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Further Study (L13)

Additional notes are indicated in green.

*Observations for reference: In the Greek text for this passage, 7 imperatives (commands) relating to the responses and reactions we should have towards suffering are used. The imperatives in verses 12-19 are specifically present tense imperatives, with the present tense usually indicating general precepts or actions that should continue to be done.

The use of the present tense imperative in this passage highlights the idea that we may experience sufferings at any time and sometimes continually. However, the Bible encourages us to persist in doing what is right in God’s eyes, even in the face of suffering.

  • v1 - ὁπλίσασθε - “arm yourself”
  • v12 - ξενίζεσθε - “do not be surprised”
  • v13 - χαίρετε - “rejoice”
  • v15 - πασχέτω - “do not suffer (as an evildoer)”
  • v16 - αἰσχυνέσθω - “do not be ashamed” δοξαζέτω - “glorify”
  • v19 - παρατιθέσθωσαν - “entrust”

  1. The nature of suffering
    • Suffering is inevitable.
      • As believers of Christ, we are not immune from the sufferings of this world. Some people may have the misconception that believing in Christ ensures our life will always be smooth sailing. However, the Bible teaches us otherwise.
    • Suffering is temporary.
      • If we can view suffering from an eternal perspective, we will be able to grow through suffering with faith in its purpose and hope of its end reward.
        • Our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us in the future (Rom 8:18).
  2. Reasons for and benefits of suffering

    A. Reasons why people may suffer

    • For sin
      • If we examine ourselves and know there are areas where we fall short, we should grasp the opportunity to correct ourselves and ask God for forgiveness.
      • Respond to God’s discipline with submission and gratitude, knowing that His discipline is meaningful and meant for our good.
    • For righteousness’ sake
      • When we suffer, it is not always because of sin. In fact, many Bible characters suffered for the sake of fulfilling God’s will, holding fast to their faith, or persisting in righteousness.
      • Examples
        • Jesus was without sin (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:22); yet, He willingly endured suffering and death on the cross out of obedience and submission to God’s will (Isa 53:7; Lk 22:42; Acts 3:18; Phil 2:8).
        • Daniel chose to continue praying to God, even after the king’s decree. As a result, he suffered being thrown into the lion’s den (Dan 6:10, 16).
      • Suffering for righteousness’ sake is even more prominent now in a society where moral standards are diverging further and further from the truth of the Bible.
        • Since the culture and principles the world propagates often run contrary to our beliefs in the Bible, we may suffer when we choose to go against what is mainstream or widely accepted.
          • For example, we may be reviled or slandered by others when we choose to prioritize our faith or stand up for godly beliefs. Others will think it strange we do not act as they do and persecute us for it (1 Pet 4:3-4).
      • If we are to hold fast to our faith and fulfill God’s will, we must be willing to deny our fleshly desires and stand firm for what is right in God’s eyes. For it is by remaining true to our faith in God that we can find meaning in our sufferings.

    B. Benefits and outcomes of suffering

    • Refinement and spiritual growth
      • Suffering refines us.
        • If we constantly give in to our desires and compromise to avoid pain or struggle, we will only continually succumb to the lusts of the flesh.
          • However, when we arm ourselves with the mind to suffer and are willing to be trained through hardships, we can rely on the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13). In this way, we will no longer be controlled by sin, but have the strength to live out God’s will (1 Pet 4:1-2).
      • Suffering trains up our faith and helps us grow spiritually.
        • God may use suffering to elevate us spiritually. While sometimes suffering is a form of punishment and discipline for our wrongdoings, God may also use suffering to instruct and train us. This all comes from a heart of love, like that of a father towards his child. Through this process, we may share in God’s holiness and yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb 12:5-11).
        • As a humbling process, God also uses suffering to develop our obedience and trust in Him.
          • Being “beaten down” by suffering forces us to set aside our pride, recognize our own limitations, and trust in God by submitting to His will.
            • When we suffer, we also learn to keep and obey God’s words (Ps 119:67, 71).
          • In our weaknesses, God’s strength is perfected (2 Cor 12:9). By relying on God’s strength, we can emerge from suffering a better and stronger person.
    • Allows us to help others
      • Because suffering is universal, we will encounter challenges and have experiences that are similar to one another (1 Pet 5:9).
      • Our sufferings allow us to develop empathy and compassion for others.
        • Ex: Only because Jesus Himself was tempted and endured suffering can He understand our weaknesses and help us (Heb 2:17-18; 4:15).
        • Through our sufferings, we can comfort others with the comfort which we received from God (2 Cor 1:3-4).
    • Blessing, reward, and glory
      • Our suffering is never wasted or in vain. By sharing in Christ’s sufferings, we can likewise share in His glory (Rom 8:17-18; 1 Pet 4:13).
      • Blessings are promised to those who endure in suffering. If we are faithful to the end, we will receive the crown of life and great reward in heaven (Mt 5:10-12; Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10).

