Suffering is a major topic in this epistle. Since we live in a fallen world, are burdened with a
fallen nature, and are surrounded by fallen angels, we all experience the feelings of pain or
distress. Suffering in the context of our study is: to be affected injuriously; experience loss or
injury or to undergo punishment. If we are to stand until Christ returns, we MUST learn to
endure suffering in a godly way. Many, many people have given up on God because they were
not prepared to endure under suffering. We must train ourselves to suffer godly just as our
Lord did.
1Peter 1:11 – The writings of the prophets and the apostles most often follow suffering with the
hope of glory. Christ’s suffering was grueling like none other, but the glories were and are
extraordinary and eternal. Learning to focus our thinking on the hope in time of suffering is a
major key to success. Hebrews 11:1-12:3.
2:19-25 – Sin often has harsh treatment that follows, and we gain nothing profitable from
enduring under its pain. Many people, if not most, have endured horrendous suffering because
of their sin. If for doing right we wrongly suffer but patiently endure, we find favor [grace or
kindness] with God.
21-25 – Our call is to behave like Christ.
Romans 8: 16-18 – Christ made the comparison, according to Hebrews 12:1-3. Likewise we
should do the same.
Yahweh prepared His Son to suffer when He had the prophets write the suffering psalms. See
Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 53, and Psalm 22. On the cross, the greatest example of suffering godly, he
uttered the following from Psalm 22. Memorize Scripture.
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LAMA
SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”
Matthew 27:46
3:14-ff – We do suffer for the sake of righteousness. Unbelievers suffer for the sake of
unrighteousness. At times, we endure slander and rejection, but again we have the example of
Christ. His suffering produced eternal glory and results. As we endure under the pressure of
suffering, we too will receive glory, blessing in eternity.
1Peter 4:1 and 2
Lamentations 3:1-38 – Wait silently, while focusing on Yahweh. Psalm 73:25-28; 91:2
James 1:2-5 – Consider it all joy (Hebrews 12:1-3). Consider, think about, all those who have
gone before us, especially Jesus.
1Corinthians 10:1-10 – Teach yourself to live one day at a time, one hour at a time, one thought
at a time.
2Corinthians 10:3-5
Prepare To Endure Suffering:
• Compare suffering to glory
• Consider Jesus
• Prepare yourself with the Scriptures
• Memorize Scripture
• Pray as Jesus did
• Live one day at a time
• Control one thought at a time
