4 insights on suffering as a Christian

Read 2 Corinthians 1.

The Apostle Paul often wrote of suffering being a part of following Christ.  To Timothy he wrote that all who desire to live a godly life will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).  Specifically, in this chapter, the hardships to which he refers are not due to our own mistakes, or the griefs that are common to all, but these sufferings are the direct result of our faith in Jesus and our obedience to Him.

Reading Hebrews 11:32-40 should give us pause.  They lived by faith and paid dearly for it.  They were faithful but "did not receive what was promised" in this life.  God has prepared something far better.  The closer we move to the culmination of this age, the spiritual war will intensify and become increasingly blatant.  Some will be killed simply because they have committed their lives to Jesus.  More often, Christians experience personal rejections and suffer relationally and emotionally for their stand on the word of God.

Knowing that those without Christ will spend an eternity in torment for sin breaks our hearts.  Knowing that Jesus is their only hope urges us to share our faith.  When a family member, close friend, or neighbor repels our loving attempts to have such a conversation, it hurts.  This is a small comparison but Paul stated, "For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too" (v.5).  God is with us both in our sorrows and in ministering to us.

He is the "Father of mercies".  Mercy is not receiving what we justly deserve.  All mercy ultimately originates from Him.  Administering such compassion on us requires that God sees what we are going through and responds in our time of need.

He is the God of all comfort.  He comes alongside to console and provide solace to our souls.  Without suffering, there is no need to comfort us.

Here, then, are four insights on suffering as a Christian.
1. The corporate result of our comfort. (v.4)
The Bible knows nothing of a "lone ranger" follower of Christ.  Believers are actively engaged in a local church body.  One of our responsibilities is to encourage one another during times of their suffering.  We are to pass along how faithful God has been to us when we suffered, how reassuring His word is, and how confident we may be in our future hope.

2. The personal purpose in suffering. (v.9)
In a word, the spiritual purpose is dependence.  We cannot make others become believers.  We cannot fix all the world's problems.  We cannot even fix ourselves!  We must unashamedly cast our complete faith on the One who is in control.  "...to make us not rely on ourselves but on God" and His future plans.

3. The reminder of our hope. (v.10)
If we are not careful, our sufferings can discourage and disillusion us.  Some with insincere faith have given up hope and even stopped following Jesus.  They put their hope in this life, in temporal and/or external blessings in the present.  The true believer never puts their trust in the things of this life.  "On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."  If not now, He will reward us later.

4. The partnership in suffering. (v.11)
We are not to suffer alone.  Not only do we believers have the Holy Spirit alongside to comfort us, but we have brothers and sisters in Christ who can pray for us.  Paul said this is a part of their "help" to him.  Then, when the answer to our prayers is realized we are able to celebrate together.

5 musts for an effective Ministry

Read 1 Corinthians 16.

The last question that Paul answered concerned their financial giving.  At issue is not their tithe but beyond in responding to a project offering.  Word had come to the Corinthians about the needs of the saints in Jerusalem.  The instruction was to collect those special funds on Sunday, when the church met, and save it up until he arrived.

Generosity is a hallmark of the Christian life.  Regular, systematic, Biblical financial support for the local church ministry should be a given for a follower of Jesus.  In addition, there are times when opportunities arise for capital expenditures or the emergency needs of others.  Such offerings are often referred to as "over and above" one's tithe.  This would include support of those in ministry outside the local church, such as Paul (v.6) and Timothy (vv.10-11).

Reading the accounts of Paul's ministry in Acts and the many spiritual, moral, and practical corrective instructions of 1 Corinthians, one understands how difficult the ministry truly is.  Opportunities?  Many.  Exciting?  Yes.  Rewarding?  Absolutely.  But it is not accomplished without the calling and empowerment of God, coupled with the strong sense of urgency and self-discipline.

Here is how Paul explained it.  "...for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." (v.9)

The adversaries were in every city; some ready to kill him.  Some adversaries were in the church, teaching false doctrines and dividing the believers.  Satan's goal is to distract and derail ministries so they lose any effectiveness in presenting the Gospel.

