Suffering Saints

"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." I Peter 4:1-2

Peter directs the Christian to arm himself with the same mindset of suffering that Christ suffered. If we are to be "Christ like" does that not mean it is God's will that suffering may be a part of this new life? This concept of the suffering saint is completely contrary to the prosperity, feel good ministers of today. Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer and Kenneth Copeland would never accept the biblical teaching of a suffering saint. Its antithetical to their heretical humanistic philosophies.

The suffering saint is also contrary to the false teaching of a pre-trib rapture that teaches Christians will be spared the great tribulation. Peter said that suffering is not something strange to the Christian but to be expected;

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." I Peter 4:12-13

Suffering may be in God's will for your life and by faith we must not question it.

"Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." I Peter 4:19

One may counter this teaching of the suffering saint by stating Peter was writing to Christians who would suffer under the Romans. But, the other New Testament writers had much to say about suffering and the benefit this brings to the Christian. Suffering causes us to turn the gaze of our soul heavenward. Suffering can wean us from the love of this world as it states in verse 4:2. Paul told us in Romans 5 to "glory in tribulation" and James tells us to "count it all joy when we fall into diverse temptations" because the trying of our faith brings forth patience. And Peter tells us that the trying of our faith is more precious than gold.

While prophecy in scripture may address a future event much prophecy also addresses immediate situations. Thus prophecy often contains a dual meaning in its foretelling. The following verses contain timeless, universal principles of the suffering saints down through the ages to the present and beyond that cannot be repudiated. Suffering is only for this short time we are on this earth. But the glory that will be revealed in us in heaven is for eternity.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
I Peter 5:6-11

Fear Vs. Afraid

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction". Proverbs 1:7

The quality of Godly fear carries with it a transforming effect. Those who fear the Lord also trust the Lord and expect to hear from heaven. Those who are afraid of God avoid Him and choose to remain the master of their domain without regard for God. Adam was hiding in the garden because he was afraid. If he truly feared the Lord he would have not eaten of the forbidden fruit. At the heart of sin is mans desire to rule himself instead of God.

Those who fear the Lord live dynamic or very stable Christian lives. They have a positive spiritual impact on those around them. I'm not referring to someone who coaches little league or works at a soup kitchen. I'm suggesting someone who knows how to pray through to heaven, intercede for others and they live their lives with an expectation that God is at work in their personal life and those they interact with on a daily basis. When is the last time you attended church and went with a sense of expectancy that God was going to meet with the congregation that day? Jesus said, "you have not because you ask not". This idea certainly goes to expectancy of God meeting with His children. "Where two or more are gathered together in my name I will be in the midst". Sadly the congregation of the Lord does not want to acknowledge this presence of the Lord because the Holy Spirit searches the depths of men's souls and who on earth likes having the secrets of their heart probed?

Christians today are content with being afraid of God and thus they attempt to hide from Him in the foliage of their religiosity and good appearance. Their spiritual lives are reduced to some inspirational substitute that leaves their souls trite with shallow drivel. Come out from the bushes with Adam and abandon yourself before the sovereign searching Spirit of God.

Christians desperately need a stirring of the soul. Change cannot happen without some discomfort. The new birth can be a painful thing but joy comes in the morning. We must die with Christ in order to know new life in Christ. The body of Christ does not have revival because it does not seek it. Jesus told the Laodiceans, "I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire". Christ is coming back for a spotless church and it will be purified by fire. Are you ready for the fire?

Prepare yourselves. Pour out your heart to Him and seek His will alone, not your own. He is coming to sift the tares from the wheat and separate the goats from the sheep. Are you in the right camp or the popular camp?