PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL THE ROLE OF SUFFERING Precept Ministries International 1

Transcription

1 PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL THE ROLE OF SUFFERING 2015 Precept Ministries International 1

2 Are suffering and persecution an essential part of Christian life today? In Eurasia and North Africa a territory made up of more than 65 countries, believers understand that their heritage is one of suffering and persecution. Today these Christians grow in this heritage that persecution is the normal Christian life. Through our experiences we learned from our parents and grandparents that to endure and excel in the midst of persecution is never easy, but our faith grows and we understand following Jesus involves a cross as well as a crown. What are some possible reasons of sufferings in life? Jonah 1:4, 12 4 The LORD hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. 12 He said to them, Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm fnfor you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you. You can cause others to be in a storm because of your disobedience. Your storm can be because of someone else s disobedience. Why did Jonah refuse to obey God message to Nineveh? Salvation and witnessing inevitably result in persecution from Jonah perspective. Many times Christians accept the hard truth that persecution is normal and prepare yourself and others for reality. Otherwise you strive to create a safe place and lose the courage to let God use your testimony and His message for salvation. Lose your fear and claim your freedom to be culturally wise and a bold witness to the local people about Jesus Christ. Followers of Christ are as free to share their faith in Romania under Communism, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq as they are in USA. The issue is NOT whether we are free to share but if we are willing to suffer the consequences of expressing our faith Precept Ministries International 1

3 Proverbs 27:12 12 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naive proceed and pay the penalty. Sometimes suffering comes because we are unwise in the decisions we make. Persecution and response to the gospel are two sides of the same coin. Understand that bold witness will necessarily result in persecution not because we are unwise in our practices, but simply because Satan detests faith and desires that no one become a child of God. We do not seek persecution we do not decide to risk others but never regret because we do not use the opportunity to share and let the Holy Spirit direct us. Never take easy the price the believer can pay in persecution 2 Corinthians 4:11 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. Sometimes suffering comes because we serve Jesus and this can bring persecution. The Christian s sufferings are a strategic part of God s plan to reach the nations. Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake and in my flesh I fill up what is lacking in Christ afflictions for the sake of His body, the Church. Paul s suffering fills up Christ s afflictions not by adding anything to their worth but by being part of God s strategic plan to reach the nations. The afflictions of Christ are lacking in the sense they are not seen and known and loved among they nations. They must be carried by Christians Precept Ministries International 2

4 What are some blessings that can come during suffering? Jonah 1:16 16 Then the men feared the LORD greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows. Sometimes suffering helps us to see God more clearly. How can a Christian develop a spiritual, emotional and physical example and teaching in suffering? By understanding that in their suffering they learn how to see God more clearly in their situation and live exemplary lives before those who watch them daily. Believers living in persecution refuse to be quiet and give their faith value in the eyes of those who watch the believer and marvel at their willingness to suffer and die in Jesus name. Every day, every follower of Jesus decides to side with the persecutor or the persecuted. They decide to side with the persecuted when they are open and share their faith. That is why we pray for the persecuted brothers and sisters to choose to give bold witness! Philippians 1:12 12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, How we react in times of suffering can determine what others think about Christ. Many times the Christians by their attitude teach the locals to be afraid that they will be kicked out of the country, lose their work permit or visas, fear for their children, fear being uprooted from school and friends, and dread learning another language. Most of all they fear that the fruit of their ministry will be targeted Precept Ministries International 3

5 Paul said that his circumstances helped to spread the good news. He understands the way he reacts in time of suffering will determine how others will think of Christ. Romans 5:3-8 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We can rejoice also when we can run into a problem or trial for we know that they are good for us. Trials and problems can help us to learn to perseverance. Perseverance develops strength of character in us and character strengthens our confidence and expectation of salvation. Times of suffering can strengthen our character. Where do strength and spiritual insights come from? By knowing the character God is forming in us and our disciples through suffering. The biblical vision of suffering reminds us that believers should not avoid persecution that is inherent in following Christ. It is not to seek persecution but to allow God to live in us a season of grace. Many believers tell us the gratitude for the teaching they receive which helps them to pass through difficult situations and how they are encouraged by our example, just to keep on returning, bringing books, passing through difficult borders, staying for days inside, etc Precept Ministries International 4

6 1 Peter 4:13 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. Trials will make you a partner with Christ and His sufferings. Times of suffering help us identify with the suffering Jesus endured for our sake. Who is able to teach the new believers, the generation of believers in Muslim countries who are engaged into faith from Islam, how to live in Christ and understand suffering? They also, through suffering, learn how to die in Christ. New believers from Islam often suffer from their parents and grandparents who lead their persecution. It is immediate family members who beat these new believers, place them under house arrest, disinherit them, arrange marriages for their daughters to Muslim men 30 years their senior. It is often immediate family members who turn in new believers to religious authorities. A big number of believers learn through this suffering to live in Christ and often to die for Him. Do you want to know how to live and die in Christ? Then watch our lives as we live them out. How should I respond in suffering? Jonah 2:1 1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, Jonah 2:7 7 While I was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, Psalm 130:1 1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD. Psalm 119:71 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes Precept Ministries International 5

7 God uses Christians to make Christ visible by their personal life and share about the Christ who died. Missionaries who have passions for Christ have passions for nations, for peoples and are ready to suffer that people will not perish for their sin without hearing the good news of Christ. That is why suffering can be an opportunity to share the goodness of God. When we reach the end of our rope, we must call upon the Lord, for our weakness is a time for His strength. Our sufferings are His opportunities. Psalm 28:7 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Psalm 46:1 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. In suffering we wonder: who can I trust? I can always trust in the Lord. In the midst of suffering we learn our priorities, our allegiance to God and how much we want to glorify our Father through our lives. CONCLUSION Suffering is His opportunity to let Him work through our suffering, to see Him clearly, to strengthen character, to identify with His sufferings, to make me wiser in my decisions and to learn to use suffering as opportunities for the Kingdom. Honor the sufferings of brothers and sisters in Christ by telling the truth about the price they have to pay! Determine to live out your faith model it for this generation how to follow Christ in life and death. Have the courage to say, Watch my life as I follow Christ Precept Ministries International 6

8 Trusting God In Times Of Adversity by Kay Arthur & Pete De Lacy Do you ever ask, Why is this happening to me? Where is God? Discover new meaning in the difficulties of your life as you follow Job s amazing journey from prosperity to pain and back again. Learn how to wait in complete dependence for God to come through in your life. Do you long to immerse yourself in God s Word but need a guide to match your busy lifestyle? The New Inductive Study Series, now complete and covering every book of the Bible, was created to help you discover truth for yourself and go deeper into God s precepts, promises and purposes. This powerful series is ideal for personal study, small groups, Sunday school classes, family devotions, and discipling others. Containing 13-week long studies, the New Inductive Study Series also provides easy planning for church curriculum! CLICK TO ORDER 2015 Precept Ministries International 7