1 PETER 4 SUFFER IN THE FLESH TO STOP SINNING

September 11

1 PETER 4

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. – 1 Peter 4:1-6

1 PETER 4 SUFFER IN THE FLESH TO STOP SINNING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are chosen by God to be his own

You will now see differently and begin to see the truth

The rest of humanity lives to satisfy their flesh and cravings

But the child of God listens to the Spirit’s voice and nudging

When we suffer in the flesh, we are being purified from sin

Allow yourself to suffer so you could give up hedonism

That is the only way you can share in Christ’s suffering

So, live in the Spirit and he will purify your whole being.

Peter admonishes the church to allow their bodies to suffer in their cravings, just as Christ did when he triumphed over sin. In verse one, he is encouraging the believers to have the same mindset as Christ did when he was in the flesh and was exposed to the same temptations that we are constantly enticed with. But because he didn’t sin even though he was human, he set the example for us to follow.

In verse 2, Peter gives us the reason why we ought to suffer in the flesh or die to our sinful nature. The reason we suffer as believers is because we are serving the Lord. The world system wants us to serve our own “selves” which is against the Spirit of the Lord. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus teaches faithfulness when he said “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Jesus points out that we can’t both serve the world and Him at the same time or we cannot follow our flesh and also the Holy Spirit. We have to die to the flesh so we can serve Jesus. So, when we suffer not getting our pleasures and cravings satisfied, we are being purified from the world system. When God elects a person to become his follower, he equips them to follow the voice of the Spirit and not the voice coming from the world. How do we distinguish these voices? The Holy Spirit’s voice always leads you to bring glory to God while the flesh leads you to follow your sinful desires and make your own kingdom so you can give glory to yourself.

REFLECTION

  • What happens when we always succumb to our flesh and not listen to the Spirit’s voice?

PSALM 34 GOD RESCUES THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS

September 10

PSALM 34

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
    to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
    none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

                                                                                  – Psalm 34:15-22

PSALM 34 GOD RESCUES THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are a child of God, no need to fear troubles

Those whom God loves are never left alone in the rubbles

The Lord God rescues the righteous from all their afflictions

He is near to those who are broken hearted and crushed in spirit

There is no need to worry for God keeps his people protected

He doesn’t allow anything to hurt or overwhelm them

But the wicked will be slayed by troubles without help

They have no Savior to redeem them from their distress.

When you read this psalm and you are a Christian, it is so comforting, but for the unbeliever, it would be terrifying to know that they will be left on their own to deal with their afflictions. People may be wondering why God would treat evildoers very differently from his chosen people. Remember that the bible says God is love and those who believe in him know what love is because God gave them the ability to give and receive that love that is given to them when they believed in Christ.

In this psalm, we get a glimpse of the compassion, the provision and protection we have from our heavenly Father himself, if we commit to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. This concept of protection is reiterated in Isaiah 54:17 when the prophet declared that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Paul also reminded us of this prophecy in Romans 8:31 when he said “If God is for us, who can be against us? So, why do still many believers struggle with facing afflictions fearfully? When we haven’t developed a God-dependent attitude and mindset, we automatically fear pain, suffering and trials. This psalm is a good reminder of God’s steadfast love for all his covenant people.

REFLECTION

  • How can we fight the urge to fear troubles, tribulations and afflictions that come our way?

1 PETER 5 YOU’RE NOT ALONE IN YOUR SUFFERING

September 9

1 PETER 5

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 5:6-11

1 PETER 5 YOU’RE NOT ALONE IN YOUR SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you go through painful trials and hardships

It is not unusual to feel lonely and isolated

That is exactly what the enemy wants you to dwell in

Resist the lie and look at others who are also suffering

You’re not alone in your pain, resist the urge to isolate

Find comfort knowing you’re not alone and connect with others

Hold on to Jesus and you will find restoration and strength

You will begin to face suffering knowing you’ll be able to endure it.

