suffering – Ministry of Grace Church

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Romans 8:18 – Suffering for Glory

Posted on April 5, 2018 by Will

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory about to be revealed in us.

Truth to Learn

Our future glory is far greater than our current suffering.

Behind the Words

The expression “I consider” is from the Greek word logidzomai, meaning “to count, to impute, to estimate, or to reckon.”

“Sufferings” is translated from pathēma, a noun form of the verb paschō, meaning “to feel strong emotion or sensation, to suffer, or to experience.” It is most often used to refer to painful suffering either physically or emotionally.

The words “not worthy” are translated from ouk axia. As we have discussed before, ouk refers to the absolute negative. The word axia is a form of axios which is a reference to two items placed on a balance scales which are of comparable weight, causing the scales to balance perfectly. This perfect balance indicates the relative worth of one of the items on the scales. Hence, the word has come to refer to the comparable worth of an item.

The word “revealed” is from apokaluptō. This is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and kaluptō, meaning “to cover” or “to conceal.” Thus, we see that apokaluptō means “to uncover” or “to reveal.” This is the word that is translated “Revelation” as the name of the last book in the New Testament.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that since we are joint heirs with Christ, as members of God’s family, we can also expect to suffer with Him. Whenever we suffer because of being Christians, we are suffering with Christ. We are sharing in the pain of rejection, misunderstanding, betrayal, false accusation, persecution, and physical torture that Christ knew before and during his crucifixion.

But Paul now gives us a glimmer of hope that we can hang on to whenever we are going through those times of suffering. He starts off with the expression, “For I consider.” It is Paul’s belief that whatever sufferings we might have to go through in this life, they are of little value or consequence when compared with the incredible glory that we will receive in Heaven.

In verse seventeen Paul said that if we suffer with Christ, we may also be glorified with Him. Well, now Paul says that the present suffering that we are going through for Christ’s sake is in no way comparable to that glory that we are going to share with and from Christ. This is something that we should all hold dear to our hearts.

Application

The next time you feel like you are being persecuted, mistreated, or attacked because you are a witness for Christ, remember that you are suffering for His sake, and some day you will be glorified with Him and for His sake. No matter how much physical pain or mental anguish you may have to endure now, it is temporary and insignificant compared to the glory He will give to you for eternity.

It just makes the suffering a little more bearable now, doesn’t it?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:13 – Prayer and Praise

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Will

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

Truth to Learn

Prayer and praise should be our natural responses to life.

Behind the Words

The word translated “suffering” is kakopatheō which we looked at back in verse 10. It refers to extreme hardship of any kind, be it sickness, bereavement, disappointment, persecutions, or loss of health or property.

“Pray” is translated from the Greek word proseuchomai, which is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to” or “toward” and euchomai, which literally means “to speak out” or “to utter out loud” and thus, “to express a wish or desire.” Hence, proseuchomai means “to express a desire to someone.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word translated “cheerful” is euthumeō from eu, meaning good or well, and thumos, meaning “mindset” or “temperament.” Hence, it means “to have the mind well” and denotes “cheerful, pleasant, or agreeable.” It is applied to a state of mind free from trouble – the opposite of suffering.

James tells us that when we are in such a state of mind we should psallō, which literally means “to pluck or play a stringed instrument.” It also carries with it the notion of singing and making music of celebration and praise. This verb is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

Meaning Explained

No matter what the hardship, James tells us that it is always appropriate to pray. We know that God can deliver us from any hardship that we suffer. But just because we pray about it and really believe, doesn’t mean that God WILL deliver us from the hardship. It could be that it is the very thing that He is using to make us more like His Son. God knows what is best for us and we need to trust that He loves us so much that He will only allow such hardship if it will ultimately bring glory to Himself.

When we do suffer from a hardship, James doesn’t tell us to just “suck it up” and endure it silently. He tells us that under such circumstances we are to express our thoughts toward God. Our Heavenly Father wants a close personal relationship with us! When we have hardships and a troubled soul we are not supposed to call our best friend on the phone and talk it out, we are to get on our knees and talk to our real best friend and Lord who hears us when we pray.

