Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5565 suffering, of believers

5565 suffering, of believers

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5560 suffering » 5565 suffering, of believers

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.

Believers must expect suffering

Jesus Christ foretold it

Matthew 10:22 pp Mark 13:13 See also Matthew 10:17; Matthew 23:34; Matthew 24:9; Luke 21:16-17

The apostles foretold it

Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12 See also Philippians 1:29; 1 John 3:13; Revelation 2:10

The experience of the OT shows it

Romans 8:36; Hebrews 11:25-26,32-38

The experience of the NT shows it

Acts 4:3; Acts 5:40; Acts 9:29; Acts 12:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; Galatians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:2,14; 1 Peter 4:4; Hebrews 10:32-34

Suffering for Jesus Christ is commendable

Matthew 5:10-12 pp Luke 6:20-23 See also Acts 5:41; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 2:19; Peter 3:17; Peter 4:12-16

Suffering is profitable