So, what are we to do in light of the opportunities and the adversities?  The answer is in verses 13-14.
1. Be watchful.  Do not let your guard down.  This is a spiritual war.

2. Stand firm in the faith.  Be confident in the word of God.  It is not up for debate or vote.

3. Act mature.  Immature believers are "tossed to and fro" by other teachings (Ephesians 4:14) and events.

4. Be strong.  Collaborative?  Yes.  Working well with others?  A must.  But a servant of Christ must also be resolute in their commitments.

5. Serve in love.  Paul invested the entirety of chapter 13 on this one point.  Our ministry will be ineffectual if we do not love the people we lead and serve.

Is belief in the resurrection Necessary?

Read 1 Corinthians 15.

In the beginning of this letter, Paul said that the preaching of a crucified Christ seemed foolish to the thinking of the Greeks.  It was a foolish teaching and hindered some from believing in Jesus (1:23).  Now, at the end of the letter, Paul answered the disbelief of some in a resurrected Christ (15:12).  This is masterful presentation and pulls together a number of pertinent issues.

The resurrection of Jesus is not an optional doctrine.  It is core to the entire Bible.  This chapter answers a series of questions the Corinthians posed and that apply to every human being.

What is the Gospel? (vv.1-4)
The gospel, or good news, of Jesus Christ is to be at the heart of all Christian communications and belief.  The Holy Spirit left no uncertainty concerning the definition.  It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.  Nothing else.  There is no other Gospel.  Some have tried to substitute acts of human kindnesses for the Christian message.  Woe to those who try to add or detract from what God has made plain.

How reliable is this message? (vv.5-11)
First, the payment our sins was all in accordance with the prophecies of Scripture.  Genesis 3 and Isaiah 53 are two good examples.  The crucifixion and resurrection of Messiah should have been no surprise.  Next, Jesus showed Himself alive to hundreds of different people in various locations over a forty day period.  Dr. Luke called these appearances "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3, KJV).  Then, quite some time later, Jesus personally appeared to Saul of Tarsus (Paul) (Acts 9).  In a court of law, two or three witnesses would have been sufficient.  In verse 20, Paul calls the resurrection of Jesus a "fact."

Exhibit "A" as to the veracity and the power of the Gospel is the Apostle Paul.  In verses 9-11, he shared part of his own story.  He persecuted believers in Jesus, arresting, punishing, and even oversaw the execution of some.  Yet, on that day when he experienced a personal encounter with Jesus, it changed his life forever.  His salvation was by the grace of God, not as the result of anything Paul was or did.  "....his grace toward me was not in vain."

What has this got to do with me? (vv.12-19)
It is by personal belief in this message that one receives forgiveness of sin, escapes the eternal punishment for sin, enjoys acceptance into the family of God, and has eternal life.  However, if the resurrection is not true, Christians believe "in vain" (v.2), preaching is "in vain" (v.14a), our faith is "in vain" (v.14b), and all work done in the name of Jesus is "in vain" (v.58).  Emptiness.  Going through the motions of religiosity.  Of no real value.

 And, we have no hope of the future.  "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied." (v.19)  The remainder of this chapter teaches how the resurrection is the basis of our hope in the future: the second coming of Christ (v.23), the establishment of His kingdom (v.24), His reign on earth (v.25), the end of death itself (v.26), and our immortality (v.53).

In the meantime:
1."Wake up!" (v.34)  Why?  "For some do not have the knowledge of God.  I say this to your shame."  It is to the shame of every believer that there are those who do not know the truth and many in the world who have never heard the good news.  Accountability.
2. Go to work! (v.58)  Find a place where God can use you to have a part in spreading this knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus.  Responsibility.

The purpose of spiritual Gifts

 Read 1 Corinthians 14.

The Corinthians were spiritually immature and confused in their faith (v.20).  The Holy Spirit moved upon the Apostle Paul to address the needed corrective issues and to answer their questions.  This is the third chapter in which the use and abuse of spiritual gifts are addressed.  In chapter 12, we read the basics concerning spiritual gifts.  In chapter 13, loving the people to whom one ministers their gift must be the priority.  Here, the purpose of the gifts is underscored.

