Is suffering for Christ always part of following Him?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible teaches that suffering will always be a part of following the Lord. Prior to Jesus entering human history as a man, many of God’s followers were prepared to suffer for their allegiance to Him. Some examples are Daniel (Daniel 6:10) and his three companions (Daniel 3:17–18), Elijah (1 Kings 19:3–4), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:7–9), and many more. Jesus plainly indicates that following Him will involve suffering (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23–24; John 15:18–20). This is reinforced in New Testament epistles, such as Paul’s second letter to Timothy (3:12) and his letter to the church in Galatia (2:20). Scripture explains, though, that sacrificing our worldly comfort for Christ means our spiritual life will flourish (Matthew 16:25; Romans 8:13; Philippians 3:7–8). This is why so many of the New Testament saints, against all expectations from the world, rejoiced in their suffering (Romans 5:3–4; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 4:13). Believing in Christ goes hand-in-hand with suffering, but we rejoice even in affliction because it is to His glory.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Before Jesus entered human history as a man, Old Testament saints understood that they may suffer for their allegiance to God. Daniel 3:17–18 records Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s reply to Nebuchadnezzar about his threat to throw them into a furnace for refusing to bow to an idol: “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” The three young men were ready to be killed, rather than compromise their belief. Christians today must be prepared to do the same.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 16:24–25 that we will suffer for following Him: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
• Paul reiterates Jesus’s point in 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
• Romans 5:3–5 indicates that our suffering is not in vain: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” As with everything in our lives, God uses our suffering for our good and His will (Romans 8:28).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“No pain, no gain. As you wake up sore from working out, maybe you’ve thought of that mantra. . .and cringed. Let’s face it: Suffering isn’t something we typically seek out. We only endure it if it leads to something better. But there is suffering you can rejoice in. This is what apostles of the early church experienced. For instance, Peter and other apostles went away from a beating “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (Acts 5:41). The “name” was Christ, whom they had proclaimed despite the warnings of the Jewish high council. Maybe you’ve read about their sufferings and wondered, “How did they do it?” The answer is that “they” couldn’t, but the Holy Spirit could (Romans 8:26–27; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who strengthens us, so we can face what we must for Christ (John 14:16–17; Ephesians 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:7). We shouldn’t think about potential trials and be anxious about how we will fare. Instead, we should prepare by immersing ourselves in God’s word and praying to Him daily. He has already given us a “Helper” in the Holy Spirit, and He will give us the strength we need when we need it (John 14:16–17). Believing in Christ goes hand-in-hand with suffering, but it’s affliction we rejoice in because it is to His glory.

UNDERSTAND

• Suffering is part of following Christ.
• Suffering produces endurance, character, and hope.
• Christians can rejoice even when they suffer, knowing that there is eternal purpose.

REFLECT

• How does the Bible inform your perspective on suffering as a Christian?
• How have you seen your character grow through times of suffering or difficulty?
• How can you better prepare yourself spiritually to endure suffering for the sake of Christ?

ENGAGE

• How can we support fellow believers who are suffering for their faith in a way that strengthens their hope?
• How can we view suffering as an opportunity for spiritual growth, rather than something to avoid or just push through?
• How can we help others see that the Holy Spirit empowers us to rejoice in suffering, knowing it glorifies Christ?