The hard thing with suffering is going through it on your own. This is the reason why we have families, communities and friendships and the body of Christ. When we share our burdens with others as Galatians 6:2 instructs us to bear one another’s burden so we can fulfill the law of Christ. What is the law of Christ? It is the law of love. When we show love and care and support each other in our trials and adversities, the burden becomes light. This is what Jesus promised in Matthew 11. That if we come to him with our suffering and heavy burdens, he will give us rest and make it lighter for us to carry. When we carry our own crosses, we are going to be burnt out and unable to get rest and relief. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can give us this rest. As humans, we don’t know how to rest. We keep on doing and striving instead of letting God do what he only can. We cannot control others or our situations, but he can. When we continue to take control of things during hardships, we just get tired and exhausted not knowing that there is only One (Our Lord) who can do something about it. All we need to do is to come to him and depend on him instead of looking after our own problems and dilemmas.

In this account, Peter reminds the believers of the adversary, the devil’s tactics and how he operates like a roaring lion ready to devour. He gives us a weapon against the enemy through humility, casting all anxieties to God, so we don’t dwell on independence. He told them to resist the devil through a God-dependent mentality and being sober and watchful of the tactics that are hurled towards the believers. If we isolate ourselves from others, we are opening doors for the enemy to devour us.

REFLECTION

  • How can isolation make you intolerable to suffering?

2 CORINTHIANS THE SUFFERING THAT HAS A PAYOFF

September 8

 2 CORINTHIANS 4

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer selfis wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

                                                                                        – 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

2 CORINTHIANS THE SUFFERING THAT HAS A PAYOFF

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you are a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ

You will see suffering and trials in a different light

It is an occasion to grow our endurance and faith

It is a painful experience that has an immense eternal payoff

When you see this life as a stopover before your final destination

You will understand why suffering is part of this earthly venture

This earthly passage is the way that we are being purified for Christ

Without enduring the trials in life, we are not going to be sanctified

So, embrace suffering with joy knowing that you will gain eternal life

Face it with courage so that you can emulate the example of Christ.

As humans, we try our best to avoid suffering and painful experiences. We don’t like it when someone give or cause us pain. This view comes from the world. Because we inherited sin from Adam and Eve, we automatically serve the “self.” In other words, we like to pleasure our own selves and make sure that we are comfortable and happy. Joy and happiness are two different things. Happiness usually results from having what we want and having all the conveniences and desires in life. We are happy when we get something we crave for. Joy is the result of thankfulness for whatever we have. It is counting the blessings that we receive from God. It is not a product of having a material thing but it is a consequence of our relationship and closeness to God.  The worldly notion of suffering is that it dampens happiness and pleasure. Unbelievers totally avoid it. But believers see suffering as a way to receive eternity.

REFLECTION

  • Share how suffering had a big payoff in your life.

PHILIPPIANS 3 SUFFERING LEADS TO RESURRECTION

September 7

PHILIPPIANS 3

 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.  – Philippians 3:7-11

PHILIPPIANS 3 SUFFERING LEADS TO RESURRECTION

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Pain comes with losing someone or something you love

The world reacts to loses with much pity for the self

If you serve the Lord, you are required to embrace suffering

After going through it, you build your character and strength

Just as Christ suffered and died so he can be resurrected from death

All his followers are assured of such resurrection if they believe in him.

It is counter intuitive for an unbeliever to hear Paul say in verse 7 that he counts all his gains as losses for the sake of Christ. What does this mean? He is talking about material or earthly gains. We know that God is Spirit according to John 4:24 and he requires for his followers to worship him in spirit and in truth. We cannot see God but we believe that he exists. The things in this world can be visually seen unlike spiritual things. This is why Paul explains in Ephesians 6 that we don’t deal with flesh and blood but with unseen forces which are spiritual. We deal with spiritual battles moment by moment. We don’t see our enemies but we can definitely feel their presence in our thoughts and attitudes. Paul talks about material gains that he counts as unimportant because as a servant of Jesus, he is the only thing that matters to him. The material things don’t count that much when we think of God’s kingdom because they keep us attached to the world instead of focusing our eyes on spiritual things. Paul says that because he loves the Lord, he counts all material things and losses as rubbish because Paul has a “destination mindset.”

