Fellowship With The Word

For true growth to take place, there must be a consistent exposure to truth. Truth is the reality communicated to us by Christ. It is not cherry picking what appeals to us and sidelining what doesn't. Over time, what we see in the body of believers is that the message of Christ has increasingly grown in its appeal to the flesh. Throughout scripture there is no gospel that we see that promises us material things. If that were the case, some people don't need Christ. But Jesus came for the world (John 3v16). And the common problem that binds everyone is sin. The gospel is the message of salvation or deliverance from the bondage of sin and the participation in the divine life. Colossians 1:13-14 ESV [13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. This is gospel. And we are happy and rejoice in the deliverance we received. In addition to believing in this, our opening verse says it's been granted to us not only to believe in him but to suffer for his sake. Now this is where it gets uncomfortable, because the perspective of reality for many has been twisted by the kind of gospel they heard preached. They were promised a bed of roses and that Jesus will take away all their problems... and because of that, they have a funny disposition to life when circumstances hit them. Jesus guaranteed his disciples that in this world they will have tribulation. Their satisfaction was in that he had overcome (John 16:33 ESV [33] I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”). In Luke 21:17 ESV, Jesus said, "You will be hated by all for my name’s sake." Paul also said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 ESV that "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." But what is the response of believers in challenges and suffering even for Christ? Sometimes they give up. But not you. Be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6v9), and rejoice always (Philippians 4v4) Look at the apostle's response after being flogged for preaching in Acts 5:41 ESV "Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. This is the apostolic template communicated from time past. And it ought to be equally emphasized. We need to have the right mind about suffering, trials, and tribulations. Romans 5:2-3 ESV [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance. Remember this... 1 John 5:4 ESV [4] For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the strength to endure hardship as a soldier for you. I'm not ashamed of the gospel. I rejoice even in difficult circumstances, knowing that my character is built and your name is exalted. Hallelujah

Suffering For Christ (Pt 1)