Why do Christians suffer?

 Refining Fire: Understanding Why Christians Suffer

Introduction:

The Christian life is not a path paved with roses, but often a journey through trials and tribulations. We may ask, "Why do Christians suffer?" Today, we will explore the purpose, pain, provision, and product of suffering, and discover how God uses these experiences to shape us into His image.

I. The Purpose: God's Refining Hand

A. Humility and Kingdom Fitness (2 Corinthians 12:7):

    • Many Christians mistakenly believe they can control life's problems. 

    • Paul's "thorn" was a divine tool to humble him, preparing him for greater service in God's kingdom. 

    • "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure." (2 Corinthians 12:7) 

B. God's Loving Filtration (Romans 8:28; Job 1:12):

    • All things, even suffering, are filtered through God's loving hands. 

    • "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)   

    • God allows Satan to tempt and trouble us, but He sets boundaries, protecting us from ultimate harm. 

    • God fights for us and cares for us through temptations, prayers, and the promise of heaven. 

II. The Pain: A Mark of God's Family

A. Inevitable Suffering (2 Timothy 3:12; Hebrews 12:6, 9, 11):

    • "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) 

    • Suffering is a reality for God's children, a painful but necessary part of our training. 

    • "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11) 

    • This suffering shows that we are part of God’s family. 

B. Pain's Focusing Power (Ecclesiastes 7:2; Luke 12:16-21):

    • Progress without pain is often impossible. 

    • Pain can sharpen our focus, causing us to contemplate our souls and eternity. 

    • Times of ease can obscure the realities of life, leading to spiritual complacency. 

    • The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) illustrates the danger of prioritizing earthly possessions over eternal values. 

III. The Provision: God's Grace and Presence

A. Strengthening Through Hardship (Proverbs 15:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9):

    • God watches over His children as they learn difficult lessons. 

    • We are strengthened through trials, experiencing the sufficiency of God's grace. 

    • "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)   

B. God's Unfailing Promises (Hebrews 13:5; Acts 16:22-25):

    • God promises to be with us always, providing comfort and strength. 

    • Confidence in God is demonstrated through prayer and praise, even in the midst of suffering. 

    • The example of Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison (Acts 16:22-25) illustrates this unwavering faith. 

IV. The Product: Righteousness and Growth

A. Peaceable Fruit and Christ's Strength (Hebrews 12:11; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10):

    • Difficulties produce "peaceable fruit of righteousness" in our lives. 

    • We learn to rely on Christ's strength, recognizing our own weakness. 

    • Paul's realization that he was not super-human and that God’s grace was enough (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

B. Dynamic Spiritual Growth (2 Samuel 12:16; Psalm 51:1-3):

    • Trials draw us closer to God, fostering deeper intimacy and dependence. 

    • Times of sorrow and difficulty often lead to profound spiritual growth and repentance. 

    • David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51 demonstrates this. 

V. Five Principles for Rough Roads (Hebrews 12:5-7, 12-13, 15-17):

    1. Don't Despise Chastening (Hebrews 12:5-6): Embrace God's discipline as an act of love. 

    2. God Deals With Us as Sons (Hebrews 12:7): Recognize that suffering is part of our training as God's children. 

    3. Strengthen the Struggling (Hebrews 12:12): Encourage and support those who are weak and weary. 

    4. Make Your Path Straight (Hebrews 12:13): Live with integrity and righteousness, avoiding stumbling blocks. 

    5. Be On the Lookout (Hebrews 12:15-17): Guard against bitterness and ungodliness, lest they defile you. 

Why do Christians suffer?

Conclusion:

Suffering is not a sign of God's absence, but often a tool in His hand to refine and strengthen us. Through trials, we learn humility, experience God's grace, and produce the fruit of righteousness. Let us embrace these difficult seasons, trusting that God is working all things for our good and His glory. Amen.


 
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John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (NVI)