THE PART OF SUFFERING IN THE LIFE OF THE
BELIEVER

    Suffering is common to every person.   Job 5:6,7.   It is normal for a Christian to suffer as
    well.   II Tim. 3:12; Acts 14:22; I Pet. 2:21.

    There are levels of persecution: pressure, humiliation, discrimination, threats, loss of
    material possessions or physical violence.

  1. Common Misconceptions.

    1. Suffering is punishment for some wrong or sin.   I Peter 4:19; 3:14; 4:16.
    2. Thinking that one should never be sad.   I Pet. 1:6.
    3. Thinking that only Christians suffer.   Gen. 3:16-19.
    4. Unhealthy enchantment with suffering.
    5. Unreasonable fear of suffering.

  2. What The Bible Teaches About Suffering.

    1. Christians are to expect suffering.   John 15:18-21; I John 3:13; John 17:14.
    2. Suffering can be the will of God for us.   I Pet. 4:16; 2:21.
    3. Suffering in the life of the child of God has a purpose.   I Pet. 1:6,7; II Cor. 12:7-10.
    4. We should suffer for righteousness sake.   Matt. 5:10; I Pet. 4:15.
    5. God blesses right suffering.   Matt. 5:10-12; Luke 6:22,23.
    6. Suffering causes us to look to Heaven.   Rom. 8:16-18; Col. 3:1-3.
    7. We should not be ashamed or embarrassed about suffering.   I Pet. 4:16; Heb.
      13:12,13.
    8. We must follow the example of Christ.   I Pet. 2:19-25.
    9. We must react under suffering as the Lord did.   Matt. 5:38-48; Rom. 12:14,17-21;
      I Pet. 2:21-23.
    10. We can have the victory.   John 16:33.

  3. Prepare For Suffering.

    1. Understand it to be normal.   I Pet. 4:12; Phil. 1:29.
    2. Know the teaching of the Word of God.   Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:3-5; John 8:31,32.
    3. Abide in Christ.   John 15:4.
    4. Submit daily to the Holy Spirit.   Eph. 5:18; 4:30.
    5. Rest in the will of God.   Eph. 5:17; Heb. 4:1,9-11; 12:15.
    6. Edify your brethren when you and they are suffering.   Col. 3:16,17; Eph. 5:19-21.

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