For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. {Phil 1:29 NLT}
Faith in Christ creates the ability to trust Him to live the higher life of righteousness and to also go through unpleasant situations were necessary in our defense of the gospel of Christ. Our scriptural focus for today states – For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. For some unscriptural reasons and teachings making the rounds in different Christian circles today, many christians believe that their faith in Christ only guarantees them the privilege of living a good life or what is often called ‘heaven on earth life only, so when God allows sufferings to come their way for obvious divine reasons, they see it as an ATTACK of the devil. It will be important to establish that, there is a great different between suffering as a result of one’s foolishness, sin, laziness, etc and suffering for Christ. The first is a punishment for wrong doing, while the second is a great privilege.
It is your unwavering trust in Christ, built over time through an unbroken relationship with Him that gives you the boldness and confidence to suffer for Christ and then count it as a great privilege and honour. When you consider suffering for Christ at any level a great honour and privilege, thats when God truly recognizes you as His worthy and reliable Ambassador here on earth. Suffering for Christ can produce these benefits;
1. It takes one’s eyes off these earthly comforts that are temporary.
2. It weeds out superficial believers
3. It strengthens the faith of those who patiently endure
4. It serves as an example for young and discouraged believers.
5. It propels believers to spiritual maturity. Etc
Suffering for Christ does not indicate you have done something wrong, rather it proves that you have been faithful and righteous to the course of Christ on this earth.
Your trust in Christ, empowers you to suffer for Him
Have a Grace filled day – Good News awaits you
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Last modified: December 18, 2015