Many people begin to get attached to the things they possess and experience, then lose sight of the destination. This world is never the one promised to us by God. It is an obstacle course that we need to go through in order that we can receive God’s promises and rewards in heaven. This world is run by the prince of this world, Satan. The lies he whispers to us are the obstacles to the narrow path towards the righteous road. The devil does not want us to experience suffering because he wants us to believe the lie that this world is good, comfortable and convenient so we will be derailed to focus on spiritual things.

This is why we are warned as believers to pursue sorrow rather than gladness because when we do so, we are suffering with Christ and we will then receive his resurrection promise.

REFLECTION

  • How can suffering keep us focused on spiritual things?

ROMANS 5 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING

September 6

ROMANS 5

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faithinto this grace in which we stand, and werejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. – Romans 5:1-5

ROMANS 5 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ

He has justified us and given us access to grace

We can now look at suffering in a different way

We use to fear and avoid it when it comes

Now we can see the upside of suffering

It produces endurance and character

When we have character, it produces hope

Hope removes all kinds of humiliation and shame.

If an unbeliever reads the title of this devotional, they would cringe because it would be illogical for them to look at suffering as anything beneficial. In this account, Paul explains to the believers that suffering has a purpose in our lives especially for those who are servants of the Lord. In Malachi 3:3 the prophet describes God Almighty as a refiner when he said: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.” The psalmist also refers to purification of the believers in Psalm 66:10-12  when he wrote: “For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”

This refining concept is similar to testing a student whether they have learned to apply the theories and

teachings that have been taught in the classes they attended. The test measures their cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills. In the book of James, he stressed the importance of doing the word of God and not just hearing it. What happens if we do not obey and follow the word of God after hearing it? James described it vividly in James 1:22-25 when he said: 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

REFLECTION

  • What do you think happens to a believer who avoids all kinds of trials and sufferings?

ROMANS 8 SPIRITUAL ADOPTION THROUGH SUFFERING

September 5

ROMANS 8

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  – Romans 8 :16-28

ROMANS 8 SPIRITUAL ADOPTION THROUGH SUFFERING

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When Adam and Eve sinned, suffering became inevitable

It thwarted the original purpose of God for man to praise him

Instead of our hearts longing for communion with the Lord

We became lured into following the systems of the world

Because of God’s steadfast love for humanity

He gave a solution to our sin and immorality

By sending his only Son to pay the penalty of our sins

He adopted us into his heavenly kingdom through his suffering.

Usually, when parents who couldn’t have children decide to adopt a child, they may think they can pick who they want. Adoptive parents cannot specifically choose the child they want as if they are shopping, but they can specify age, ethnicity or certain parameters with regards to specific health conditions. In verse 17, Paul explains to the Roman believers that they are heirs to God provided they suffer with Christ. It is not the same to suffer for the result of sin. It is to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. In other words, not all suffering we experience is a prerequisite to our legacy from God’s kingdom. It is to suffer the exact persecutions and discriminations that we receive by being a believer. An example of this suffering is like being ostracized by other religions and ethnicities. That is a form of suffering for Christ. Paul says that unless we go through this kind of suffering, we won’t be spiritually adopted in God’s family.

REFLECTION

·       Share some sufferings you went through that could pass for being adopted by God in his family.

2 TIMOTHY 3 GODLY PEOPLE WILL SUFFER & BE PERSECUTED

September 4

2 TIMOTHY 3

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

                                                                              –  2 Timothy 3:10-17

2 TIMOTHY 3 GODLY PEOPLE WILL SUFFER & BE PERSECUTED

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, you were given his Spirit

Because the Spirit lives in you, you will have strength for adversities

Expect suffering and persecution as you serve the Lord

His promise is to be with you so you can overcome the world

He didn’t offer a life of convenience but a life of dependence on him

Because Jesus has overcome the world, you will have triumph over sin.

