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)