In the same way, when we are in a good state of mind, we should recognize that it is a blessing from God. The result of recognizing such blessing should be to perform music to His glory and to praise Him, both with instruments and singing. Is God blessing you? Don’t wait for Sunday morning to worship Him in song. I heard a preacher recently who said, “Don’t come to church to praise God, come to church praising God.”

Application

Throughout this letter James has been teaching us to “consider it joy when we are undergoing trials.” He has also told us that we need to endure these times (remain under the load). But we don’t have to do so alone. Pray your way through such times because God loves you!

And when the times of joy come (for they will come) rejoice, knowing that God is behind them. Give Him praise! Have you allowed your joy in the Lord to express itself in song lately? Now would be a good time, wouldn’t it!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 8:18 – Suffering for Glory

Posted on June 13, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:18 – Suffering for Glory

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Truth to Learn

Our future glory is far greater than our current suffering.

Behind the Words

The expression “I consider” is from the Greek word logidzomai, meaning “to count, to impute, to estimate, or to reckon.

Meaning Explained

Application

Makes the suffering a little more bearable, doesn’t it?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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1 Peter 5:9 – Brotherhood of Suffering

Posted on March 16, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:9

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Truth to Learn

You are not alone in your suffering for Christ.

Behind the Words

“Resist” is translated from the Greek word anthistēmi, which is a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand against.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also expressed as a plural verb, indicating that it is to church members collectively, not individually.

The word “steadfast” is from stereos, meaning “firm” or “solid.” Figuratively, it means “strong” or “immovable.” It also carries the idea of compactness. This is an adverb, modifying the verb anthistēmi. Since the verb is expressed in the plural, this implies that Christians are to “close ranks,” put on a solid front of resistance, and stand firm against the Devil.

“Sufferings” is translated from the Greek word pathēma, which means “suffering.” The –ma ending means that this is referring to that which is suffered. In other words, it refers to the feelings you experience as you suffer.

The expression “are experienced” is from epiteleō, which is a compound of epi, used as an intensifier and teleō, meaning “to complete.” It is expressed as a present infinitive, implying that the suffering is continually being accomplished throughout the body of Christ.

Meaning Explained

Beyond simply being alert and vigilant regarding our opponent the Devil, as we saw in yesterday’s verse, we are to work together with other Christians to resist him firmly.

Joining this part of today’s verse with the previous three, we see that we are to … allow ourselves to be humbled under God’s mighty hand, without worrying, being alert and vigilant regarding our enemy, and when we do encounter our enemy we are to stand firmly against him in the faith. And what happens when we do this?

Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

When we try to stand against the Devil in our own strength, we are certain to fail, but if we stand in the belief that God is with us, and we are humbled under His mighty hand, Satan doesn’t want anything to do with us because he knows that he is certain to fail. Peter then finishes off this verse with a word of encouragement,

knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood.

We always seem to be able to withstand hardships a little easier if we know that we are not being singled out for the pain. Not only does God know what we’re going through (in fact it may be part of His plan), but we are not alone. There are other Christians who are undergoing the same suffering we are now.

Application

Are you feeling the pain and anguish of faithful suffering right now? As a Christian, you know that God is aware of your pain and there are other Christians who are feeling the same pain and anguish as you. Why not take a minute to pray for them!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 4:19 – Committed Suffering

Posted on March 3, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:19

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Truth to Learn

If you suffer for the cause of Christ, place yourself in His hands and serve Him faithfully.

