Rejoice in Suffering
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church. 25 I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
Colossians 1:24-26 (CSB)
Pain and suffering have troubled believers across generations. The 20th-century Christian apologist C.S. Lewis remarked on pain, saying, "We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (The Problem of Pain). Though pain seems to contradict the gospel message, the Bible clearly shows that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life. The apostle Paul expresses joy even in suffering and associates it with living as a servant of the Lord.
Suffering for Christ and the Church. The apostle Paul viewed his hardships as beneficial for the church and the spread of the gospel. Living for Jesus often involves facing opposition, pain, and suffering. These challenges exist because Jesus Himself faced similar trials. Pain reveals that suffering can serve as a catalyst for gospel work. Paul endured physical and mental hardships but realized that his suffering helped mobilize the gospel and expand the Body of Christ. He understood that suffering for Jesus was worth it and that these trials propelled gospel ministry forward. Today, we must acknowledge that serving Jesus can bring suffering and affliction. We should see these moments as opportunities for growth, not as obstacles. In suffering for Christ, we are drawn closer to Him and to others within the Body of Christ.
Serving Christ in Gospel Ministry. Despite facing difficulties, Paul remained committed to his calling. He understood that his mission was to deliver the gospel message to the nations and teach the Scriptures to those he encountered. As seen in the apostle Paul's ministry journeys, he traveled to many cities across the first-century world, bringing the gospel. In the Book of Acts, we see Paul entering these cities with the message, then returning to teach and disciple the people in the Scriptures. Paul embraced his calling to gospel work and dedicated himself to fulfilling it. Similarly, the Great Commission calls us to share the gospel and train others in the Scriptures. Therefore, we must stay rooted in Christ, especially when hardships threaten to derail our faithfulness. Engaging deeply with Scripture is essential for growing in it and equipping others with the truth.
QUESTIONS
Why must we understand the significance of suffering for the gospel, and how can we strive to suffer for the gospel well?
How does suffering strengthen our understanding of and relationship with Jesus?