Not only was the congregation in confusion but so were their church services.  They had become so enamored with "manifestations of the Spirit" (v.12) that, evidently, when they met together chaos broke out.  The reason God gave them such abilities was missed.  The purpose of all spiritual gifts is this: "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (12:7).  The root problem, as with most of the issues in this church, was self-centeredness.  The gifts were being high-jacked for some personal benefit, instead of using what God gave them to build up the faith of others.  This is repeated throughout chapter 14.

Therefore, communication in the church must be clear and understood by all.  Otherwise, there is no value others (v.16), only self-expression (v.4).  The proclamation of the word of God in the native language, or with the interpretation of a foreign language, not only edifies the believers but an unbeliever "is convicted...and will worship God..." (vv.24-25).

Speaking in tongues is first mentioned in Acts 2.  People from many nations were in Jerusalem for the annual feast days of Passover and Pentecost.  God empowered some followers of Jesus with the ability to speak in languages they had never studied.  Those present said, "...we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God" (Acts 2:11).   As the pilgrims returned home, the gospel quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire.  Corinth was a major seaport for trade in the empire.  People from many different nations were coming and going in the city.  Presenting the gospel of Jesus and teaching the word of God in that context had some challenges.  Supernatural help with languages was needed for the ministry to foreigners (v.22).  Note how many times they are referred to in this chapter.

As stated in chapter 12, not everyone has the same gifts (12:29-30).  Verse 5 should not be misunderstood.  This desire that all should speak in tongues is the same statement Paul made concerning celibacy in 7:7.  No one thinks God wants everyone to be unmarried.  Further, as is explained, the only benefit of speaking in tongues is for all to understand what was said.  If no one is present who is equally gifted in interpreting, then the person is to remain silent (v.28).  If that qualification is met, then only two or three may speak, each taking a proper turn.  This along with the other elements of worship mentioned in verse 26, are to be conducted "decently and in order" (vv.32 and 40).

Keep in mind that in those days the church did not have a New Testament to confirm what was being taught.  All communications, then, were subject to the confirmation of the other preachers for veracity (v.32).  With the completion of the New Testament, all believers may check the truthfulness of a message for themselves to see if it is from God or not.  Also, remember the Holy Spirit does not draw attention to Himself.  Jesus said, "He will glorify me" (John 16:14).

The priority of Love

Read 1 Corinthians 13.

Chapters 12-14 are answering questions the Corinthians asked concerning spiritual gifts.  In chapter 12, the Apostle Paul laid out the basics.  Every believer has a spiritual gift and it is to be employed for the benefit of others.  The proper working of each part of the church in using that gift is necessary for the health of the body.  Though some may be more visible than others, all are of equal value.

But there is an overriding requirement for one using their gift.  Without genuine, sacrificial love (agape) for those to whom one is ministering, the gift is of no spiritual value.

1. The categories of the gifts. (vv.1-3)
The list of gifts is often categorized into three groups: sign gifts, speaking gifts, and serving gifts.  In verses 1-3, Paul used an example from each category and proclaimed that unless they are properly used with the motive of love for the recipients each would amount to nothing.  A spiritually effective teacher first must love those learners.  One who serves must do so with love for those being served.  Otherwise, it amounts to nothing more than what an unbeliever might do.

2. The characteristics of love. (vv.4-7)
What is love?  Fourteen practical characteristics are provided here.  Note that seven of them are positive traits, while the remaining seven are stated negatively.

3. The continuation of love. (vv.8-13)
Further, it is explained that all spiritual gifts are temporal, even incomplete.  A point will be reached when they will no longer be needed.  But for now in our service for Christ we have faith, hope and love.  And, "Love never ends."

Why is love the greatest?
One day we will no longer need faith.  Our faith will become sight.
One day we will no longer need hope.  Our hope will become reality.
But forever we will love and be loved by the One who "loved us and gave himself up for us." (Ephesians 5:2)

The ABC's of Spiritual Gifts

Read 1 Corinthians 12.

The next question raised by the Corinthians had to do with spiritual gifts.  The congregation was confused and divided, even believing that some gifts were valuable and others not so much.  Too often we may get sidetracked by the list of gifts in this chapter and miss the basic instructions.

