There is the suffering for righteousness’ sake. In the synagogue in Nazareth, His own hometown, Jesus said, “But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth …” (John 8:40). He suffered for righteousness’ sake, and we are told very definitely that we will do the same: “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye …” (1 Pet. 3:14). Paul wrote to young Timothy: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
Then there is the suffering in the measure we identify ourselves with Christ for the proclamation of the gospel. John wrote, “… because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). The Lord Jesus made it very clear, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18–19). If you are not of the world, the world will hate you.
You remember when the Lord Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, He said, “… Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). That young Pharisee was startled and puzzled. Saul of Tarsus thought that he was persecuting Christians. He was shocked to learn that he was actually persecuting the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is what Peter wrote about our suffering: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Pet. 4:12–13).
There is one thing for certain: If the gospel is to go forward today, someone must suffer. When a child is born into this world, some woman must travail in pain; and the reason there are not more people being born again is because there are not enough believers who are willing to travail. Suffering is not popular—but that is what Paul is talking about in this verse.
BigMack
I agree. Now Big Mack, would you agree that by suffering the sufferer is changed, transformed? That suffering in the name of Christ develops "character" (for lack of a better word)?
SD
Oops. This is the quote I was talking about, Mack. Ignore the other one.
SD