Sufferings

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,” (Philippians 1:29)

We have examined three types of adversities up to this time. They are tribulations which are from the devil and the world. Temptations/trials to sin are from the tempter, the devil. God will lead us into a wilderness to transition us into blessing and greatness. The fourth type of adversity is suffering.

Sufferings defined: The Greek word for suffering is Pascho. It is used 42xs in NT.: Phil 1:29; Acts 9:13

Suffering is associated with being opposed by people (Philippians 1:28-29); Cross of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:18); being caused to grieve by people (1 Peter 2:19); to be harshly treated by people (1 Peter 1:20)

*In summary suffering (Pascho) is used the vast majority of times with being ill-treated by people, experiencing hard times w/ people or demonic:

*Used only once to describe Paul not suffering harm when he was bitten by a snake: Acts 28:5

*We must not suffer as person of sin or injustice: 1 Peter 2:19; 4:15

*Being in a world run by the devil we will suffer for the sake of Jesus: Philippians 1:29

Sufferings of Jesus on the Cross, judicially established Him as the author of our salvation: “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10)

*In the midst of suffering is where Jesus learned obedience: “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)

Sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared to what we will receive: Romans 8:17-18

*The degree we suffer is the degree we will be exalted: 1 Peter 3:8-14; 4:12-14

*Bearing up under sufferings is the doorway to the blessings of God: 1 Peter 3:8-9

*Suffering is a doorway to overcome the effects of sin: 1 Peter 4:1

Sufferings is the avenue for us to receive the power of His resurrection: Philippians 3:10

Suffering for the Kingdom validates God’s judicially giving us all the blessings of the Kingdom: “This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.” (2 Thessalonians 1:5)

God Himself will come to us, while we in sufferings and after our sufferings “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)