Suffering (II)
There is both the corporate suffering of the body of Christ and individual suffering as the kingdom of heaven is realized on earth. Individualized suffering differs in that it is not done at the hands of other people. Individual suffering is to share in the temptations and burdens of Christ so as to be able to partake in His current mission - the redemption and restoration of humanity.
Paul writes to the Corinthians the following about his suffering for their sake and the sake of the kingdom of heaven:
2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (NIV) “We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
Paul writes that he is “perplexed, but not despairing” and that he and his associates “carry the death of Jesus in the body so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in the body.” There is a sense of internal dying, but it has a purpose: to make way for the reality of the new creation. Paul was well aware that the new creation begins first and foremost within each believer.
What do I mean by individual suffering? It is spiritual temptation, depression, anxiety, debilitating empathy, and an almost uncontrollable concern for the state of mankind. We must take care to make these experiences obedient to the mind of Christ. If we are abiding in Christ and actively experience these states, there is a purpose and reason. They will work for God’s glory, our glory, and the glory of others as we actively process them with the Holy Spirit. As we cast our anxieties on Him, He will bring us to victory (1 Peter 5:7).
The cross was the beginning of judgment on the old creation order - an age of sin, death, and decay that is already passing away. All will eventually stand before Christ’s judgment seat, but it will not look like some modern courtroom drama where evidence is lined up against us. What Christ will be looking for is Himself within us - the extent to which we have realized our union with Him and the works that this union has brought about. We will be held accountable for everything (Romans 2:16; Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36). Everything that is not of Him will be burned in the fire of His presence.
1 Corinthians 3:11-16 (NASB) “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the Day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
The judgment of the old creation order that is passing away begins with the body of believers. As we pass through the fire, God is refining our vision, purpose, and divine identity. We are escaping the shackles of the old creation order and, like a butterfly escaping a cocoon, emerging into the reality of the new creation. We groan with creation waiting for the unveiling of the fullness of our sonship, the immortal body, and the destruction of death itself (see 1 Corinthians 15).
We gain victory in suffering by submitting to the Lord’s process within us and taking active steps to develop spiritually. If we do not move forward, we will die. The realities of the old creation order (sin, death, evil and decay) will overwhelm and kill us. It becomes a joy to suffer for Christ knowing that His glory will be revealed in us and through us.
1 Peter 4:12-13, 16-17 (NASB) “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation…For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
When we emerge victoriously from sufferings, we are deemed fit for “special purposes.” Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14; 2 Timothy 2:21). Our sufferings give birth to glory, the manifestation of the indwelling Christ (Colossians 1:27). We become a fuller, more perfect expression of the Spirit-people God has designed us to be.
