enhances our witness to the world.
Scripture: James 1:2-4
James 1:2-4 (NIV) instructs us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Trials and suffering produce perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity.
Illustration: The Athlete's Training
Think of an athlete in training. The rigorous and often painful training regimen strengthens their body, enhances their skills, and prepares them for competition. In the same way, spiritual training through suffering strengthens our faith and prepares us for the challenges of life and the eternal reward.
Application:
Persevere in Trials: Develop a mindset of perseverance. Recognize that enduring suffering produces maturity and completeness in your faith.
Look for Growth Opportunities: Instead of asking, "Why me?" during trials, ask, "What can I learn?" Seek to grow in your relationship with God through every challenge.
3. Suffering as Identification with Christ
When we suffer, we are identifying with Christ in a profound way. Jesus, our Savior, was the ultimate example of suffering, and as His followers, we are called to walk in His footsteps.
Scripture: Philippians 3:10
Paul expresses his desire to know Christ more deeply in Philippians 3:10 (NIV): "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." Sharing in Christ’s sufferings allows us to experience a deeper fellowship with Him.
Illustration: The Martyrs
Throughout history, many martyrs have faced unimaginable suffering for their faith. Their willingness to endure persecution and even death for the sake of Christ demonstrates a profound identification with Him. Their lives inspire us to embrace suffering as a means of drawing closer to Jesus.
Application:
Deepen Your Fellowship: Use suffering as an opportunity to deepen your fellowship with Christ. Remember that He understands your pain and is with you in every trial.
Follow Christ's Example: Emulate Christ’s attitude towards suffering. Approach your trials with humility, faith, and a willingness to submit to God’s will.
4. The Eternal Perspective: Reigning with Christ
The ultimate reward for enduring suffering is reigning with Christ in His eternal kingdom. This hope provides us with the strength and motivation to persevere through the difficulties of life.
Scripture: Revelation 3:21
Revelation 3:21 (NIV) promises, "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." This promise assures us that our present sufferings are preparing us for future glory and reign with Christ.
Illustration: The Crown of Life
In James 1:12 (NIV), we read, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
The crown of life symbolizes the eternal reward awaiting those who faithfully endure suffering.
Application:
Focus on the Eternal Reward: Keep your eyes fixed on the eternal reward. Let the promise of reigning with Christ motivate you to endure present sufferings with hope and joy.
Live with Eternal Perspective: Cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life. Remember that the trials of this life are temporary, but the glory that awaits us is everlasting.
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, to suffer is to reign with Christ. Suffering is an integral part of our spiritual journey, refining our faith, maturing us, identifying us with Christ, and preparing us for eternal glory. As we endure trials, let us embrace them as opportunities to grow closer to Jesus and to become more like Him.
May we find strength and encouragement in the promise that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Let us persevere with faith, hope, and love, knowing that we will one day reign with Christ in His eternal kingdom.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound truth that to suffer is to reign with Christ. Help us to embrace our sufferings with faith and perseverance, knowing that You are using them to refine us and prepare us for eternal glory. Strengthen our hearts, deepen our fellowship with Jesus, and keep our eyes fixed on the eternal reward. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
