Don't Be Ashamed To Suffer For Being A christian
To Suffer For Christ Is A Privilege
1 PETER 4:15-16
“But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
”I Peter 4:15-16 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/1pe.4.15-16.NKJ
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It is not shameful to suffer for being a Christian. Peter, John, Paul and others mentioned in the bible that they were all persecuted for preaching and living in God’s Word.
But they rejoiced in their suffering, because persecution was a mark of God’s approval of their work (ACTS 5:41) and is a mark of approval on God’s people today.
Just like Peter, John, and Paul suffered for Christ, we believers can expect to suffer for living for Christ.
We shouldn’t seek suffering, nor should we avoid it by doing what is wrong, but instead keep doing good and what is right, regardless of whether it brings suffering or not.
Paul tells us, “Do not be intimidated in any way by your enemies.
Bullies use intimidation, but your strength and courage in Christ will be a reminder to them that they are going to be destroyed and that you are going to be saved by God Himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him (PHILIPPIANS 1:28-29).
Paul viewed suffering for Christ a privilege; indeed he certainly suffered for his faith throughout his life.
It goes against our nature to see suffering a privilege, yet when we suffer to faithfully represent Christ, our message and example affect us and others for good (see ACTS 5:41).
Suffering has other benefits too: it takes our eyes off of worldly comforts; it weeds out superficial believers; it strengthens the faith of all those that endure; and it is an example to others who may be watching.
It doesn’t mean we have done something wrong or God is angry with us when we are suffering. In deed, the opposite is true. It verifies that we have been faithful. Don’t allow suffering to pull you down, but rather allow it to build your character.
James said, ”My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.“
James 1:2-4 NKJV
Suffering doesn’t feel good at the time, but God uses it for good as a part of the process of transformation that takes us to a renewed mind (ROMANS 12:1-2). It is that process that changes our very nature and even the way we think and respond to the challenges of this world.
Yet, if one suffers because of sin, or selfishness, their is no credibility in that. That is God’s discipline that shall hopefully bring many to repentance.
Their is and always will be consequences for our deeds whether good or evil and are designed to teach and bring people to repentance.
But sadly, because of pride and rebellion, most people have to fall to the bottom of the pit before they repent and rise up to walk in the righteousness of Christ; some remain rebellious regardless.
The truth is, God wants no one to perish, but for all to turn to Him in repentance (2 PETER 3:9). But sadly many will as will many of their children because of lack of knowledge.
Speaking through Hosea, the Lord said, ”My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.“
Hosea 4:6 NKJV
Their are always going to be consequences for our deeds, whether good or evil. Furthermore, evil deeds separates us from God and open doors, that allows the devil in to influence us to sin even more.
Like sqattters, they move in to dwell in one’s flesh and gain direct access to one’s soul, his mind, will, and emotions to deceive, use, and torment, according to the devil’s purposes. ”Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.“
James 4:7-10 NKJV
The suffering in this world will not stop until Christ returns and brings final judgment.
But I encourage all believers suffering for Christ, there is no shame on anyone living for Christ; it doesn’t matter what people think, it’s what God thinks that counts.
My brethren, whatever your suffering, God loves you and He is with you with this message:
“”But you, Israel, (all Spirit filled believers) are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Isaiah 41:8-10 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
