We suffer now, but...
OUR SUFFERING WILL END
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. (John 16:22)
What the Bible says - Reasons for our suffering - Our proper response - Old Testament only
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS (click on the underlined verses to read them)
The earth will pass away. Rev 21:1-4, 1 John 2:15-17 (see also The Earth will be destroyed).
We are only a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:13-17, Psalm 39:5-7
The things we see now (this world) are temporary, while the things we do not see are eternal. 2 Cor 4:16-18
In the world we will have trouble, but take heart because He has overcome the world. John 16:33
Life is like childbirth – pain while on earth turns to joy when we see Jesus. John 16:20-22
The suffering of this present earth are not worthy to be compared with the future glory. Rom 8:15-26
After we suffer, God will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:8-11
When suffering, our confidence of a better and enduring possession in heaven will be richly rewarded. Heb 10:34-39
We are suffering now for the kingdom of God. 2 Thes 1:5-7
We groan waiting for our adoption. Romans 8:23-25
We will be glad with exceeding joy (if we suffered for Him). 1 Pet 4:12-15
We suffer now so that our faith, of greater worth than gold, may be proved genuine and result in praise, glory and honor. 1 Peter 1:3-9
Sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation. It also produces other godly characteristics. 2 Cor 7:9-11
Ultimately,
if we partake in Christ's suffering, our suffering will bring exceeding joy.
1
Pet 4:12-15
Suffering occurs so that we might trust in God and not ourselves. 2 Cor 1:8-11
Suffering
keeps us humble and lets God's strength work in us. 2
Cor 12:7-10
We
suffer so that we can comfort others. 2
Cor 1:3-7
Our current light affliction is working for us a more eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor 4:16-18
God's discipline here is painful, but it reaps later rewards. Heb 12:7-11
Our suffering now is evidence of the righteousness of God's judgment later when he takes vengeance justly. 2 Thes 1:4-10
We
are obligated to suffer for Christ. Phil
1:29-30
We
are promised to suffer persecution. 2 Tim
3:12-13
We should be patient for the Lord's return (like a farmer waits for rain), and we should strengthen and stabilize our hearts for the Lord's return. James 5:7-11
We should not lose heart while fixing our eyes on eternal things and knowing that the troubles we have are only momentary. 2 Cor 4:16-18
We should be sober, diligent, resist the devil (steadfast in the faith), knowing that we are not alone in our sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-11
We should bear Jesus' reproach while we seek the city that is to come. Heb 13:12-14
We should be faithful during our suffering (even to death), and He will give us life. Revelation 2:10
Examples of patience: A farmer, the prophets and Job. In the end, the Lord is compassionate and merciful to those who trust Him. James 5:7-11
We
should remember the suffering Jesus endured from others - and for us.
Heb
12:3
We are only a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Psalm 39:5-7
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