Importance of Spiritual Discernment in Trials and Suffering
Spiritual discernment is crucial during trials and suffering, as it helps believers understand the nature and purpose of their experiences. The Apostle Peter instructs Christians to expect hostility from a sinful world, particularly those who strive for godly lives [7]. This expectation is rooted in the understanding that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian walk, as all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution [1, 2 Timothy 3:12].
The New Testament frequently addresses the theme of suffering. For instance, 1 Peter 2:19 commends those who endure pain and suffer unjustly because of their conscience toward God [2, 3]. This suggests that suffering, when borne with a consciousness of God, can be a commendable act of faith. The book of Revelation also speaks to the endurance and faith of the saints in the face of captivity and death, indicating that perseverance through trials is a hallmark of believers [6].
Discerning the spiritual significance of suffering involves recognizing that it can stem from various sources. Persecution, for example, often originates from ignorance of God and Christ, hatred toward God and the gospel, pride, or even mistaken zeal [1]. However, suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin; sometimes, it is part of a larger divine plan. The long-suffering of God, for instance, is presented as part of His character and is intended to lead people to repentance [5].
Christ's own suffering provides a model for believers. He voluntarily submitted to suffering and was patient under it [1]. His human nature, which included experiencing hunger, thirst, weariness, and weeping, was necessary for His mediatorial office, allowing Him to empathize with human suffering [4, 8]. This understanding can help believers discern that their own suffering, while painful, may align them more closely with Christ's experience and purpose.
Sources
- 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”
- I Peter “I Peter 2:19 (BSB) — For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God, this is to be commended.”
- 1 Peter “For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. -- 1 Peter 2:19”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
- Revelation “If anyone is to go into captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints. -- Revelation 13:10”
- 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).”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 2:18: For in that he himself hath suffered - The maxim on which this verse is founded is the following: A state of suffering disposes persons to be compassionate, and those who endure most afflictions are they who feel most for others. The apostle argues that, among other causes, it was necessary that Jesus Christ should partake of human nature, exposed to trials, persecutions, and various sufferings, that he might the better feel for and be led to succor those who are afflicted and sorely tried. This sentiment is well expressed by a Roman poet: - Me quoque per multas s”