Word Information
Word: Pascho (Gk)
English: To suffer
Source: Strong’s Concordance
Author: James Strong
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
Definition
“In a bad sense, of misfortunes, to suffer, to undergo evils, to be afflicted…”
The Call of Disciples
Disciples of Jesus are called to a hard life’. This is NOT referring to suffering for wrongdoings, foolishness or sin – this is suffering encountered -because of obedience to God.
However these sufferings manifest (direct persecution for our faith, or suffering in various ways for righteousness’ sake), we draw comfort from God’s promises and have peace in our hearts, knowing that as He has overcome the world, we will too, if we continue abiding in Him.
Encouragement to One Another
With this comfort we receive from God, we should strengthen and encourage one another who are weak or suffering for Christ’s sake, and also receive encouragement from our brethren. Remind one another of these things. Help people in whatever way you can, individually and collectively – by doing so, we fulfil the law of Christ, to love.
(Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.)
The Promise of Blessing
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and shall say every evil word against you, lying, on account of Me. Rejoice and leap for joy, for your reward is great in Heaven; for in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Timothy 2:11-12 Faithful is the Word: for if we died with Him, we also shall live with Him; if we endure, we shall also reign with Him; if we deny Him, that One will deny us
And so, we rejoice in hope!
Footnote
Mark 8:34; 2 Timothy 2:3, 3:12; 1 Peter 3:3-13
Sizzling Sunday: 25th December 2022
Sizzling Sunday 022
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