Behind the Words

In the past we have noted that there are two different words for “will” in the New Testament, one meaning “desirous will” and the other meaning “determined will.” The “will” in today’s verse is “determined will.” So this verse is saying “… those who suffer as God has determined …”

The words “let … commit” are translated from the Greek word paratithēmi, which is made up of para, meaning “beside” or “alongside” and tithēmi, meaning “to put or place.” Hence, this word literally means “to place alongside.” It is a banking term that means “to deposit.” The implication is “to place something into someone else’s care.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Doing good” is from agathopoiia, made up of a form of agathos, meaning “that which is generally good” and a form of poieō, meaning “to make or to do.” Hence, this word refers to doing good things.

Meaning Explained

Whenever we see a “therefore” or a “wherefore,” we need to look closely at what it is “there for.” What has Peter been talking about? He has been talking about the fact that those who live out their faith with a positive witness as a born again Christian will very likely suffer for it. We, who are doing all we can to please God and to glorify Him may suffer, while the wicked ones and the irreverent ones may appear to prosper. But we who are saved only by the grace of God Himself have a future hope that the unsaved don’t have. Therefore, …

“let those who suffer according to what God has determined commit their souls in well-doing, as to a faithful Creator.”

What is Peter telling us we should do if we are suffering according to God’s determined plan? He says we should commit our souls in doing good things. The word translated “in” could also be interpreted as “by.” So the way we commit our souls to His care is by doing good works. And why should we do this? We should do good works because He is the Creator, the Mighty God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And because He is faithful, He will not let us down. We are to place our souls into His care believing:

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; (Philippians 1:6)

So … if you should suffer because of your faith, don’t despair, don’t panic, and don’t worry. Simply commit your soul into His care by continuing to do good things as He has instructed you and He will take care of you.

Application

Are you completely sold-out to God? Are you willing to do anything He asks you to do? Are you willing to suffer unjustly simply because you claim the name of Christ? Not all of us will have to suffer for Him, but if you do, commit your entire being – body, soul, and spirit – into His care and praise His name!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 4:16 – Suffering Praise

Posted on February 26, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Truth to Learn

If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory!

Behind the Words

The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is actually of Latin formulation, not Greek. It is a word that was not used by Christians to refer to themselves until the end of the first century. This word was coined by Romans as a term of derision to distinguish followers of Christ from Jews and Gentiles. It occurs only three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and here.

“Let him not be ashamed” is translated from mē aischunesthō. The Greek word mē means “not” and aischunomai means “to feel shame.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, meaning that the action is being done to the subject. It is also expressed in the imperative mood. When used this way with mē, it is expressing a prohibition. Therefore, this expression could be translated as “he is not to feel shamed in any way!”

The expression “let him glorify” is from the Greek word doxadzō, meaning “to give someone esteem or honor by putting him into an honorable position.” The word “let” does not imply giving permission to glorify God. It is there because doxadzō is expressed in the imperative mood, implying a command to glorify God. Hence, the second half of this verse could be translated as:

“he is not to feel shamed in any way; he is to glorify God in this matter!”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a continuation of the previous verse. Let’s put the two of them together:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

You will notice that in this quotation I took out the words “anyone suffers.” That’s because they aren’t actually in the original text. They have been added by the translators for easier reading.

In Peter’s day Christians were already being persecuted for no other reason than the fact that they claimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Peter knew that this persecution would continue and that members of the body of Christ would suffer because of it. Therefore, he instructed the early Christians, as well as us today, that to suffer as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of, rather it is something to praise God about.

This along with the next 3 verses clearly summarizes what Peter has been saying throughout most of this letter:

“If you live the life of a submitted and committed Christian, you may very well suffer for it. But if you do, give your praises to God that you are counted worthy of sharing in Christ’s suffering.”

Application

Are you suffering right now simply because of your testimony as a Christian? If so, God is pleased, you are blessed, and your lips should be overflowing with praise to God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 4:13 – Joyful Suffering

Posted on February 23, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:13

but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Truth to Learn

We should be happy when we suffer as followers of Christ.

Behind the Words

“Rejoice” is from chairō, meaning “to have joy” or “to be well.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command for us to be joyful.

The word “partake” is translated from koinōneō, meaning “to have things in common with” or “to participate in.”

