THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS

05/11/2023

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Philippians 3:8,10)

As a born-again believer, you are called into the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, which means you will suffer persecution.  Do not think that anything is wrong when people malign you for the sake of the gospel in this season.  1 Peter 4:12-13 says, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 

The reason for this particular season of the fellowship of His suffering is a coming glory that shall be revealed before the year runs out.  Hear me, God doesn't elevate His kids until they have passed certain tests, and one of such tests is being mocked by others for what you believe.  Jesus 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" (John 15:20). 

The fellowship of Christ's sufferings does not entail deprivation.  It is not a call to poverty or struggle.  Rather, Jesus said, "...Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life."

So in the face of persecution, let your attitude be joyful.  James 1:2-3 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." As a second witness, Jesus says, "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:12)

Have a glorious day!

Faith-Filled Confession

I am a partaker in Christ's sufferings, and because of this, I always roll out the red carpet with excitement in the face of persecution because I am considered worthy to be persecuted for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Hallelujah! 

One-Year Reading Plan:  1 Kings 21-22; John 3:1-21