ARE WE WILLING TO SUFFER WITH CHRIST?

Intro.

1. We know little about suffering (cf. America versus many other nations).

2. As Christians, we should know something about suffering for Christ & His truth!! - Jno. 15:18-20; 1 Pet. 4:14-16.

3. We also suffer with Christ - 1 Pet. 4:12-13; Phil. 3:7-11 (2 Cor. 11:23-27); Rom. 8:16-18.

4. How are we doing? Do we hold up under the pressures of suffering with Christ? - 1 Pet. 3:17

 

I. JESUS SUFFERED FOR US - 1 Pet. 3:18.

-Left us an example in suffering - 1 Pet. 2:18-24.

 

II. CHRISTIANS MUST BE WILLING TO SUFFER WITH CHRIST.

{Paul said: "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ." (Phil. 3:7) He was willing to suffer for Christ!!}

A. Are We Willing To Suffer Being Lied About? - Matt. 5:10-12

1. Ridiculed by our friends? - 1 Pet. 4:3-4 (cf. young people)

2. Your beliefs & teachings being misrepresented? - 1 Tim. 4:9-11

-Described as fanatics, narrow-minded, extreme, ridiculous, "sinners" & as teaching the "doctrine of devils").

B. Are We Willing To Suffer The Loss Of Friends? - 2 Tim. 4:10, 16.

-1 Cor. 15:33 -34 - Peer pressure to conform to our friends is great. (Prov. 1:10)

C. Are We Willing To Suffer The Loss Of Family Acceptance? - Matt. 10:34-37

1. Spouses? - 1 Cor. 7:12-16. 1 Pet. 3:1-4 - Live godly regardless!

2. Parents? Children?

D. Are We Willing To Suffer The Loss Of Income? - Acts 19:21-28.

1. Treasures in heaven, not on earth! (Matt. 6:19-21)

2. Willingness to do so is determined by where our heart is! (v. 21)

E. Are We Willing To Suffer The Loss Of Freedom? - Rev. 2:10; 2 Cor. 11:23.

F. Are We Willing To Suffer The Loss Of Life? - Rev. 2:10; 2 Cor. 1:8-11; 1 Jno. 3:16.

 

III. WHY SHOULD WE ENDURE SUFFERING WITH CHRIST?

A. To Be Glorified With Him - Rom. 8:17-18.

1. No comparison between present suffering & future glory! - 8:18

B. So, We Do Not Lose Heart (faint) - 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

1. v. 16-17 - We refuse to be "exhausted" (lose heart) or weighed down (light & momentary) by suffering!

2. v. 18 - We look to our heavenly reward! - 2 Cor. 5:1-4 (Col. 3:4)

 

Conclusion

1. Our intention is not to develop a paranoia or a "martyr complex" among Christians.

2. Our aim is to clearly define the result of putting Christ & His truth first in our lives! We will be opposed just as our Master was opposed while He was on earth! (Jno. 15:18-20)

3. Never be ashamed to suffer as a Christian, but commit your soul to the safe-keeping of God! - 1 Pet. 4:16, 19