“Sufferings” is from the Greek word pathēma, meaning “that which is suffered.”

Meaning Explained

Peter just told us not to be surprised at the fiery trial (the adversity) that is currently happening to us and that we are not to think that such adversities are strange. Here’s what Paul said:

all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Timothy 3:2)

Therefore, we shouldn’t think it unusual if we are being persecuted for trying to live godly lives. Instead of thinking it strange, we should rejoice in the midst of our persecution and suffering. Say what?! Are we supposed to be some kind of masochist and get really excited when we encounter pain and suffering? No, that’s not what Peter is saying. He is saying that we should rejoice because we are sharing in Christ’s suffering. Paul said to the Philippians:

I want to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death (Philippians 3:10)

And we should be willing, yes even desirous, of being identified as one of His, even in our suffering. James also said:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials (James 1:2)

James even taught us that we will grow from these trials. And keep in mind what our Lord, Himself, told us:

Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11,12)

Any personal relationship is strengthened when both parties in the relationship share common experiences, especially if they are difficult or painful experiences. God wants us to develop a closer relationship with Him, and one of the ways we can do this is by sharing in the suffering of Christ.

Application

If we are suffering because of our godly witness and our testimony as followers of Christ, then we are, in fact, suffering with Him. As a result, we will be glad with exceeding joy when Christ comes back in His glory. We will be glad because He with whom we have suffered, with whom we now have a closer personal relationship, is returning as the conquering King who will receive all the glory He is due! Give Him praise!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 4:12 – Christian Suffering, Not Unusual

Posted on February 22, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:12

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

Truth to Learn

Christians have suffered for their faith throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Behind the Words

The expression “do not think it strange” comes from two Greek words, mē and a form of xenidzo. Mē means “not” and the verb zenidzo means “to think of something as strange.” This verb is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “fiery trial” are translated from purōsis, which refers specifically to “the act of smelting metals.” Figuratively, it refers to any time of intense trial.

“Which is to try you” is translated from peirasmon humin ginomenē. The word peirasmon refers to “a trial or temptation,” that is, “a time of testing.” The word humin means “you (plural).” And ginomenē is the present participle of the verb meaning “to begin” or “to come about.” Hence, this expression can be translated as “a trying time which is currently coming upon you.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now returns again to the theme that he has been repeating throughout this letter, suffering for righteousness sake. It is true that the Christians in the early church suffered persecution repeatedly at the hands of jealous Jews and tyrannical Roman rulers. But members of the Church have suffered persecution throughout history. In fact, there have been few times in history when the church has not suffered persecution, so Peter’s message is relevant for all generations of believers.

Consider, after all, the spiritual warfare that is going on, and has been going on in the heavenlies since time began. Satan and his demons have been opposed to God’s plan and His faithful servants from the beginning. We sometimes think it a strange thing that we are coming under heavier and heavier attack from the humanists and secularist who want to get God out of our school systems and out of our government. But wasn’t this country founded on Christian ideals and values? Of course it was. However, that doesn’t mean that our enemy won’t do everything in his power to neutralize God’s influence. Actually, in this country we have had such religious freedom for the past 250 years that we think all of history has been like that. Not so, I’m afraid.

And, there are places in the world right now where Christians are being persecuted and murdered simply because they believe that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

The time is coming when, even in this country, Christians will be persecuted and caused to suffer simply for believing in the Creator-God and the sacrificial atonement of His Son. So Peter’s message is just as relevant to us today as it has been throughout history. Therefore, don’t think it strange if it happens to you.

Application

Let’s proclaim the message of freedom and salvation, though it may fall on deaf ears, even if it means that we will be persecuted and suffer for it. And if you do suffer, don’t think it unusual, give Him the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 4:1 – Suffering With Him

Posted on February 5, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:1

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

Truth to Learn

Suffering for righteousness produces a keen sense of Christ’s suffering and enables you to more fully live for Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “suffered” is the from the Greek word pascho, which means to experience a sensation, usually painful (sometimes translated as “passion”). It is expressed in the Greek aorist tense, meaning that it was an action that took place at a point in time in the past, not continuous action in the past.

