Suffering for Christ in a Fallen World
Suffering for Christ in a fallen world is a recurring theme in the New Testament, presented not as an anomaly but as an expected part of the Christian life [8]. The Apostle Peter instructs believers to arm themselves with the same mindset as Christ, who suffered in the flesh [2, 4]. This suffering is understood as a participation in Christ's own experiences, leading to a cessation from sin [2, 4].
The New Testament frequently connects the suffering of believers with the suffering of Christ. Paul expresses a desire to know "the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death" [1]. He also states that he counts all things as loss for the knowledge of Christ, for whom he has suffered the loss of all things [5]. This perspective suggests that suffering for Christ is a means of deeper identification with Him.
Christ's suffering is presented as a singular, redemptive act—He "once went through pain for sins, the upright one taking the place of sinners, so that through him we might come back to God" [3]. He suffered physical death but was raised to life in the Spirit [10]. While Christ's redemptive suffering is unique and complete, believers are called to participate in the "sufferings of Christ" [11]. This does not imply that believers' suffering adds to Christ's atoning work, but rather that Christ continues to suffer through His people in a world hostile to the message of redemption [11]. This suffering is expected to continue until God's purposes are fulfilled [11].
Christians are encouraged to expect hostility from a sinful world, especially when seeking to live godly lives [8]. The Bible indicates that "all that live godly in Christ, shall suffer" [6]. This persecution can originate from ignorance of God, hatred of God and Christ, hatred of the Gospel, pride, or mistaken zeal [6]. Despite these trials, God is depicted as being with afflicted saints, offering refuge, strength, and comfort [7]. Christ also supports, comforts, and preserves those who suffer [7]. Believers are encouraged to imitate Christ in their suffering [7]. When facing persecution, Paul's response was to bless those who cursed him, aligning with Jesus' teaching [9].
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 3:10 (BSB) — I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,”
- I Peter “I Peter 4:1 (LITV) — Therefore, Christ having suffered for us in the flesh, also you arm yourselves with the same thought, that he suffering in the flesh has been made to rest from sin,”
- I Peter “I Peter 3:18 (BBE) — Because Christ once went through pain for sins, the upright one taking the place of sinners, so that through him we might come back to God; being put to death in the flesh, but given life in the Spirit;”
- 1 Peter “Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; -- 1 Peter 4:1”
- Philippians “Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ -- Philippians 3:8”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 4:12: 4:12 We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18; Acts 18:3; 20:33-35). • We bless those who curse us: Paul’s response was in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matt 5:44-45; cp. Rom 12:14, 17-21).”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:18: 3:18-22 As in 2:21-25, Peter again appeals to Christ, who was righteous and yet suffered, as an example for believers facing persecution (3:13-17). The unique work of Christ on our behalf reminds suffering Christians that they have a secure foundation for hope and confidence. 3:18 He suffered physical death (literally death in the flesh), but he was raised to life in the Spirit (or in spirit): Flesh and spirit are often contrasted (e.g., Rom 7:5-6; 8:2-11). Here, flesh stands for ordinary human life; the Spirit stands for the new realm inaugurated through Christ’”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 1:24: 1:24–2:5 Paul considers his own role in the widespread preaching of the Good News (1:23). 1:24 I am participating in the sufferings of Christ (literally I am filling up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ): While the redemptive suffering of Christ is unique and completely finished, Christ still suffers through his people in a world hostile to the message of redemption. Christ and his church will continue to suffer until God’s purposes in this world are complete (see also Mark 13:19-23; Rom 8:17-18; 1 Thes 3:3).”