Suffering for Righteousness (Protestant/Evangelical Caucus and Devotional)

Martin Luther’s teaching of “justification by faith alone” was a battle cry for the sufficiency of the merit of Christ and for the graciousness of redemption. His slogan sola fide (“by faith alone”) was merely an extension of Augustine’s earlier credo, sola gratia (“by grace alone”).

What is lacking in the afflictions of Christ is not merit. No one can possibly subtract from or add to the merit of Christ. His merit is capable of neither diminution or augmentation. Our best works are always tainted by our sinfulness. We are debtors who cannot pay our debts, let alone accrue a surplus of excess merit. To interpret Colossians 1:24 in the way I mentioned in the previous reading is to cast a grotesque shadow over the utter perfection and fullness of Christ’s meritorious suffering.

What then does Paul mean by filling up what is lacking? If the lack is not merit, what is it? Paul repeatedly stresses the idea that the church, the body of Christ, is called to a willing participation in the humiliation and suffering of Jesus. For Paul, as with any Christian, it was a singular honor to be persecuted for righteousness’ sake. But it is one thing to suffer for righteousness’ sake; it is quite another to suffer for merit’s sake.

If you are suffering, reflect on these questions: Is it because of your own bad decisions? Is it because of your circumstances? Are you suffering for righteousness’ sake or is your suffering self-inflicted?

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Philippians 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Hebrews 13:12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.

Interesting. Job suffered for righteousness sake, yet what he suffered (e.g. loss of health, finances, family and friends, etc.) is not exactly what we would consider suffering for righteousness. Whatever we suffer, as difficult as it is to understand, is given to us to make us a better spiritual person.

Hab 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

Rather, blessed are they that hear the WORD of God and DO IT.
Then, you don’t need all the drivel associated with trying to pretend you’re Messiah’s because everyone knows that those who continue in sin - INIQUITY - will be told...

Depart from me, ye worker’s of iniquity.

And sometimes our suffering is for the glory of God, to show that when we are weak, HE is strong. There is an awesome testimony of genuine faith to the world when we endure suffering while still praising God for His grace. The lost find it impossible to understand how someone doesn't turn against God when He has permitted bad times in our lives - that's what they would surely do. Yet, when we endure and never lose our faith, but trust that God has a reason for all things and will work all things for our good when we love Him and are called according to His design and purpose, He receives the glory and our faith grows and matures. We are also able to comfort others who endure affliction and help guide them to see God's hand in every area of our lives. We learn to rest in our trust of Him knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.

And, finally, we are reminded that this world is not our home - heaven is. We live in a fallen world governed by sin and death but, one day, we will be with our Creator for eternity and He shall dry every tear from our eye and there shall be no more weeping for the former things are passed away and all will become new.

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