The word translated “ceased” is the Greek word pauō, which means “to stop, quit, or come to an end.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, implying a process that has come to completion in the past with a resulting state of being. The emphasis of this tense is on the resulting state.

Meaning Explained

According to Peter, he who has suffered in the flesh, “has ceased from sin.” Since Christ never did sin, this can‘t be referring to Christ. Some have argued that this implies that when we really and truly die to sin in our flesh we will have attained a state of holiness in which we sin no longer. I don’t believe that this is what Scripture teaches.

The Apostle Paul addresses this same issue in it the book of Romans:

For if we have been joined together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be destroyed, that from now on we should not serve sin. For he who died has been freed from sin. (Romans 6:5-7)

In this passage it is pretty clear that Paul is talking about us putting our “old man,” a term which refers to our sin nature, to death, figuratively. He goes on to say:

knowing that when Christ was raised from the dead, He dies no more; death no longer has dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died to sin once; but in that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise count yourselves also to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:9-11)

It is clear that Paul is teaching that we haven’t really died, nor has our sin nature really died but that we should consider ourselves to be dead to sin and not let it control our lives.

Therefore, what Peter is telling us in today’s verse is that if we are suffering for righteousness, we can identify with the suffering that Christ went through. And, whereas His suffering culminated in his atoning death for us we can consider ourselves to have died with him (at least our sin nature) and we can live a fulfilled life, not controlled by our sin nature.

Application

If you are currently suffering and you have done nothing wrong, of if you are suffering because of your testimony for Christ, you can readily identify with His suffering which gave us everlasting life. As a result, you can now more readily live for Him instead of living to satisfy your own sin nature.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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1 Peter 3:18 – Obedient Suffering

Posted on January 29, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ suffered! He suffered quietly, for your sake.

Behind the Words

The word translated “once” is hapax, meaning “one time.” This declares that Christ suffered only one time for all sins.

“Being put to death” is translated from thanatoō, which means “to kill.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with a continuous ongoing effect, but the emphasis is on the ongoing effect (for you and me).

Meaning Explained

Peter has told us in a number of different ways that it’s a good thing for us to suffer unjustly. He has also said that not only is it pleasing to God but sometimes it is what God has determined. He now tells us that our Father, who has adopted us, is not asking us to do anything which his own Eternal Son has not already done. According to this verse, Christ suffered for sins. Did He commit any sins? No! So whose sins did He suffer for? Obviously, He suffered for yours and mine and for those of all mankind from the beginning of time until the great judgment day. Is that fair? No, but it is what God determined.

But why would God determine that to happen? Peter answers this in the following part of this verse, “that He might bring us to God …” God determined that this was the way that He could make himself approachable by sinful mankind. Christ Himself can now bring us to the Holy Father. In theological terms this is known as “substitutionary” death. That is, the one who did not deserve to die did so as a substitute for us. And, since He didn’t need the death applied to his account to pay for His sins (since He didn’t have any), his death was applied to our accounts as payment for our sins.

Now, for just a moment, let’s look at this from Christ’s perspective. He didn’t have to die. He didn’t have to go through the agony and suffering that He did, nor was He personally desirous of doing so. Here’s what He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane just before being taken by the crowd to be tried, tortured, and crucified (Matt 26:36-39),

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane. And He said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray there.”

And He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Wait here and watch with Me.”

And He went a little further and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Christ knew what was coming and He didn’t want to go through with it, but He willingly did so because He knew that God the Father wanted Him to do it. He was obedient, even unto death.

Application

Now compare the suffering that you may currently be going through, or that you may go through in the future, with His suffering. He was willing to do so for the Father … and for you. Are you willing to do so for Him? Even though it isn’t fair?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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