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