God's Will is that You Suffer

We are currently talking about the will of God. We have already seen that God’s will is that you be saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, and submissive. Today’s we are to going to see that God’s will is also that you suffer. This is definitely an issue many question. The problem of suffering is due to sin but Paul says it’s also God’s will for believers. Philippians 1:29-30 says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” Most Christians do not hear the second part of this verse let alone the first. God has graciously granted His children salvation and suffering. Paul told Timothy that this would be the result of living godly. He said in 2 Tim.3:12: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Jesus even said that “in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). All of this is because they persecuted Jesus. He said, Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me” (Jn.15:20-21).



As you live the Word of God unbelievers will react—some in salvation others in retaliation. Don’t be surprised if you suffer for the gospel, for to this we were called.