RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-04-30	Why Do Christians Suffer? (Jn.16:33)
		Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Jesus told His followers that trouble is an expected part of the Christian life. That truth about overcoming sustains Christians when suffering threatens to overwhelm. Christians suffer from many of the same reasons non-Christians suffer. This is a sinful planet, and it can be difficult. Christians may also suffer for some of the same reasons Jesus did (Jn.15:18-19) Joh 15:18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Christians represent an uncompromised truth the world does not want to hear. Specifically, that Jesus is the only path to God (Jn.14:6). Suffering of any kind was not part of God’s original creation. Everything He created was “very good” (Ge.1:31). Sin corrupted the world at Adam’s disobedience, and sin continues to corrupt the world as we each add our own poor decisions, rebellion, and selfishness (Ro.3:23; 6:23; 8:19–23). Sin has ripple effects. Our sin harms others, and their sin harms us, even when we have done nothing wrong. Becoming a Christian does not insulate us from the ugliness in our world, whether temporal or natural. God uses temporary suffering to refine the character of His own children (1Pe.1:6-7). 1Pe 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 1Pe 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. James tells us to count it all joy when you fall into various trials (Jm.1:2-4). Paul instructs us that suffering, no matter its cause, can be used by God to complete us in Him (Ro.8:28-30). There are possible reasons Christians may suffer that is distinct from general suffering experienced by everyone. 1. Suffering may be a form of discipline. God is a good Father. He disciplines those He loves. And when one of His children goes astray, He may use suffering to bring him or her back (He.12:5-11). Even if hardship has no link to a specific sin struggle in our lives, God can use it to train us. Parents, for example, often assign their children chores, not to punish them but to help them learn various skills and build a solid work ethic. 2. Suffering enables Christians to identify with and encourage other sufferers. Those who have experienced the grace of God in their trouble are better equipped to help others find the same grace in their trouble (2Co.1:3-4). 2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 3. Suffering helps us draw closer to the Lord. We often seem to grow most when we go through difficult times. Suffering strips us of artificial or temporal securities and forces us to dig more deeply into the Word to find peace and purpose. It has been said that “when Christ is all you have, you find that Christ is all you need.” 4. Suffering reminds us that this world is not our home. Christians who live in more affluent parts of the world may find it harder to long for heaven than their impoverished brothers and sisters. Often, Christians who suffer have an advantage in keeping their priorities straight. Some teach that those who have enough faith will never have to suffer. But this doctrine is contradicted on every page of the New Testament. Hebrews 11 gives us a list of people of faith. Many of them suffered. Our ultimate hope is not in this world or in gaining earthly comfort; our hope is in God and in His greater plan. Paul certainly suffered more than most had a proper perspective concerning suffering (2Co.4:17-18). 2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 2Co 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. This knowledge strengthens Christians when they are called to suffer. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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