Teaching: Living Well and Suffering Well
Ms. TaliahShare
1. Suffering Is Part of the Christian Calling
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
2. Suffering Produces Endurance, Character, and Hope
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
3. We Are Strengthened in Weakness
“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. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
4. Suffering Identifies Us With Christ
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”
5. Endurance Under Trial Leads to Reward
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
6. Suffering Advances the Gospel
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”
7. We Share in Christ’s Glory Through Suffering
“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
8. God Uses Suffering to Perfect and Establish Us
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
Suffering is not senseless; it refines disciples into spiritual, emotional, and mental stability and maturity. It forms a faith that is anchored and immovable in God’s purpose.
9. A Life of Holiness Requires Perseverance
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
10. Living Well Honors God in Every Season
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Summary
Living well and enduring suffering well are intertwined aspects of spiritual maturity that profoundly shape your character and faith. The ability of a disciple to persevere through trials and hardships not only demonstrates the depth of their faith but also glorifies God in the eyes of others who observe their journey. Suffering, when viewed through the lens of faith, becomes a form of divine refinement; a process that purifies and strengthens the soul. It is important to recognize that experiencing hardship should not be perceived as a sign of defeat or weakness; rather, it is an opportunity for growth and transformation that can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a closer relationship with God. Embracing suffering as part of the spiritual path recreates resilience, promotes empathy in your interactions with others, and ultimately leads to deeper spiritual understanding.
