Rom 5:3,4 Benefits of Suffering

[bcbsr]

Benefits of Suffering

Rom 5:3,4  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

In his parable of the sower Jesus describes the good soil in this way, "the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15 Producing a good crop is partly a function of one's persevering. And with perseverance comes maturity.

The development of a proven character comes not so much from Bible study, but from enduring through the suffering associated with applying the Bible to life, whether it be the suffering associated with the exercise of self-control over the flesh, or from enduring the opposition from the world, or the spiritual attacks from the devil. It is inevitable that perseverance will be an issue in living the Christian life.

But with endurance comes a proven character, and the confidence and reputation which comes from such. Paul wrote of Timothy, "You know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel." Php 2:22 

The Christian's hope is a function of how confident they are that they are a believer. So as Paul said, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2Cor 13:5, and as Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit." Lk 6:44, a proven character invokes Christian hope in that it gives the Christian the confidence that they are in fact a believer. Thus Paul said to the Thessalonians, "We know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,  because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1Th 1:4,5 and he goes on to list the evidences of their being chosen, one of which he mentions, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering" 1Th 1:6a
 

---

The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources

[WayneS]

When I think of long suffering I often think of the story of Joseph. He went through a lot of pain and suffering and from my recollection, never once complained to God how it was unfair.

Suffering comes in many forms. We often think of the suffering of the poor but even the average person and the wealthy suffer in their unsaved conditions, most often I’ve seen this in bad relationships and having unrealistic expectations. While many would not think of these as "suffering" it is a condition of many here on earth that brings on mental anguish. Compare this to being saved and living in a condition of joy. 

[johnthebaptist]

3 hours ago, bcbsr said:

Benefits of Suffering

Rom 5:3,4  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

In his parable of the sower Jesus describes the good soil in this way, "the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." Luke 8:15 Producing a good crop is partly a function of one's persevering. And with perseverance comes maturity.

The development of a proven character comes not so much from Bible study, but from enduring through the suffering associated with applying the Bible to life, whether it be the suffering associated with the exercise of self-control over the flesh, or from enduring the opposition from the world, or the spiritual attacks from the devil. It is inevitable that perseverance will be an issue in living the Christian life.

But with endurance comes a proven character, and the confidence and reputation which comes from such. Paul wrote of Timothy, "You know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel." Php 2:22 

The Christian's hope is a function of how confident they are that they are a believer. So as Paul said, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test?" 2Cor 13:5, and as Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit." Lk 6:44, a proven character invokes Christian hope in that it gives the Christian the confidence that they are in fact a believer. Thus Paul said to the Thessalonians, "We know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,  because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1Th 1:4,5 and he goes on to list the evidences of their being chosen, one of which he mentions, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering" 1Th 1:6a
 

---

The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources

It would seem to me we could avoid a lot of suffering if we just obey the Lord's commandments. When we sin, we bring trouble into our lives.

[JTC]

The main advantage in suffering comes when it's successfully resolved. 

[Marathoner]

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:29)

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1-2)

The Lord suffered for our sake. He who is perfect, without sin or blame, was numbered among transgressors (Isaiah 53:12) and crucified in the company of thieves (Luke 23:33). The natural man, which is this flesh, avoids suffering at all costs. Suffering is perceived as a curse but this is not the lesson which the Lord gives to us in His word. Consider Job --- an upright man beloved of the Lord --- and David when he fled from the wrath of Saul. For us, suffering is by no means a consequence of sin nor punishment. The Lord Himself tells us so time and again.

We struggle against this flesh which is antithetical to faith in Christ Jesus. We believe without seeing, which the flesh cannot reconcile; we store riches in heaven which this corruptible flesh will never see. The flesh is embroiled in this fallen world so little wonder we suffer during our sojourn in this flesh. I liken this to the cross which the Lord calls upon us to bear:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matthew 16:24).

 

Edited August 12, 2020 by Marathoner