Shared Suffering
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Suffering Class - "Looking For Trouble?"
I was listening to a podcast and one of the comments brought up was “the western church is fantastic when it comes to equipping the church to be victorious but have often neglect in preparing the church for suffering.”
The Bible is very upfront about the reality of suffering in this world, in our lives. It is also a reality for anyone who follows the way of Jesus.
Of course, the questions about suffering and evil are asked by the Bible itself. It’s important not to enter this topic thinking that we have all the tough questions and the Bible is simplistic. There is Habakkuk, for example. He can quite understand how God can use a nation to chasten the covenant people of God (who themselves constituted a nation) because of their own idolatry. What he cannot figure out is how God can use a more wicked nation. On any judgment, the oppressors are more wicked than Israel itself. How can God do that?
What do we do with Job? Or Jeremiah, with his massive sense of injustice and betrayal? Or numerous psalms? What do we do with Elijah? He was living a hand-to-mouth existence, in isolation, courageously leading reformation and revival, and yet, after the great climax when God intervenes even with a miracle and Elijah thinks the turning point has come, he finds himself on the back end of a desert, running for his life. What do we do with Apostle Paul, he was blinded for 3 days in seeing Jesus, he was shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, chased by a mob, left alone, thrown off a cliff and left for dead, imprisoned? Nothing has changed.
Just maybe when we encounter these historical episodes in the Bible, our default mechanism inside ourselves is to simply do what feels comfortable or avoid it at all cost.
Just maybe we ignore the reality of suffering because we are so invested in ourselves that we end up isolating and insulating ourselves.
Read 2 Tim 1-2:13
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary Introduction
The purpose of 2 Timothy was to encourage Timothy in his ministry at Ephesus. The primary theme of the letter is the need for faithfulness in the face of hardship.
focused on 2 Tim 1:8,
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
When we think about Christians facing suffering because of persecution, it's important to remember that it's not just about one person, but the whole community of Christians (the Church) and Jesus Christ himself. The Bible shows persecution as something that affects the whole body, even when they're in different locations.
Sometimes, the Bible use the word "fellowship" (koinōnos) to describe this sharing of suffering. In simpler terms, believers share in the hardships of other Christians because they are all part of the same family following Christ.
Here are some examples:
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.
We can't really prepare for suffering and persecution by constantly worrying about them, making ourselves unhappy now, or always expecting the worst.
So how do we prepare?
A biblical approach in getting ready for suffering through persecution, whether its major or minor, is by thinking rightly about suffering and persecution in light of an honest approach of the Scriptures.
The key to being prepared for suffering and persecution is not constantly worrying about how you'd react or if you'd be strong enough or worrying about how you might respond.
Instead of focusing on our "self”, we focus on our new identity in Jesus Christ.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
This identity comes before the mission of the church.
If the mission of the church is to express the glory of God through the person of Jesus Christ, then how else can the redemptive self-giving love of God be displayed unless it overflows from churches full of redeemed self-giving, self-sacrificing people?
Our "shared suffering” is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, on how he saved us by grace which we have received by faith and have gathered us together as a new family, his new household, his new body.
Our shared suffering is not for the sake of producing martyrs (so our names can be etched in the hall of faith) but for the glory of God and continuous advancement of his kingdom.
we are n
that a community of whose previous identity is of shame, self-centeredness, sinfulness is now called by the resurrected living Son of God, Jesus Christ to emulate his character in the same hostile world he saved us from where others are still bound in guilt and shame and sinfulness, so that in Christ power others will be freed and forgiven by believing in him.
So as we share in suffering, let us:
Rejoice with each other in suffering as part of God’s wise design.
Pray for those suffering,
Express compassion to those suffering.
34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
It is important to settle the issue of loyalty to Christ within a proper framework of suffering now. This we do even as we share in the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The way of Jesus includes rejection, suffering in persecution.
In practical terms, I think we need to be at peace that people can and will reject us including the very ones whom we call brothers and sisters in Christ… but there’s really only one rejection that matters throughout eternity, and that is if the resurrected Jesus Christ rejects you.
If a I think we worry about
Don't worry about how you might respond to persecution, hatred, or challenges. Instead, think about how you can emulate Christ's teachings and values in those situations.
Believe that when those times arrive:
I find it very difficult to comprehend that a believer’s faithful testimony of Jesus Christ to our hostile world without suffering or persecution is truly biblical or faithfulness to to Christ.
there is new mercies for us in that morning.
rejoicing in it as part of God’s wise design, praying for those suffering, showing compassion to them (Heb. 10.34), and preparing ourselves to do the same thing. It is important to settle the issue of loyalty to Christ within a proper framework of suffering now. This we do even as we share in the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The only way to be ready to face difficulties with faith is by living with faith each day alongside Jesus.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
We are witnesses before we ever engage in the task of witnessing. But the fact Jesus gave his followers that specific identity presupposes a non-negotiable task that would be fulfilled.
