6/2/2019
The Power of Suffering
Colossians 1:24 I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.
Self-Inflicted Suffering Is Fruitless!
1 Peter 2:19-20 …it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
Christ’s Suffering Is Redemptive; Suffering For His Sake Advances Redemption
1st Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.
Learn How To React To False Accusation
1 Peter 2:22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”
Matthew 27:12-14 When He was accused by the chief priests and the elders, He gave no answer. Then Pilate asked Him, “ Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against You?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor…
Getting Even Doesn’t Even The Score
1st Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate…
Matthew 27:39-44
Control The Urge To Return In Kind
1st Peter 2:23 …when He suffered, He made no threats.
Luke 23:33-34
John 19:10-11 “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
Trust God Concerning Whatever You Are Facing
1st Peter 2:23 …Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly.
Christlike Suffering Accepts And Carries The Failings Of Others
1 Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.
Christ’s Suffering Shepherds Us To God
1 Peter 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Evil Can Be Overcome With Christlike Suffering
1st Peter 3:8-12 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.