Believers ought to expect to suffer as an inevitable part of their calling. To believe is not to evade suffering; it is to face it with new confidence and hope. Rightly approached, suffering develops the character of believers, equips them for more effective service, draws believers closer to Jesus Christ and prepares them for eternal life.

Matthew 10:22

Believers must expect suffering

Jesus Christ foretold it

See also

Matthew 10:17; 23:34; 24:9

pp Mk 13:13

Luke 21:16-17
Acts 14:22
2 Timothy 3:12

The apostles foretold it

See also

Philippians 1:29
1 John 3:13
Revelation 2:10
Romans 8:36
Hebrews 11:25-26,32-38

The experience of the OT shows it

Acts 4:3; 5:40; 9:29; 12:1-3
2 Corinthians 11:23-29

The experience of the NT shows it

Galatians 3:4
1 Thessalonians 2:2,14
1 Peter 4:4
Hebrews 10:32-34
Matthew 5:10-12

Suffering for Jesus Christ is commendable

See also

Acts 5:41

pp Lk 6:20-23

2 Timothy 1:8
1 Peter 2:19; 3:17; 4:12-16
Hebrews 12:7

Suffering is profitable

See also

It affirms believers' adoption

John 15:19; 17:14
Romans 8:17
Galatians 6:17
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Hebrews 12:11

See also

It is the price of godliness

Psalms 119:67,71
Isaiah 38:17
John 15:2
1 Peter 1:6-7
2 Corinthians 4:10
Colossians 1:24

It is a condition of service

See also

Psalms 126:5-6
Acts 9:16; 20:23-24
1 Corinthians 4:9-13
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Galatians 4:19
Philippians 3:18
Colossians 2:1
2 Timothy 1:11-12; 2:3,10
2 Corinthians 1:9

See also

It develops trust

1 Peter 4:19
Romans 5:3-4

See also

It develops character

Hebrews 5:8
James 1:3
1 Corinthians 12:26

See also

It deepens fellowship

Romans 12:15
2 Corinthians 1:7; 8:2
Galatians 4:14-15; 6:2
Philippians 3:8,10

See also

It draws believers to the Lord

Job 42:5
2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 12:9-10
1 Peter 4:13
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:4

See also

It prepares believers for heaven

1040 God, fatherhood
6608 adoption
8206 Christlikeness
8266 holiness
8342 servanthood
8347 spiritual growth
8450 martyrdom
8794 persecution
8832 testing