ACTS 14 SUFFERING STRENGTHENS & ENCOURAGES

September 25

ACTS 14

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. – Act14:19-23

ACTS 14 SUFFERING STRENGTHENS & ENCOURAGES

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you find yourself in the deepest and most painful trial

Don’t despair but brace yourself for you will be strengthened

There is an upside to suffering and that is encouraging

Hardships can build up your strength and character

The road to God’s kingdom is a narrow gate

Suffering is one way that you can go through it.

In this account, we see how Paul and his followers were being stoned and dragged out of the city. What cruelty he had to bear so that he can bring the gospel to that city and make disciples. Someone who used to be persecuting Christians is now himself being persecuted for spreading the Good News. How many believers do we know who would bear such stoning? I’m sure, many Christian evangelists and missionaries experience some sort of persecution. Interestingly, Paul seemed to be more motivated to get into that city where he was stoned. He knew that this city needed to hear more of the gospel than anywhere else. Their stoning didn’t derail him from doing his mission. In verse 21, it seemed like they made many more disciples after that incident. It also became a way of strengthening the believers as they pressed on to such persecutions.

We clearly saw in this account how such suffering had led to their strength and encouragement to press on and do their mission. How often do we view persecution and difficulties with this kind of mindset? It is easy to just pull back when things don’t go right with our plans. Paul sets a great example for any believer to not let any hindrances or obstacles stop a follower of Christ from spreading the gospel and making disciples. It clearly is not a human feat but a divine work of the Spirit that made Paul and the disciples persist in doing the kingdom work for God. When we bear the burdens that we face, we allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen us to accomplish the work that God assigns for us to do. It makes one resilient and strong when they face adversities head on instead of avoiding them.

REFLECTION

·       How does suffering make us stronger and become an encouragement to others?

2 CORINTHIANS 12 THE COMFORT ENSUING FROM SUFFERING

September 24

2 CORINTHIANS 12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers,of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.  – 2 Corinthians 12:3-8

2 CORINTHIANS 12 THE COMFORT ENSUING FROM SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we journey through life, we encounter suffering

It is an inevitable element of life that is unchanging

But we can use such challenges to keep us growing

Instead of keeping us stuck and procrastinating`

The comfort ensuing these trials is that Jesus triumphed

The salvation plan of God became fulfilled when he died

Like Christ, believers will receive that comfort when he comes again

Let us bear the pain because the gain is much more than we can imagine.

The trouble with suffering is the pain that comes with it. Why is it so painful when we face trials and hardships in life? It is the same pain we experience when we lose someone or something we love so much. It is the pain of loss and the grief that follows such absence of that fulfillment of that longing. Otherwise, we don’t feel pain over things we don’t care about. What are we actually losing when we suffer for righteousness’ sake? We lose the flesh and all the lusts and cravings and since we are all partly physical, there is a part of us that was deprived of giving in to that natural tendency. By nature, we don’t choose what is good for us but we are inclined to want something that is forbidden. Just like how Adam and Eve took the forbidden fruit because of their desire to know what God knows, it is innate in us to want what we cannot have. This is why any temptation entices us to take what is forbidden. This was why God created laws for us to follow so we don’t fall into the trap of the enemy. If we obey those laws and commands, we are able to see how it is a gift of God for his people to live within the boundaries of righteousness and be protected from evil. In Ephesians 6, the Lord gave us full armor so that we can face trials, hardships and temptations in the light of Christ’s suffering. We can weaponize the evil one with all that is needed so we can stay on the path towards the eternal life promised to us. Let us be comforted knowing that all those who believe in Christ will triumph over suffering which are caused by the evil one.

REFLECTION

  • Share some comfort you have received after suffering for righteousness’ sake.

1 CORINTHIANS 10 SUFFERING: AN ENDURANCE TEST

September 23

1 CORINTHIANS 10

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?

                                                                                – 1 Corinthians 10:13-22

1 CORINTHIANS 10 SUFFERING: AN ENDURANCE TEST

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we face many trials and hardships in life

We can be sure that the Lord never forsakes or leaves us

Examine if your adversity is caused by idolatry and other sins

If it is, your suffering is a result of such evils, so you need to repent

But if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be delivered

It becomes an endurance test so you can press on to grow your character

Rejoice and be glad when you experience difficulties and injustices

The Lord never allows anything that you won’t be able to handle.