What is the source of all spiritual gifts?
In verses 4-6, it is the same Holy Spirit, Lord and God.  The Trinity endues and empowers the believer with the spiritual ability to serve Him effectively.  This is not be confused with natural talent and personality.

How does a believer obtain a spiritual gift?
As a gift, it is received.  There is nothing a believer can do to earn it.  The Holy Spirit sovereignly "apportions to each one individually as he wills" (v.11).

Why are we given a spiritual gift?
Verse 7 is clear.  We are to use what God has given to us "for the common good."  A spiritual gift is not for personal benefit.  It is to be employed in the ministry to others.

In explaining what this looks like, the Apostle Paul compared the church to a human body with all its many parts.

1. There is great diversity. (vv.4-6)
Not only are there varieties of gifts but there are various ministries by which these gifts may be employed by individuals.  Not only are there many different ministries but the specific activities of those ministries will vary greatly.  Not every believer has the same gift.  Not every believer has the same calling to serve.  Not every believer uses their gift in the same way.  Expecting all believers to behave the same manner and use their gifts all alike is the opposite of what the Holy Spirit intends.

2. There is to be great unity. (vv.12-13, 25a)
Diversity does not mean divisiveness.  We are one in Christ on the same mission.  There is no room for boasting since we did nothing to receive what we have.  Humility before God and fellow believers recognizes what we do not have.  For a body to be healthy, each of the parts comprises a whole, works together, and needs each other.

3. There is great responsibility. (vv.25b-26)
We are responsible to use our gifts to serve and care for one another.  Preachers and Teachers are not gifted to puff up their knowledge, nor to provide a platform for a personality, but to help others understand the word of God.  Those with serving gifts are not to be known merely for their willing and tender hearts but their tireless activities of helping others in practical ways.  In the church, people must know each other and be involved with each other in order to obey these two verses.  Church is not a spectator sport.  Every believer has been gifted to be involved meaningfully.

JOY comes when a person realizes what God has given them and uses it for His glory.
Y-you will desire it.
O-others will recognize it in you.
J-Jesus will bless it.

When rituals are not Right

Read 1 Corinthians 11.

When the Apostle Paul planted the local church at Corinth, he taught them certain practices of the faith (v.2).  One of them was to celebrate what is now called the Lord's Supper, or Communion.  It is a reenactment of what Jesus did and said in the upper room on the night before His crucifixion.  Such a regular presentation should take us back to the high price that was paid for our sin on the cross.  "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22)  "...he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." (Hebrews 9:26b)

Evidently, the congregation maintained the event on the calendar but totally missed the reason why.  They practiced a ritual, went through the motions, and violated the very meaning of it all.  They indeed sinned against others by their behaviors and sinned against God by their lack of confession to Him.  Any Christian practice without a changed life becomes an empty, meaningless ritual of no value.

The word communion speaks of community and unity.  The Corinthians were divided.  Those who were under-resourced left the service feeling humiliated (v.22).  As a result, some of the offenders experienced the immediate judgment of God when they became physically sick and some died (v.30).

What are we to do?
"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." (v.28)
The process begins with self-examination before the Lord.  Is there any sin I need to confess and make right with God?  Is there anything between me and another person that I need to make right?  In the context concerning giving, Jesus said "...if your brother has something against you....First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)

What are we to be celebrating?
1. The past foundation of our faith.
"Do this in remembrance of me."  Take time to reflect and remember what Jesus did on the cross.  The unleavened bread represents the body of Jesus.  The cup represents His shed blood.  He paid a debt He did not owe.  We owed a debt we could not pay.  This is, perhaps, the most solemn and sobering practice of the Christian church.

2. The present proclamation of our faith.
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death..."
We not only look back, but we celebrate how our personal acceptance of that payment on the cross has changed our lives forever.  It is the good news of God.  As Paul explains in chapter 15, the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.

3. The future glorification of our faith.
"...you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."  Jesus is coming back, just as He said.  It will be a visible, physical, powerful return to this earth.  He will put down His enemies and establish His earthly kingdom.  We will "reign with him for a thousand years" (Revelation 19:6).