Observations on Suffering
1. We suffer because we live in a fallen world
where sin reigns in the hearts/minds of men.
(primary)
2. We suffer because of our own foolishness. We reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7-9).
3. We sometimes suffer because it is God's
discipline to get us back on track spiritually.
"For those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges
every son He receives." (Heb. 12:6).
4. We may suffer persecution because of our
faith--especially when we take a stand on biblical issues, i.e., suffering for
righteousness sake (2 Tim.
Suffering
has as its chief purpose the formation of Christ-like character that we would
be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).
Suffering
is that which proves one's character and integrity along with both the object
and quality of one's faith.
In order
to handle suffering with inner mental attitude of joy and tranquility, we must
also be able to look ahead to God's purposes and reasons for suffering. We must have an eternal perspective,
that is to remember that momentary suffering, is producing an eternal
weight of glory. (2 Cor. 4:17-18)
(1) We suffer as a testimony, as a witness: (2
Tim 2:8‑10; 1 Pet. 3:13‑17).
Suffering
provides key opportunities to manifest and magnify the power of God through our
lives in order to verify and confirm the messenger and his message.
(2) We
suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5)
(3) We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor.
12:7).
(4) We suffer because it is a training tool.
In this sense, suffering is designed:
a. As discipline for sin to bring us
back to fellowship through genuine confession (Ps. 32:3-5; 119:67).
b. As a pruning tool to remove dead
wood from our lives (weaknesses, sins of ignorance, immature attitudes and
values, etc.)
The
desired goal is increased fruitfulness (John 15:1-7).
c. As a tool for growth designed to cause us to rely on the
Lord and His Word.
Trials
test our faith and cause us to use the promises and principles of the Word (Ps. 119:71, 92;
1 Pet. 1:6;
d. As a means of learning what
obedience really means. It becomes a
test of our loyalty. (Heb. 5:8).
The point
is, obedience often costs us something and is hard. It can require sacrifice, courage,
discipline, and faith in the belief that God is good and has our best interests
at heart regardless of how things might appear to us at the time.
Ultimately,
it is the Word and the Spirit of God working in us that produces faith and
mature Christ‑like character (Ps. 119:67, 71).
The Lord
uses trials to test our faith in the sense of purifying it, by separating out
the human viewpoint dross, and to bring truth to the surface, so we are able to
put our faith to work.
(5) We
suffer to bring about continued dependence on the grace and power of God.
Suffering
is designed to motivate us to walk by God's ability, power and provision rather
than by our own (2 Cor. 11:24-32; 12:7-10; Eph.
6:10f; Ex. 17:8f).
(6) We
suffer to manifest the life and character of Christ (The Fruit of the Spirit) (2 Cor. 4:8-11; Phil.