In this account, Paul comforts the Corinthian believers. He did not want them to despair when they encounter temptations or trials and think that they are the only ones experiencing such difficulties. He wanted them not to think that their suffering is not unique and isolated that will lead them to feel hopeless. He points out that the Lord will not allow his covenant people to be defeated by these enticements to sin. He reassures them that the Lord will never leave his own people because he protects them and ensures their safety. But Paul also reminds them that they must not be idolaters and remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to give them the strength and to endure these adversities because they are going to test their faith.

Paul gave clear examples of how idolatry leads to spiritual adultery by asking them questions in verses 21-22 such as “Shall we provoke the Lord? Are we stronger than he?” It is a great reminder of their covenant with God where they will only serve him and be faithful to the One who delivered them from their slavery from the Egyptians. We can also ask the same questions to ourselves so that we will never forget what God did for his people and continue to stay faithful in serving only the Lord their God.

REFLECTION

·       Share some suffering you’ve endured that was a result of your faith in God.

MATTHEW 5 IF YOU SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

September 22

MATTHEW 5

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so thatthey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   –  Matthew 5:10-16

MATTHEW 5 IF YOU SUFFER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

If you suffer for the sake of the gospel, rejoice and be glad

There is a reward that is awaiting you that is so great

You will inherit the kingdom of heaven when you are maltreated

Those who were insulted for righteousness’ sake receives this as well

You are salt of the earth and you bring what is right in this world

You are also the light of the world where you illuminate the dark

So, take heart when you are faced with adversities and trials

It will lead you to the kingdom of the new heaven and the new earth.

In this account, we hear Jesus giving his Sermon on the Mount and one of the things that he stressed upon the believers is when he told them that the kingdom of heaven will belong to all those who are persecuted or abused. Why did Jesus emphasize3 those who are being persecuted as heirs of the kingdom of God? He was explaining to them that all trials they are undergoing for righteousness’ sake while they are still alive here on earth will pave the way to the promised eternal life when the time comes.

As humans, it is second nature for us to avoid suffering and insults. We defend ourselves and ensure that our reputation is not tarnished by others. But that is not the kind of suffering or persecution Jesus was talking about here. It is suffering for the sake of being marginalized or mocked because you follow the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the pain that comes when people misunderstand you or laugh at your faith. It is when you bear in silence those scoffers and mockers when they attack your belief and your Lord. I used to be reactive to those who attack my Lord, but now I have learned that God is our defender. He doesn’t need to be defended with arguments and proving to others that he is the only One true God. The truth will speak for itself. It doesn’t need to be explained because God gave us the word that any simple person can understand what it says. To suffer in silence and let the Spirit of the Lord deal with all these wicked accusations towards God is the right response to these ungodly acts against God.

REFLECTION

  • Share insights as to how silence can be your best defense when being mocked for God’s sake.

PSALM 119 SEEKING GOD’S LAWS WHILE SUFFERING

September 21

PSALM 119

65 You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

                                                                                        – Psalm 119:65-72

PSALM 119 SEEKING GOD’S LAWS WHILE SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When life is very comfortable and convenient

We might miss our need for a Higher Being

When we suffer, we begin to see our helplessness

Then we will remember God’s guidance in his precepts

Without the law of the Lord, we will all be lost

During hardships it is good for us to grieve the loss

Depending on God during adversities lead to endurance

Meditating on God’s commands brings truth and resilience.

It is in 1 John 2:15-17 that I’d like to explain the meaning of the following verses in this Psalm. We are told not to love the world. What does loving the world mean? Unless we know that this is, we will not be aware that we are displeasing God or that we might be provoking him to wrath. Verse 16 of this verse spells out “desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and pride of life.” These are things that we want and long for that belong to the physical and material world. What might be some examples of this? Wanting to be wealthy or rich is a perfect example of this. When you want more than what God has already given you, you are missing the blessings around you because your focus is on something more than what you already have. Desires of the eyes may be a longing to possess a certain visual appearance or wanting to consume what the eyes want to feast on, it could be a beautiful object that you crave to own or a physical appearance that you would want to have instead of what you already have. An example of pride of life are achievements such as skill, prowess in any endeavor. If you tend to boast about what you think is your work and forget that these are all gifts from God, then you have that pride of life. John says that all these desires belong to the world and aren’t from God. All comforts and conveniences in this world are earthly and not divine. The psalmist tells us that when we are suffering, we can reflect on God’s laws so we can continue to live in righteousness, endure all that we face when we depend on God’s precepts.

REFLECTION

  • Why is it valuable for us to meditate and follow God’s laws especially during adversities?

