Rooted in Christ-Part 8- Rejoicing in Suffering
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Last week we looked at Paul’s remarks regarding Christ’s incarnation as God in the flesh, his work of reconciliation bringing us into relationship with God, and our sanctification and future glorification by Him.
Paul now moves to the topic of suffering. Suffering is a topic that all of us would rather avoid, but it is something that is a reality in all our lives and must be understood in its proper context if we are to maintain our joy.
As Paul wrote to the Colossian believers, he did so from a prison cell having been now a prisoner because of his faith in Christ for some time.
Paul begins this portion of his letter to the Colossian believers with what seems a contradictory statement that he is rejoicing in sufferings.
Many believers today are intent on avoiding suffering at all costs while the apostle Paul welcomed suffering and even found himself rejoicing in the midst of his suffering.
How was Paul able to rejoice in the midst of his suffering?
The apostle Paul could rejoice in suffering because by his suffering:
Others Were Helped (Vs. 24a)
Others Were Helped (Vs. 24a)
Paul was not nearly as concerned with his own well-being as he was concerned for the well-being of the believers in the churches that he had helped to plant throughout the Gentile world.
Paul knew that his suffering was beneficial to others and that his steadfastness in the faith in the midst of persecution and trials was a testimony to others.
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul’s willingness to suffer had emboldened others and caused them to more confidently proclaim the gospel. Paul’s suffering was not hindering the advancement of the gospel, but quite the opposite was the result.
Paul was willing to suffer whatever would come his way so long as in the end it led to the furtherance of the gospel. He was satisfied to be a testimony to God’s faithfulness in suffering to those who would suffer in like manner.
Paul was suffering for the proclamation of the gospel and this made his suffering worthwhile. Paul was willing to pay whatever the price to see that others had the opportunity to respond to the gospel message.
When our suffering provides a testimony to others and encourages and strengthens them we can also rejoice in suffering.
Paul’s rejoicing in suffering was also due to the fact that in suffering he was:
Identified with Christ (Vs 24b)
Identified with Christ (Vs 24b)
Paul speaks here of the fact that his suffering was just a carrying on of the sufferings which Christ endured.
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Paul like the other disciples in Acts 5:41 rejoiced that he was counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. He counted suffering a privilege and an honor so long as it was for Christ’s sake.
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi that it was their lot as well as his not only to believe on Christ but also to suffer for his sake.
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
In suffering Paul was more intimately connected with Christ and certainly his suffering had drawn him closer to Christ.
Just as Christ had suffered to found the church, Paul felt it was his responsibility to suffer if necessary to see the church, as the body of Christ, grow and mature.
Paul rejoiced in suffering because he realized that suffering was:
Part of God’s Plan (Vs. 25)
Part of God’s Plan (Vs. 25)
Paul had been called to be the apostle to the Gentiles, carrying the gospel message throughout the Gentile nations leading many to faith and founding a number of local New Testament churches.
Paul knew from the start of his ministry that he was called to suffering.
King James Version Chapter 9
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Paul had been given a very special responsibility for which he would be held accountable before God.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
The call of God for the Apostle Paul consisted primarily of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Gentile world and Paul knew that in doing so he would be called upon to suffer.
Paul was not concerned but actually found joy in suffering because by it God’s plan was fulfilled and the gospel was proclaimed.