In this letter of Paul to his spiritual son Timothy, he reminds him to teach the believers in his church that with their commitment to serve the Lord, they also have to expect that they will face suffering and persecution. This may sound so weird to the unbeliever who might say that it doesn’t make sense to be a Christian when they will suffer and be persecuted. That is precisely the difference of the God that we believe in. He is sacrificial unlike other little gods who are high and mighty up there. God himself sacrificed his only Begotten Son, Jesus to die on a cross so that he can wipe out the wrath that the people deserved after they sinned against him. He knew that humans cannot save themselves from his wrath, so he gave the solution in the sacrifice of his own son to be the payment for our sins. He provided the way out for us. So, it actually makes sense that he allows suffering and persecution for his people because it is the way for them to be sanctified and purified. God requires his people to be holy since he is a holy God and we can only do that if we go to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and repent of our sins.

In verse 11, Paul gives testimony how God allowed him to endure the sufferings he underwent in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. He knew that he can’t do it without the Spirit of the Lord allowing him to endure such hardships and persecutions. God also equipped us with the word of God so we can be guided, comforted and corrected whenever we lose our direction.

REFLECTION

·       How can we see suffering in the light of this explanation of Paul to Timothy in verses 11-13?

JOHN 16 SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE IN LIFE

September 3

JOHN 16

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:25-33

JOHN 16 SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE IN LIFE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

While you are still in this world, trials will come

It is an aftermath of the sin of Adam and Eve

Before the fall, there was no suffering

Tribulations came resulting from sin

Do not fear if you belong to the Lord

Even if trials come, you’ll overcome the world.

Why do some people think that there shouldn’t be suffering in this life? They obviously do not know the Lord if they have this kind of thinking. In these following verses, Jesus revealed to John that tribulation or suffering is inevitable in life. For as long as we are living in this world and until he comes back and fulfills his promise of the new heaven and the new earth, we will have to contend with the pain that comes with trials and tribulations. But these following verses assure us of triumph over such hardships and obstacles to our faith when Jesus said in verse 33 that we can be at peace because it is inevitable in life but also that he has overcome the world already.

The thing with suffering is that it is painful. But the pain sometimes can be bearable if there is someone with us to comfort us or to walk alongside us. In verse 32, we hear Jesus’ promise that God is always with those who call on him and those who love him. So, if we are believers, there is no reason for us to be debilitated by trials and tribulations. We have the Lord with us and he is our strength, our shield and our vindicator. If God is for us, who can be against us? This is why believers are called to come in fellowship with one another and share each others’ burdens so that the law of love will be fulfilled in their lives. This way, God is edified and glorified and the church is unified in following the commands that God has given us.

REFLECTION

  • How should a Christian view suffering in the light of the promise in verse 33?

PHILIPPIANS 1 SUFFER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

September 2

PHILIPPIANS 1

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.27 Only let your manner of life be worthyof the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

                                                                            – Philippians 1:18-30

PHILIPPIANS 1 SUFFER FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As a believer of Christ, we are to embrace trials with joy

When we are rejected and persecuted for his sake

It is an occasion for us to exercise endurance and patience

As a believer, we are to follow his example of long suffering

If you live for Christ, you will look as suffering as gain

We can share in the big sacrifice he made for us by bearing the pain

Suffer for Christ’s sake so you will grow in your faith

Without suffering, you will not be taking the narrow road to Christ.

This letter of Paul to the Philippians is such a big challenge for the Christian believers. Paul sets the example of taking suffering as a way to follow the narrow path to God. When he says in verse 21 to live is Christ and to die is gain, he was referring to die in this context as to suffer. How would suffering be a gain? The world will never understand this because it only knows convenience and comfort.

Two bible verses explain this phrase that Paul is teaching the believers: John 12:24 says “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” 1 Corinthians 15:36 “What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.” These following verses teach us that the gain in suffering is reaping the fruit of faith. We deepen our knowledge of God and thereby grow in our dependence on him.

REFLECTION

  • How is suffering for a consequence of sin different from suffering for Christ’s sake?