ChristiansSuffer Too

The first century of the New Testament Church was both excitingand traumatic. It was exciting because the Church was expanding rapidly. Andthough spectacular miracles were decreasing in number, memories of the days ofthe Lord and the Apostles were still fresh and vivid as they were handed downboth in the sacred Scriptures, and in private correspondences and in oraltraditions. It was, however, also a traumatic time as the early Christiansfaced persecutions on every side. First it was persecution by the Jews,—duringwhich time Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 7:54–60),—then it was persecutionby the Romans. The Roman persecution had begun in A.D. 64, under the reign ofEmperor Nero. On the 18^th or19^th of July thatyear, a massive fire broke out in Rome, which left only four of the fourteenregions in which the city was divided untouched. Four of the districts werecompletely razed. Tradition had it that it was Nero himself who ordered thefire because he had wanted to enjoy the lurid spectacle of burning Troy and to fulfil hisambition of rebuilding the city and calling it Neropolis. But when publicrumours about his involvement began to spread, he needed a scapegoat. The hatedChristians became his scapegoats. Great multitude of Christians were tortured.Some were clothed in skins of wild animals and torn to death by mad dogs in thearena; others were crucified; yet others were covered with tar and impaled onstakes of pine to act as human torches in Nero’s garden.

It was in the context of these persecutions, both Jewish andRoman, that the letters of James, Hebrews and 1 Peter were written. It is notsurprising, therefore, that the most encouraging treatises for Christians whoare undergoing persecution and sufferings may be found in these letters. Yes,Christians suffer too. What is the purpose of suffering? What should ourattitude be when we suffer? What should we do when we are called to suffer?These questions are addressed in these letters.

What Are the Purposes ofSuffering?

From the said epistles, we can see four main purposes forsuffering.Firstly, the Apostle Peter reminds us that some sufferas the consequence of their own faults (1 Pet 2:19). When Christians suffer inthis manner, they may be said to be undergoing chastisement by the heavenlyFather (cf. Heb 12:5–11). Such chastisement, says the author of Hebrews, is"for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness" (Heb12:10, cf. v. 11). In other words, chastisements are designed to expose oursins and to reveal to us how we have fallen short of the image of God, andthereby to mould us into the image of Christ. David, who was himself severelychastised, affirms, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have Ikept thy word" (Ps 119:67); and "It is good for me that I have beenafflicted; that I might learn thy statutes" (Ps 119:71). Thomas Brooksputs it this way: "God’s house of correction is His school ofinstruction."

Secondly, Peter also reminds us that otherssuffer for the sake of Christ (1 Pet 4:13–14), or for "conscience towardGod" (1 Pet 2:19). These, in other words, face persecution for theirfaith. When we are persecuted in this manner, we are said to be "partakersof Christ’s sufferings" (1 Pet 4:13) or, as Paul puts it, we "fill upthat which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Col 1:24). This suggests, that Christiansshould expect to be hated and persecuted just as Christ Himself was (cf. Jn15:18; 1 Pet 4:12); and when Christians are persecuted in the Name of Christ,then God is glorified (1 Pet 4:14). Thomas Brooks puts it well: "As ourgreatest good comes through the sufferings of Christ, so God’s greatest glorythat He hath from His saints comes through their sufferings."

Thirdly, suffering serves to test thegenuineness of our faith. Such sufferings may involve some form of persecutionfor Christ’s sake, or it may not involve any noticeable reason as in the caseof Job. James, writing to the early Christians who were dispersed because ofJewish persecution (A.D. 44–62; Acts 11:19ff), tells them that the temptationsor trials they were experiencing was "the trying of [their] faith" (Jas 1:3). Peter tells theChristians experiencing Nerodian persecution that the "manifoldtemptations" they were experiencing was the "trial of[their] faith" (1 Pet 1:6–7). The wordtranslated ‘trial’ in both cases is the Greek dovkivmion (dokimion), which was used todescribe the proving of precious metals to make sure that they are withoutalloy. Just as Abraham’s faith was tested and proven genuine when he wasinstructed to sacrifice Isaac, and Job’s faith was proven real when the hedgearound him was removed, so too, God sometimes sends trials our way that we maybe assured that we are for real. The man depicted by the "stonyplaces," after all, receives the Word of God with joy, but when"tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he isoffended" (Mt 13:21).

Fourthly andfinally, suffering builds our Christian character. James reminds us that thetrying of our faith "worketh patience" (Jas 1:3), and that whenpatience has finished its works, we "may be perfect and entire, wantingnothing" (v. 4). The Apostle Paul, writing in another context, says,"tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience,hope" (Rom 5:3–4). Job, who experienced a time of intense trial, puts itmost beautifully: "But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath triedme, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). In a word, we may concludethat Christian suffering is not purposeless. It serves both to glorify God andto strengthen the saints. "The vessels of mercy are first seasoned withaffliction, and then the wine of glory is poured in. Thus we see afflictionsare not prejudicial, but beneficial, to the saints," says Thomas Watson.

What Should Our Attitude Be

When We Suffer?

Firstly, we ought not to be surprised whentribulations come upon us. The Lord warned His disciples right from the startthat they can expect persecution (Jn 15:18–20). Peter might have the Lord’sadmonishment in mind when he says: "Beloved, think it not strangeconcerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thinghappened unto you" (1 Pet 4:12).

Secondly, we must meet persecution for Christ’ssake with joy. James says, "count it all joy" (Jas 1:2). In the sameway, Peter says, "rejoice" (1 Pet 4:13) and "greatlyrejoice" (1 Pet 1:6). Again, the Apostles were merely echoing the Lord’sinstructions, for He says:

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, andpersecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for mysake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: forso persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Mt 5:10–12; cf. 1 Pet 4:13–14).

Why should we be joyful in persecution? We should, because it is atremendous privilege to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ and to be usedof Him to glorify His Name.

Thirdly, when under chastisement, our attitudemust be one of humility and repentance, mingled with thanksgiving. We ought tobe thankful to the Lord for His loving correction, but we must not forget toweep for our sins. Yet, we must never despair (cf. Heb 12:12). Instead, as Owenputs it, "Labour to grow better under all your afflictions, lest yourafflictions grow worse, lest God mingle them with more darkness, bitterness andterror."

Fourthly, we must have an attitude of hope andconfidence. We must be able to say confidently with Job, "Though he slayme, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15a). We must not doubt Paul’s word,"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).

What Must We Do When WeSuffer?

Firstly andmost naturally, we must come to the Lord in prayer. We should not straightawaypray that the Lord remove our affliction, though it is not wrong to do so (cf.2 Cor 12:8). Rather, we should pray for wisdom to see our affliction from God’sperspective, for guidance and wisdom to govern our spirit and temper undertrial, and for wisdom to know how best we should respond to the trial so thatthe greatest benefits may be reaped for our sanctification. This, I believe, iswhat James was referring to when he says, "If any of you lack wisdom, lethim ask of God" (Jas 1:5). James was not speaking about asking for wisdomto do an examination, as the verse is commonly applied. His encouragement toprayer is in the context of suffering. So then, when you are afflicted in oneway or another—whether it be by illness, financial collapse, bereavement,embarrassment, etc.—go to the Lord for comfort, "casting all your careupon him; for he careth for you" (1 Pet 5:7), but in your petition, asknot, so much to be relieved of suffering as to know why the Lord brings you toit and how it may be of use to your soul. Are you being chastised for some sinin your life? Go to the Lord with fasting and repentance (cf. 2 Sam 12:16) andresolve never to commit the same sin again. But do not have the attitude ofJob’s friends and insist on pin-pointing what particular sin caused theaffliction when you cannot see a clear connection. It may be that the Lord hasanother reason for your affliction. Consider what He would you learn throughthis trial.

Secondly, when you are undergoing affliction,may I recommend that you meditate on the goodness of God and on His love andmercy. Consider that as a sinner, you deserve nothing but the wrath and curseof God, and yet God has bestowed upon you blessings innumerable. Meditate onthe Lord’s suffering for our sake. Our Lord did not deserve any of theafflictions that befell Him, yet He patiently bore them "as a lamb to theslaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers" (Isa 53:7), for our sakes.Are you stricken with illness? Consider that you are still alive, and considerthat one day the Lord shall give you a body freed of pain and diseases.Meditate on the fact that you are, every day, drawing nearer to meeting yourbeloved Saviour. Have you lost property or are you struck with a financialcrisis? Consider that the Lord cares for the birds of the air (Mt 6:26).Consider that you are but stewards of the wealth you have had, and that it ismore needful that you lay up treasures in heaven,—which treasures you may begiven occasion to lay up during your trial. Are you bereaved of a loved one?Consider that the Lord knows what is best for His children. Have you failed anexamination? Consider that you have Christ as your advocate when you stand beforethe heavenly tribunal for your final examination.

Thirdly, may I also urge you to drawencouragement and strength from the experience of those who have been throughsimilar trials. Apart from considering the Lord’s trial, you may want to readof Joseph, David, Job, Elijah, Daniel, Jeremiah and Paul. Consider the earlychurch, consider the martyrs. Read Foxe’s Bookof Martyrs. Consider how these children of God, this "cloud ofwitnesses" (Heb 12:1), have endured their "crook in thelot" and came out triumphant. Learn from them.

Yes, Christians suffer too. Yet know that

whatsoever is upon you is from the Lord, and whatsoever is fromthe Lord, to you it is in mercy; and whatsoever comes in mercy ought not to begrievous to you. What loss is it when the losing of earthly things is thegaining of spiritual things? All shall be for your good, if you make your useof all (Richard Greenham).

So lift up your heads, and give Him praise and thank Him forhoning you by the trial He has allowed you to experience. And continue to runwith patience the race that is set before you, "Looking unto Jesus theauthor and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before himendured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand ofthe throne of God" (Heb 12:2).