Sketched IX Day 15 One This Rock: Digging Deeper

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

1) How does suffering make a believer in Jesus “blessed”? (verse 14)
If we are honest, we’ll admit we don’t usually, if ever, hope for suffering. We may be eager to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection in our everyday lives, but we are far less passionate about wanting to experience the agony of His suffering. However, Paul writes, “My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” (Philippians 3:10) Down through Church history from Jesus’ time on earth to 2021, those who have surrendered themselves to following Christ have suffered for Jesus. Sometimes, persecution comes through mockery, exclusion, hurtful words or actions. For many around the world, suffering for righteousness may mean imprisonment, torture, or death. In the face of such cruelty, Paul spoke positively about suffering for Jesus’ sake and he urged others to join him. How ironic is that?! Today, we invite others to also “join us” in this suffering, by which we are blessed, when we testify about the love of Christ and hold out the invitation of salvation through Christ alone by faith alone. We are blessed because we know the end of our lives on earth is only the beginning of an eternity of knowing God and enjoying His presence forever. Crazy as it sounds, what a blessed gift to be “counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.” (Acts 5:41) What joy to walk through the trials of this life knowing we are standing on the solid rock of Jesus and one day, will be ushered into the waiting arms of the Master to hear His marvelous welcome, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)

2) Why does our good conduct in Christ get us into trouble with the world? (verses 14-16)
God has set apart His Church as an outpost of love and light in this world of sin and rebellion. In a world bent on opposing God and worshipping self, it comes as no surprise for the Church to suffer persecution. Paul didn’t view this as discouragement, but rather, as validation of God at work. Christ’s radical love and self-sacrifice is life-changing, world-shaking, and history defining for all who surrender themselves to Him. The gospel (Jesus dying in the place of sinners to give them undeserved grace and inheritance) is revolutionary within our hearts, lives, and should impact the lives of those around us. No revolution is easily fought or won. Jesus is honest about the cost of following Him, “You will have suffering in this world.” (John 16:33) As believers in Jesus, we fight against our fleshly desires so we might honor God with our whole lives. (Romans 12:1) Of course, this conflicts with the rest of the world who are in rebellion against God! Jesus is also honest in His authority over all things, even suffering, “Be courageous! I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33) AMEN!! As Christ-followers, we can expect to encounter two realities: 1) Trouble and suffering and 2) Christ’s sustaining victory in the midst. Yes, my sisters in Jesus, we will walk through hardship for following Jesus, but this is no reason for discouragement because JESUS IS HERE! He is our unshifting, solid rock. He is the anchor of overwhelming victory in the middle of our struggle as we pursue righteousness. Lift your voices, praise God with me! He knows our pain, He understands, and He gives us His victory!

3) During suffering, persecution, trials, fear, and intimidation, what should our mindset or attitude be? (verses 16-18)
To all who have suffered, and will suffer, for living for Christ instead of self, Peter’s words are meant to encourage us. “For Christ also suffered…” (verse 18) What comfort to know that our God and Savior has also suffered! We are not alone! Our God is not far off, disengaged from our pain. Through the Holy Spirit living within every believer, Jesus is with us in our suffering. Every tear. Every wound. Every loss. Every grief. AMEN!!! Suffering feels disheartening, doesn’t it? Especially as we are trying to follow Jesus, are praying, and deeply desire to honor Him, yet still suffering. We need more than a “pep talk”, we need truths that will not shift like sand. We need to know: 1) Our goal is Jesus, not the end of suffering. He holds our hearts, carrying them when we cannot keep going. 2) Christ sustains because He is the God who never leaves 3) Christ holds our victory, which means we have JOY in suffering. Christ has WON! The believer’s life will never end in tragedy! With these truths as our centering foundation, we can respond rightly in the midst of suffering for following Jesus. We can hold out love, respect, and gentleness with a clear conscience knowing our lives are surrendered to Christ; He alone is our victory. Though we may be imprisoned in some fashion in this world, the reality for every Christ-follower is that we are held captive first and only by the radical glorious love of Jesus Christ, our Master and Savior. Here, inside His life and in communion with Him, we are the freest person in the world! His faithfulness never wanes, His presence with us never walks away. We can boldly say, “The Lord is my helper! I will NOT be afraid! What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) Go, Sister, in grace, peace, and knowledge as you hold out the light of Hope and Freedom to all through Jesus. Suffer joyfully; we know the end of the story is victory!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!
Missing the connection to our other Journey Study today?
Catch up with On This Rock!