SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?

SPECIAL TOPIC: WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER?

There are so many biblical texts that assert that persecution and suffering are normal for those who follow Christ in a fallen world (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21; 16:1-3; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3-4; 8:17; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 6:3-10; 11:23-30; Phil. 1:29; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 4:12-16).

The theological question is, "Why?"

Because of personal sin (temporal judgment). This does not imply that all problems and negative circumstances are a result of sin (cf. Job; Psalm 73; Luke 14:1-5; Nehemiah 9; John 9; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor. 11:29-30; Gal. 6:7), but some are!
To develop Christlikeness. Even Jesus, humanly speaking, had to be matured by means of suffering (cf. Heb. 5:8), so too, His followers (cf. Rom. 5:3-4, 8:17-18,28-29; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Phil. 3:10; 1 Thess. 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 12:5-12; James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 1:7).
To develop a powerful, effective witness (cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-22; 1 Pet. 2:18-21, 3:13-17).
As a sign of the birth pains of the New Age (cf. Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:8).
There is mystery here! Life seems so random and capricious. Humans wonder, "Why me, why this, why now?" These questions cannot be fully answered. But, we must remember that "God allowing" does not imply "God sending"!
There is a new day of peace and security coming (cf. Isa. 25:8; 35:10; 51:11; 65:19; these OT texts are applied to the church in Rev. 7:17; 21:4).

Two books that have helped me deal with the unfairness and evil of this fallen world are

Hannah Whithall Smith, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life
John W. Wenham, The Goodness of God.

Believers must remember that problems and suffering are not necessarily a sign of God's anger or rejection. Bad things happen to faithful followers in a fallen world (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12-19). This is not the world God intended it to be! God's promises and Christ's self-giving death are the signs of God's love (cf. Rom. 5:8). Scripture must take precedence over temporary circumstances!

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND

SPECIAL TOPIC: A SUFFERING MESSIAH

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT)