Why Do Christians Suffer (I Peter 2:20-24)

—

by

Robert Piña
in

Introduction: This evening, we will be talking about suffering. Everyone in this room has suffered or will suffer in some form or fashion. Christians can be suffering because of their own sin, wrongdoing, or their righteousness and right doing. The suffering can come from themselves, the devil, or even God. This evening, we just want to focus on the reason why we suffer.    

Christians Suffer Because: 

  1. It Reminds Us of Jesus– I Peter 2:20-24 Jesus Christ didn’t have to suffer yet He did. Notice how it says that he left us an example to follow. You and I will suffer like He did, and we shouldn’t think it strange when we do suffer, I Peter 1:12 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you”. 
  2. It Makes Us More Christ Like– I Peter 4:13-16 “inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings”. When we suffer, it makes us partakers of Christ’s suffering. The Lord Jesus Christ suffered at great lengths and when we suffer, it makes us more Christ like. 
  3. It Shows Us God’s Grace– II Corinthians 12:7-10 “My grace is sufficient for thee”. God’s grace is the free unmerited love and favor of God. I’ve noticed that when Christians are suffering, usually it draws them closer to God. We don’t deserve it, yet we get to see it when we are going through suffering. And it allows us to move on in His power instead of our weakness. 
  4. It Helps Us Console Others- II Corinthains 1:2-4. Sometimes we wonder why we are going through sufferings, troubles, and afflictions. Part of the reason is so that we can comfort others as we are comforted of God during our troubles. We get to be a help to other believers. 
  5. It Provides for Us a Reward– II Corinthians 4:16-18 as we go through suffering here on this earth, we can rest assured that God is taking account up in Heaven. It may not feel good down here, but it sure is accumulating up in heaven. Don’t look for temporal rewards, look for eternal rewards.  Romans 8:16-17 
  6. It Glorifies God– John 9:1-3, John 11:1-4, 40. God wants the honor and glory for everything. Whether good or for suffering, God wants to be glorified. Isaiah 42:8 “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images”. 

Conclusion: Often, we get tunnel vision when going through suffering and we forget that there could be a greater purpose that God is trying or allowing to accomplish in the life of Christians. The next time we suffer in this life, just know that God has a greater plan that we may not see now.