1 PETER 1 WHEN GRIEVED WITH VARIOUS TRIALS

September 20

1 PETER 1

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

                                                                                        – 1 Peter 1:3-9

1 PETER 1 WHEN GRIEVED WITH VARIOUS TRIALS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are faced with much adversities and trials

You will have a chance to grow and your faith to be tested

And when you have the patience to endure these miseries

Your character will be molded into your Creator’s likeness

So, celebrate when grieved with various kinds of trials

It leads you to the path towards the new heaven and new earth.

Why do we usually avoid trials and sufferings as humans? That is part of our sin nature. We don’t like discomfort and change. We get attached to what we know and are familiar with. But God didn’t create us to be afraid of hardships because God gave us love, a sound mind and of power according to 2 Timothy 1:7. We weren’t given fear, it was a result of sin that made us fearful. What many unbelievers fail to see is the opportunity to mature themselves when they face these hardships head on.
The world calls it “adulting,” which according to sources, is an informal slang term that means doing the boring, responsible, and practical tasks required to live as a grown-up. Many people want to stay in their comfort zones where they were taken care of by their caregivers as they were growing up. They remain stunted in their growth and never become adults. Resilience can only be built when we face hardships, otherwise, we stay rigid and unchanged. We need to face obstacles to grow otherwise, we stay stuck.

Suffering is an important ingredient to maturing our faith according to many bible verses. It tests our faith. Do you notice that when people go through adversities and feel helpless, some remember to pray even though they have never done it before. Some unbelievers begin to have the desire to reach out to some higher being because they do not know what to do. In other words, they have no control over such situations and they still need to do something about it. They end up going to God or some other deities so they can alleviate the grief that they feel facing such difficulties. We need these trials to mature.

REFLECTION

·       Why is it necessary to face suffering as a test in our faith? What happens when we don’t?

COLOSSIANS 1 REJOICE AS YOU SUFFER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

September 19

COLOSSIANS 1

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. – Colossians 1:24-29

COLOSSIANS 1 REJOICE AS YOU SUFFER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you belong to the sheepfold of the Lord Jesus Christ

You will begin to see suffering as a way of sharing in his sacrifice

You will have that urge to proclaim his word to those around you

There will be a hunger for doing what is right and good

The adversities that will come your way will no longer be threats

Instead, they will be a reason for rejoicing as you grow your faith.

In verse 24, we are given a revelation of what might we do as believers to share in the suffering of Christ. It is by selflessly providing a way to build up his body, the church. What does this verse require of all believers? It is to be able to emulate the humility and sacrificial way that Jesus handled his assigned part on the salvation plan of his Father. By nature, we are very rebellious and sinful so it is a challenge for us to do what our Heavenly Father wants for us. This is a consequence of our inherited sin from our first parents Adam and Eve. The world is where Satan’s kingdom prevails. So, as long as we are alive in this world, we will always follow our flesh. In this account, Paul explains to the believers that the only way we can fight conforming with the world system is to embrace suffering for Christ as a way to build up our faith and the communion of saints. It is when we think less of our material life and focus on gathering riches in heaven by applying all that Jesus Christ sampled for his followers that we can claim to be disciples of Jesus. To deny such cravings of our flesh such as lusts, comforts, conveniences would mean that we are living up to the requirements of our Lord. It manifests our love for him as we follow the Spirit’s lead in growing our faith and letting go of the influences of the world over the mind, body and spirit. As we deepen our intimacy with the Lord, we get to be renewed in our thinking and priorities. We become less selfish and more sacrificial. We think of others’ needs more than ours.

To mature our faith means that we become less shallow. When we didn’t know Christ, we were hedonistic and just following cultures, traditions and earthly beliefs. We embraced comfort, luxury and convenience rather than suffering. It doesn’t make sense to the world that we are rejoicing when we encounter difficulties and hardships for the sake of the gospel. But for the true believer, it is their joy.

REFLECTION

  • Why do you think some Christians still do not rejoice in their suffering for the sake of Christ?

HEBREWS 2 PERFECTION OF SALVATION THROUGH SUFFERING

September 18

HEBREWS 2

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation, I will sing your praise.”13 And again, “I will put my trust in him. ”And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. – Hebrews 2:10-18

HEBREWS 2 PERFECTION OF SALVATION THROUGH SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When Christ came down on earth as a human being

He did not choose be superior over other living things

Instead, he selected a humble couple to be his parents

He also allowed himself to go through all trials in life

By doing so, he gave us an example of humble obedience

He followed his Father’s will and never had an inch of resistance

Jesus perfected the salvation of mankind through suffering

Though he was God, he didn’t excuse himself from such miseries.

