The Forgotten Spiritual Discipline!

One of the things that has become apparent during the last ten months is that, we as followers of Jesus, have forgotten an ancient spiritual discipline that was practiced by both Jesus and his disciples. It is the practice of SUFFERING for the sake of Christ.

I know, I know - this may not be the most motivational post! But hear me out.

Maybe its because as Americans, we have had it drilled into us that we have rights and freedoms? Maybe its because in our culture we have enjoyed uninterrupted favor and affluence for many decades? Maybe it is just because suffering is one of the most unpopular concepts in Christianity? But consider this….

#1 - Suffering Was Part Of The Calling Of Jesus!

This thought should be incredibly obvious. Jesus came to suffer and die for us on the cross. (Though, He did not stay dead, but rose from the grave!!!) But this fact was not obvious to his disciples. Look at the conversation in Matthew 16:21-22

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

Jesus response was, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You don’t have in mind the things of God but the things of men.’ Suffering was a part of the redemptive plan of God. It still is. Not needless suffering. Not suffering for suffering’s sake. It’s not like you are more spiritual the more that bad things happen to you; just like you are not more blessed because good things happen to you.

But suffering in the will of God, to overcome the power of evil, is part of God’s redemptive plan.

#2 - Suffering Was Part Of The Legacy Of Jesus!

We could assume that suffering as a part of God’s redemptive plan was limited to the cross but listen to the words of Simon Peter. Remember, he is the same guy who objected to Jesus’s suffering in the passage we just read in Matthew 16.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24

Peter describes the legacy of Jesus as an example for us to follow. When we are insulted, threatened, cancelled, or persecuted, our response is to be the same as that as Jesus modeled for us. We make no threats. We refuse to retaliate. We trust the Judge of all the earth. We believe that God will use our suffering to accomplish His purpose.

#3 - Suffering Was Something Celebrated By The Early Church!

In Acts 5, after the disciples had been flogged for preaching about Jesus, their response was to celebrate. It’s not that they were happy about the pain, or the beating. They were not masochists. But they understood that evil would not be overcome without suffering. The gospel will not go forth in power without Jesus’ followers being willing to endure persecution.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Acts 5:41

#4 - Suffering Is One Of The Promised Experiences For The Christian!

Again, as Americans, we are often unfamiliar with the normalcy of persecution. Around the world today, there are Christians suffering under oppressive governments. Many are in prison. Some are put to death for the cause of Christ. Listen to what Jesus promised in Matthew 10:

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged… Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child…You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved….The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!”

#5 - Suffering Is One Of The Ways That We Preach The Gospel!

What is it exactly that we are gaining by suffering? We are preaching Jesus, who is risen from the dead. Jesus, who loves sinners. Jesus, who forgives His enemies. Jesus, who loves the broken. Jesus, who teaches practices that help us fourish, not by sexual indulgence or sinful pleasure, but by denying ourselves and living for God’s presence and purpose. What a powerful message! But many hate Jesus because of this very idea: Listen again to Simon Peter:

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

#6 - Suffering Persecution Is A Sign That We Are Blessed!

We can sometimes forget that final declaration of blessing, in the list of the eight beatitudes that Jesus taught, is the declaring of blessing on the persecuted.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

This declaration shows how far away we often are from the Jesus’ perspective. When you suffer persecution because of righteousness - rejoice and be glad. This phrase actually means to spin around in a dance of joy. Suffering for the right reasons will result in lasting and eternal reward.

Why do we spin in a dance of joy? Because we are insulted, persecuted, and slandered! C’mon somebody! When was the last time you practiced this verse!

#7 - Suffering Confirms That You Are More Than Just A Cultural Christian!

One of the challenges of our era is that we have thousands upon thousands of cultural Christians. These cultural Christians understand the norms of church, like rituals and religious routines, but lack a pure faith, a clear mission, and a vibrant relationship with Christ.

If you suffer for Christ, it purifies you from wrong motivations for following Christ. Suffering separates those who have wholeheartedly given their life to Jesus from those who follow Him just for the benefits. Listen to the words of Paul:

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11

I pray that God will awaken us all from our slumber and makes us ready to suffer to see Jesus made known in a world that so desperately needs Him!