Called to Suffer

Christians who wish to live a godly life and maintain a clear witness in this world will be persecuted. While the pursuit of comfort and safety is wholly incompatible with the righteous suffering exemplified for us by Jesus Christ, the perseverance of believers under persecution has an enormous impact on a watching world.

Earthly safety and comfort are not Christ’s goals for your life, they are Satan’s.

The suffering of Christians for their righteous life and uncompromising witness is the most powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

Questions:

1. Have you ever been persecuted for your faith in Christ? If not, why do you suppose that is?

2. Since Jesus suffered for us on the cross, why is it also necessary for us to suffer in faithfulness to his example?

3. Believers and unbelievers alike may face unjust suffering. How should the Christian response to suffering differ from that of the non-Christian?

4. How is it possible for us to ‘die to sin and live to righteousness?’

5. How can you demonstrate from Scripture that Jesus is the Shepherd of our souls? What other Bible passages would you consult?