  • Seek God and rely on Him.
    • We can pour out our hearts and cry to Him (Ps 62:8). Present our requests to God in prayer, with thanksgiving, and even in the midst of suffering, we can experience His peace (Phil 4:6-7).
    • God is our refuge and stronghold in times of trouble. He is our hiding place and source of strength and support (Ps 46:1; Isa 25:4).
    • Suffering can alter our life circumstances, but it never alters God’s love for us. No trial or tribulation can separate us from the love of God. With God’s help, we can endure and overcome every difficulty (Rom 8:35-39).
  • Rejoice
    • In our sufferings, we should not despair. Instead, we ought to rejoice that we have become partners of Christ in His sufferings (2 Cor 1:5; 1 Pet 4:13).
    • The apostles who suffered also had this same mindset. They considered suffering for Christ an honor and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Him (Acts 5:40-41).
    • Paul also rejoiced in his sufferings. Not only was he able to partake in Christ’s afflictions as a minister of the gospel (Col 1:24), but he was also able to see how his circumstances actually worked to further the gospel and advance the work of God (Phil 1:12-18).
  • Endure and wait patiently.
    • We can also draw strength to endure from the examples of the saints and Jesus Himself.
      • If we are able to endure to the end, we will be able to receive what is promised to us — a better and lasting possession — our heavenly reward (Heb 10:32-36).
      • Jesus Himself also endured suffering and death on the cross (Heb 12:2-3). As a result of His humility, obedience, and sacrifice, He was raised and exalted in glory (Acts 3:13; Phil 2:8-9).
  • Stand firm in the face of persecution.
    • Examples:
      • Experiencing taunts, mocking, or harsh rejection when you try to evangelize or share your beliefs with others
      • Being ostracized or dismissed in social settings because people think your beliefs and principles are “overly conservative.” When you choose not to participate in certain activities (e.g., drinking, drugs, smoking, clubbing, etc.), friends and peers may distance themselves from you, claiming you are “too uptight” and “no fun.”
      • Being judged or misunderstood when you courageously stand up for your beliefs that may go against what is commonly accepted in society (e.g., related to LGBTQ+, abortion, etc.). After sharing your beliefs, others may retaliate in hostility, labeling you as hateful and “intolerant.”
      • Getting passed up for a job promotion because you were unwilling to compromise on your convictions (e.g., wanting to keep Sabbath, not wanting to drink during company events, not cutting corners in your work even though other coworkers do).

What to include in your suffering journal. You can include whichever sections are most helpful for you:

  • Naming the suffering
    • What am I currently suffering through?
    • How does this suffering affect me physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually?
    • What word(s) best describe how this suffering feels?
  • Identifying initial reactions
    • How did I first respond to this suffering?
    • What emotions or thoughts surfaced most strongly?
    • What do I feel tempted to do because of this suffering (e.g., complain, withdraw, retaliate, give up, etc.)?
  • Building a posture of trust
    • When facing this suffering, did I turn towards God or away from Him?
    • What makes trusting God difficult right now?
    • What would it look like to entrust myself to God in this situation?
  • Reflecting on purpose and lessons
    • Could God be using this to…refine my faith? Humble me? Correct or redirect me? Teach me something? (not to assume, but just to reflect)
    • What am I learning about myself through this? About God?
    • What truths are becoming clearer?
  • Holding onto God’s promises
    • Which promise(s) from Scripture speak(s) to this situation?
      • How does this promise challenge my fears and shape my hopes?
    • How can I actively encourage and remind myself of this promise and pursue it with faith?
  • Experiencing God’s grace
    • How have I seen God continue to sustain me during this suffering?
    • Who or what has God used to encourage or support me?
    • What small mercies or crumbs of blessing can I thank Him for?
  • Looking back (when the suffering season passes)
    • How did God meet me in this suffering?
    • How did the suffering change me?
    • How would I encourage someone going through something similar?

  • eRhema Topical Study
    • Suffering
    • Endurance