What the Bible Says About Suffering

Bible

North Forest

Paul's suffering had redemptive value (Col 1:24). Other translations make it clear that Paul in his suffering completes what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.

Suffering for the gospel has a spiritual value (Rom 5:3). This contradicts the word/faith teachings which claim that suffering is a result of our lack of faith.

Persecution

Part of our calling as Christians is to suffer for our faith (Phil 1:29) (1 Th 3:3).

The suffering of the Christians in Thessalonica is a "badge" of their faith (2 Thess 1:4,5). It is righteous for God to judge sin because sinners, such as those who persecute Christians, deserve judgment. Christians prove their faith when they suffer under persecution. Suffering, therefore, is a testing of our faith.

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John Shepard

email: js16@northforest.org

http://www.northforest.org/bible/Suffering.html

Revised: July 26, 2005