After you have suffered a little while. Who are we talking about? And what is a little while? Not to mention, what happens after the suffering? And maybe, what is the suffering? How about why will this suffering take place? But first, where does this even come from? No surprise to many of you, this comes from the Bible. While suffering is mention often in the Bible, this specific instance is from 1 Peter. It comes up because it's part of the Verse of the Day from YouVerse.
Suffering. Troubles. Trials. Tribulations.
The Bible is full of things like this. In a way, that's not surprising. After all, life is full of that stuff for most of us. It's the rare exception, if there even is one, where suffering doesn't enter into someone's life at some point. Or is it that we just refuse to acknowledge that bad stuff happens to us?
Maybe the weirdest part is that Jesus tells us straight out that we have troubles when we choose to follow Him. How's that for a motivator? Who else ever said that we'll have all sorts of problems in our life if we follow them? And to top it off, we're told that's when our leader's best work is done in us!
I can't imagine a motivational speaker, other than Jesus and His followers, that would ever say anything like that. And yet, it's real. So, let's take a look and learn a bit about this promised suffering.
Summary
If Christians are a new creation, why isn’t everything perfect? discusses the concept of suffering as it relates to Christian beliefs and the teachings of Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Bible verses, specifically referencing 1 Peter and the Beatitudes. There’s a focus on the transient nature of suffering compared to the eternal glory and life promised in Christianity.
Suffering in Christianity: The page discusses the concept of suffering as mentioned in the Bible, particularly in 1 Peter, and how it relates to the Christian experience.
Biblical Context: It emphasizes the importance of context when interpreting biblical passages, using 1 Peter 5:10 and the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 as examples.
Trials and Growth: The text explores the idea that trials and tribulations are part of the growth process for Christians, leading to maturity and completeness in faith.
Eternal Perspective: It encourages a perspective that views earthly suffering as temporary when compared to the eternal glory and joy promised in Christianity.
The page concludes by emphasizing the Christian perspective on suffering and trials, highlighting that such experiences are part of following Jesus and are temporary when compared to eternity. It reassures believers that enduring suffering is worthwhile, as it leads to spiritual growth and the promise of eternal life with God. The final thoughts encourage trust in God’s love and the ultimate reward that awaits after life’s trials, urging readers to reflect on their faith and the true meaning of being a follower of Christ. The page ends with an invitation to consider one’s eternal future and the choices that lead towards it, framing suffering as a transformative process that aligns with God’s purpose for believers.
The context of After you have suffered a little while
As always, context matters. And as usual, let's examine that context right away. Then we'll go through it in detail to see what's going on.
To Elders and Young Men
1Pe 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
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