Partaking of the Sufferings of Christ

Romans 8:17 - Show Context

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; IF so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

In today's ear tickling FEEL GOOD CHURCH true Christianity is lost in a dark sea of worldliness and emotionalism. To be partakers of Christ's sufferings are necessary to become joint heirs with Him in Salvation. Crucifying our flesh with its lusts and passions is only part of the sufferings. The sufferings of Christ come in times of testing. They come when our Faith is being tried. The tribulation of these sufferings is necessary to enter into the Kingdom Of God:

Acts 14:22 - Show Context
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

It is the fiery trials of life wherein we have opportunity to either Trust in Gods Promises or fall into the trap of the world's false solutions. The Word of Truth is necessary to shape our attitudes and response to these sufferings.

1 Peter 4:12 - Show Context
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

If I am truly in the Faith then Christ's sufferings are transforming me into the very image of Gods Son. And I, in Him, am overcoming the world and its god; Satan. To grow in Gods Grace I must look to Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of my Faith to strengthen me to walk in the Light of His Truth towards Gods Promises which are accomplished in us on the other side of the sufferings.

Hebrews 12:2 - Show Context
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The book of James tells me I am to apply the same Joy Christ did in my testings:

James 1:2 - 5 Show Context
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

The Joy of the Lord is your strength in times of testing and that Joy you will find in Gods Presence through Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth and in constant Prayer. Patience always WAITS ON GOD'S PROMISES (side note: Patience never waits on obeying Christ's Commands). And Wisdom always avoids the World's Ways.

In Christ’s Love and Service,

Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister