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 4:13)
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase-“Suffering for Christ?” In my younger years, I struggled with Asthma. Many well-meaning Christians encouraged me, saying I was suffering for the Lord. Over time, I accepted that until God opened my eyes to the truth. I did not have to suffer for Christ in my sicknesses because Jesus took it to the cross. (Isa 53:5)
Another point the Spirit called to my attention is that Christ did not suffer sickness on Earth. We tend to confuse afflictions with Christ’s sufferings. Let’s take a good look at what is implied in the above verse. The writer of I Peter 4:13 shows us another aspect of suffering. Let’s think about what kind of sufferings Jesus went thru.
Persecution And The Flesh.
Jesus went thru persecution. His family called him crazy. When you live for Christ, you will suffer persecution, and the enemy will use those you love. Another point to consider is that he had to deal with the flesh. Rom 8:3 says that Christ came in the form of sinful flesh. Jesus had to deal with many temptations.
I get frustrated when people think that all you have to do is stop sinning. Friends, the reason why we struggle against sin is because there is pleasure attached to it. Sinful pleasure is an emotion that will blind us and get us out of the path of righteousness.
Breaking out of sinful pleasures involves suffering. When we think of those words, we form an image in our minds of the big sins (Murder, Adultery, etc.), but they can be insignificant daily distractions in life. Let’s face it, life is hard enough, and we need some leisure time. I like to see some old-time slap-stick comedy, but when that is robbing me of spending time with my Lord -that is a problem.
Change your Pleasure.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. ( Ps 16:11)
We got to be careful with worldly and sinful pleasures. It can take you away from the love of God. Did you know that you can change your pleasure? You can enter a world that will addict you to serving Christ!
Determine to focus your thoughts on the word. Start to spend time with the Holy Spirit. Ask him to give you a holy addiction to serving God. God can change your sinful pleasures and provide you with something better. He guarantees Heavenly pleasures that are out of this world.
A link to further your Bible study—https://bit.ly/3OZ6KOx
Bible verses courtesy of http://www.biblegateway.com
The Christian Corner Ministries 