Today's Focus: The MYSTERY and BENEFITS of SUFFERING with or in Christ in this World!
Many genuine Christians do not understand the MYSTERY and BENEFITS of SUFFERING with Christ in this World. Therefore, they do not want to encounter and experience SUFFERING of any form in Christ in this World. Unfortunately, that is not possible because according to God's design:
1. No one can GLORY (resurrect) with Christ before Him (God) without first encountering and experiencing his or her unique SUFFERING (dying) with or in Christ in this World. True!
The Bible reveals thus:
For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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. For I reckon that the SUFFERING of this present time are NOT worthy to be compared with the GLORY which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:15-19; Philippians 3:10,11; Colossians 1:27).
2. No one can learn OBEDIENCE to God like Christ without first encountering and experiencing his or her unique SUFFERING with or in Christ in this World. True!
The Bible reveals thus:
So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto Him, you art my Son, today have I begotten you. Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that He feared; Though He were a Son, yet learned he OBEDIENCE by the things which He SUFFERED; And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. (Hebrews 5:5-9; Hebrews 12:1-12).
3. No one can understand the sufficiency of the GRACE of God in Christ and the perfection of the STRENGTH of God in Christ in WEAKNESS or the resting of the POWER of CHRIST upon him or her without first encountering and experiencing his or her unique SUFFERING with or in Christ in this World. True!
The Bible reveals thus:
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My GRACE is SUFFICIENT for you: for My STRENGTH is made perfect in WEAKNESS. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the POWER of CHRIST may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:5-10; Hebrews 4:14-16).
4. No one can be PATIENT like Christ before God without first encountering and experiencing his or her unique SUFFERING with or in Christ in this World. True!
The Bible reveals thus:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the TRYING of your faith works PATIENCE. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4).
5. No one can produce the PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS like Christ before God as His sons or daughters without first encountering and experiencing his or her unique SUFFERING in Christ with or in Christ in this World. True!
The Bible reveals thus:
For whom the Lord LOVES He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you ENDURE chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is He whom the father chastens not? But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yields the PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow PEACE with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:6-14).
And so on.
Remember, the Bible reveals that as He is, so are we in this World. (1 John 4:17).
Therefore, based on the above valid points and more, God purposefully designed SUFFERING with or in Christ for believers in this World as a FELLOWSHIP with Christ and not something to be dreaded or avoided by a genuine Child of His (God) in Christ in this World, but look at according to His will. True!
That is why Apostle Paul prayed thus:
That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the FELLOWSHIP of His SUFFERING, being made CONFORMABLE unto His death; If by any means I might ATTAIN unto the resurrection of the dead. (Philippians 3:10,11).
With the above understanding also Brother James counseled us thus:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations. (James 1:2).
Are you a genuine Child of God in Christ in this World, watch out for divinely designed SUFFERING for you par time. Rejoice about it, endure it and enjoy it because it is for your good and greatness manifestation in Christ in this World. Because after all is said and done with your SUFFERING experience, which He (God) has intended to perfect, establish and strengthen you in Christ in this World, He will also faithfully SETTLE you in Christ in this World and in Heaven some day. True! Halleluyah! (1 Peter 5:7-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Don't be deceived!
For each of us will at one point or the other encounter (take up our cross) and experience one, two or more of any of these dimensions of SUFFERING: 1. Infirmity 2. Reproach 3. Necessity (lack) 4. Persecution 5. Distress amongst others for Christ 's sake: for when we are WEAK, then we are STRONG. True! (2 Corinthians 12:8-10; Matthew 10:16-42; Matthew 16:24-27).
Today's Focus from Scripture:
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. For I reckon that the SUFFERING of this present time are NOT worthy to be compared with the GLORY which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17,18; 28-39; 1 Peter 5:7).
Take note, take heed!
Prayer Direction: According to today's revealed truth, pray as you are led by the Spirit of God.
God bless you.
MODIBO GODWILL
Divine Destiny Messenger,
Author & Speaker
@The Purpose-costal Movement (TEPUM)
Visit www.shiftstatusinternational.com
Counseling line: +234 802 827 8092
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