John Farley
Pastor-Teacher
Wednesday,
August 12, 2015
Why we suffer
as Christians, part 5.
1Pe 4:15-16
Rom 8:16-17
Why we suffer as Christians
First, we suffer for our own sake:
a. That we may learn who God is, Psa 46:1, the book of Job
b. Suffering for learning/training, Heb 12:4-11.
c. Suffering so that we would no longer trust in ourselves, but only in God (2Co 1:3-11)
d. Suffering for character development (Rom 5:1-5)
e. suffering that our faith may be tested and refined (Jam 1:2-4, 1Pe 1:7)
f. Suffering to qualify us for the kingdom of God (2Th 1:4-5)
g. Suffering in weakness that the power of Christ might dwell in us,
2Co 12:9-10
h. Suffering in pruning, so we might bear more fruit,
Joh 15:2
i. suffering to produce joy and generosity in us, 2Co 8:2
j. Suffering so that we might be matured and strengthened and established, 1Pe 5:9-11
Second, we suffer for the sake of others, especially God’s people:
a. Suffering that others may obtain salvation, 2Ti 2:8-10
b. Suffering to give others courage,
Phi 1:12-14
c. Suffering so that others may be comforted,
2Co 1:3-7
d. Suffering in compassion for, and solidarity, with others, 1Co 12:26