John Farley
Pastor-Teacher
Wednesday,
August 19, 2015
Why we suffer
as Christians, part 7.
Why we suffer as Christians
First, we suffer for our own sake:
Second, we suffer for the sake of others, especially God’s people:
a. Suffering that others may obtain salvation, 2Ti 2:8-10
b. Suffering to give others courage,
Phi 1:12-14
c. Suffering so that others may be comforted,
2Co 1:3-7
d. Suffering in compassion for, and solidarity, with others, 1Co 12:26
e. Suffering in the form of giving sacrificially out of love - this includes forgiving.
f. Suffering that, because of death working in us, life may work in others,
2Co 4:7-12
g. Suffering so that grace may extend to more and more people, 2Co 4:15
Third, we suffer for the sake of Christ.
Col 1:24
a. Suffering to get closer to Jesus, share in His sufferings
The lacking is on Paul’s side = the suffering with Christ that remains for him to endure in order to complete His mission.
Phi 1:29-30
Phi 3:7-11
2Ti 1:6-14
Heb 13:12-14
1Pe 4:12-16
b. Suffering that we may share Christ’s glory.
Rom 8:16-18
2Co 4:16-18
2Th 1:3-5
2Ti 1:8
We bring it to Jesus and trust what He will do with it to transform it into something good.