13. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 16. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

Yesterday we talked about how part of the purpose of suffering is to help determine if our faith is in religion, church, or Jesus Christ, the persecution

Today we will look at another type of suffering, the persecution that the Bible calls partaking in the sufferings of Jesus. Romans 8:17 "Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead."    

We identify with Jesus not in His atonement, (Some people believe our sufferings in some way help pay for the sins of the world.)  When Jesus said “It is finished on the cross.” He meant it. The cross paid for the punishment of our sins and there is nothing we can add to that. To participate in His sufferings, simply means that we will suffer persecution for righteousness and seeking to live in God's will, just as Jesus did. He is our example.  

The cross was the way to crown. Now we are not saved because we suffer. We are saved because Jesus gave His life for us. We accept that free gift. We are drawn by His Spirit to repentance and confession of sin. We are desirous to want to please Jesus and make Him first in our lives. This act of salvation is God’s glorious grace made known to us. There are times in people's lives when the manifold strength and presence of Christ is shown in a most extra ordinary way.   

We can rejoice therefore in persecution because God’s presence in the here and now becomes real. The blessed hope of the believer is the return of Jesus, where all things are made right and rewards, especially for those who gave their lives in martyrdom and in suffering for Jesus’ sake, are given. He does not forget. He knows the motive and purpose in each one.  

Of course, you realize it is not for wrong things that we ought to suffer, we deserve that. I read about a young man in the armed forces facing court-martial because he insisted on carrying his Bible on guard duty even after he had been forbidden to do so. The base commander explained that he was not opposed to the Bible, but it simply was against regulations for anyone to be reading on sentry duty. It can be a distraction from his job of guarding the base. 

The serviceman defended himself by saying the Bible helps him concentrate on the job.  This believer was not suffering consequences for righteousness’ sake. In fact, it was for insubordination. It is commendable that he wanted to read the Bible, but the job requires that he have nothing hindering him from being alert at his post which was the soldier's first responsibility. He could read the Bible on his own time. Do not suffer for doing wrong and think it is for Jesus.

In this chapter look how many times there is a reference to “rejoicing” or “blessing”: v. 13 “Rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ. so you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed”. v.14 “You are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” vs. 16 “Praise God that you bear that name.”    

Application:   The purpose of suffering is to look to Jesus and allow others to do the same. He is the anchor when the storms of life and faith are rough.

Prayer: