Monday, April 15, 2024

PARTICIPATING IN THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST

Philippians 1:27-30

Exposition

We live in a generation where everyone is looking for happiness and so anything associated with suffering is not welcome. Questions such as, why should a Christian suffer, are often asked by many. Some even teach that those who have enough faith will never have to suffer, and that those who go through suffering lack faith in Christ. This is a false teaching.

Our Scripture reading for this week teaches us that it has been granted unto us not only to believe but also suffer for Christ’s sake. Christians must understand that suffering is an expected part of the Christian life. If Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith suffered while on earth, then believers can’t exempt themselves from suffering. However, it must also be noted that not everything we suffer as Christians is Christian suffering. Some suffer due to their own evil desire. By grace, Christians are no longer what we were by nature. Once you were dead in trespasses and sins, now you are alive together with Christ. Believers still face creaturely sufferings in a fallen world but the good news is that Christians have been spared the eternal sufferings of the hell they deserve, a punishment laid on Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, instead of us.

Therefore, see every suffering in your way as an opportunity to be united with Christ. It is my prayer that you will avail yourself for the impartation of the Spirit through this devotion.

Prayer Guide: Oh Lord grant me the grace to go through every form of suffering in this life.

Memory Verse For This Week: Philippians 1:29 (NIV) – “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”

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