Jesus said, “You are my witnesses.” , Jesus also said we are the “light of the world”. Moments later, he said to let our light shine and warned against the light being put under a bowl. Once again, the emphasis falls on our identity (light of the world) as it is tied to its purpose (to shine).
But the fact Jesus gave his followers that specific identity presupposes a non-negotiable task that would be fulfilled.
one’s continuous “standing”, “spreading” and “sharing with someone” for the sake of the gospel of the resurrected Christ in our hostile world.
The society in ancient times where people believed in many gods, the fact that followers of Jesus were devoted to only one God and talked about a future kingdom of God, led by a criminal who was executed, would always create some ongoing conflict with the larger society.
2 Tim 2:3 “share in suffering as a… soldier, an athelete, a farmer.”
The Bible Guide Single-Mindedness and Hard Work (2 Timothy 2:1–26)
This work requires single-mindedness. Like a soldier on active service, Timothy must stay focused on the battle and the commands of his Lord. Like an athlete in competition, Timothy must not compromise or cheat if he hopes to win the prize. But there is a great reward. Like a hard-working farmer, Timothy will be the first to benefit from the sacrifices he has made.
If we are to assess the life of our local church, can we clearly identify how often we have experienced suffering because we:
stand firm on the gospel of the resurrected Christ? Phil 1:27-30
spread the gospel of the resurrected Christ?
share the suffering with one another for the sake of the gospel of the resurrected Christ?
If suffering is inevitable in a Christian life and yet we a life devoid of suffering in “standing”, “spreading” and “sharing with someone” for the sake of the gospel of the resurrected Christ, we need to honestly examine our lives for the outward expressions of our faith in the resurrected Christ.
The church should not just expect suffering but to prepare for it.
If suffering are one of the true marks of faith in Jesus Christ, then we need to expect, experience and equip for it.
How does one truly equip for suffering?
realistic expectation
transparency fortright
4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Learn where God is in one’s suffering.
300 Quotations for Preachers from the Early Church He Suffered to Prepare Freedom from Suffering
He suffered to prepare freedom from suffering for those who suffer in Him; He descended that He might raise us up; He took on Himself the trial of being born, that we might love Him who is unbegotten; He went down to corruption, that corruption might put on immortality; He became weak for us, that we might rise with power; He descended to death, that He might bestow on us immortality, and give life to the dead. Finally, He became man, that we who die as men might live again, and that death should no more reign over us; for the apostolic word proclaims, “Death shall not have the dominion over us.”
Athanasius of Alexandria (ca. 295-373)
The gospel is like a powerful remedy for our weary hearts, and it's also the motivation that keeps us going as we work to glorify God. It's like medicine because it heals and rejuvenates us through the work of Christ. And it's motivation to spread the good news to others because when our lives are genuinely revived by this gospel, we can't help but share it with those we meet."
Take the suffering class. Study what the Bible says about suffering. Don’t neglect Job, the psalms, or the words of the Apostle Peter.
Be full of faith. Be full of wisdom. And pray for the Holy Spirit that you may know Christ richly, love him sweetly, and be assured of his grace and mercy to you at all times. If that is deep in your hearts, then how could you possibly deny him? How could you turn from him? How could you reject Him? He is your only comfort in life and in death.
Apostle Paul =
Timothy = us; are we yet(?) to experience and endure suffering for the sake of Christ?
we don’t know if Timothy has yet to experience and endure suffering for the sake of Christ.
2 Tim 2:3 “suffering” synkakopathēson, “to suffer hardship with someone”
A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 752.
we are not meant to do this alone and we are certainly not alone when everybody else deserts us -
The reason for us to endure suffering is to continuously proclaim the gospel of Christ. 2 Tim 2:8-10
Paul followed the pattern of Christ’s suffering - this is what he means by “worthy and approved of Christ” (look for the passages)
God’s redemptive work gives birth to our new identity and produces obedience; to do “good works”
The “good works” focused in 2 Tim 2 is remembering and preaching the resurrected Jesus Christ.
“faith” in the pastoral epistles - the language is needed in religious groups that have too many people who say they trust Jesus but don't actually live according to the teachings of Jesus.
But what if we need the missional conception of the church in order to maintain a strong relationship with God?
What if the outward-focused missional impulse causes us to press deeper into our utter need for God, stirring up within us a sense of desperation as we learn our weaknesses and inabilities, as we recognize our need for the Spirit’s power?
What if the grandeur and glory of a missionary-hearted God captures our affections until we long to see his name made known to the world, to see the fame of Jesus spread to the ends of the earth?