Let’s unpack verses 14-15 in this account. The writer said that through death, Jesus might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. If you focus on the word death here, we could take what it means when we recall the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It was a literal physical death that he underwent just so we can be saved from the wrath of God and be reconciled with our Creator. The physicality of this death went beyond the material aspect of life when Jesus’ sacrifice was completed with his resurrection from the dead. This was what it meant when the writer of Hebrews said “so that he might destroy the one who has the power of death.” By going through all the cruelties, the mockeries, the scourging, the persecution and rejections, Jesus also died spiritually because he now experienced as a human being what God the Father experienced in terms of being rejected and rebelled at by his own covenant people. The phrase “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” in verse 15 is so important to meditate on. This refers to those who are afraid of dying to their flesh and lusts will continue to be slaves of this world and will never be able to partake of God’s salvation plan.

REFLECTION

  • Can a Christian who avoids suffering partake of God’s salvation plan? Why or why not?

1 PETER 3 SUFFER FOR GOOD & NOT FOR EVIL

September 17

1 PETER 3

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.18 For Christ also sufferedonce for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in whichhe went and proclaimedto the spirits in prison, 20 becausethey formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

                                                                                                           – 1 Peter 3:13-20

1 PETER 3 SUFFER FOR GOOD & NOT FOR EVIL

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As we live in this corrupt world, we will encounter suffering

It could be the kind that is beneficial or one that is detrimental

If you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you’ll be able to distinguish this

But if you don’t know God, you will be sucked into suffering from sin

If you are an unbeliever, suffering seems illogical and is unbearable

But the believer knows that suffering for righteousness is beneficial

We will all suffer for making wrong choices and turning away from God

But to suffer for following Christ gives us hope and the promise of eternal life.

Many people do not know the benefits of suffering and they don’t also know that there are two kinds of suffering. One that is pain from turning away from God which is shown in habitual sinning and denying God’s existence. The other kind of pain is from being rejected and ostracized for believing and serving the one true God. Rebelling against God’s laws and wisdom whether one is a believer or not, still meets the consequence of that sin. They may not admit or accept that they are suffering because they are so used to denying their need for a relationship with their Creator, but it is still a direct aftermath of pulling away from the purpose of your creation. We are all made for God himself and so when we negate that purpose for our existence, we experience a separation from love (God is love) which leads to our emptiness and pain. When we do this, we are embracing “fear” which is the absence of love according to the book of John.

In this account, Peter explains to the believers about the second kind of suffering which is to bear the pain of being rejected by those who hate or do not know Christ. He assures the believers that this kind of suffering brings us closer to receiving the promise of eternity. It becomes a reason for us to look up to that hope that was given to us when Christ suffered and died for us on the cross.

REFLECTION

  • How is having a good conscience as mentioned in verse 16 a weapon against slanderers?

1 PETER 2 SUFFERING FOR GOOD IS A GRACIOUS THING

September 16

1 PETER 2

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:17-25

1 PETER 2 SUFFERING FOR GOOD IS A GRACIOUS THING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you suffer because you have done wrong, that is your sin’s aftermath

You should not wonder why you experience it since all sin deserves God’s wrath

You need not expect to be rewarded for the sin you have committed

The suffering that follows Christ’s passion is doing good and being wronged for it

This kind of hardship and persecution edifies God and is gracious in his eyes

Continue to endure those prejudices for the sake of the gospel and your eternal life

Suffering for righteousness will draw you closer to fulfillment of God’s promise

It will grow your strength, endurance, character and will keep your faith mature.

Many people hate to suffer, but most of the suffering in the world is not always the kind that Jesus sampled for all of us. He suffered and sacrificed his life for the sake of our reconciliation with God. When Adam and Eve sinned, we inherited that natural inclination to it which made us turn our backs from what God has prepared for us. It shifted the design that God made for humankind. As a result of that original sin, death happened and this world became the venue of the enemy to derail us from the righteous plan of God for all of humanity.

In this account, Peter explains to the believers the kind of suffering that is required for Christians. It is not the same suffering that we experience when we do what is opposed to God’s commands. Because our life here on earth entails that we go through the difficulties that are made by the enemy so that we cannot reconcile with God. This whole life is an obstacle course for all of us so that we won’t turn towards God and be reconciled with him through Jesus. In John 10:10, we know that the devil’s job is to steal, kill and destroy every human on earth, including all of God’s people. The kind of suffering that Jesus modelled for us is the sacrificial kind for the sake of righteousness and reconciliation with God and not as a result of the deserving punishment for our sins.

REFLECTION

·       Share what might be a suffering that looks like we are sharing in Christ’s passion.