A Summary of Reasons for Suffering
For the Lord will not cast off for ever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.
(Lam 331-33, RSV)
WE MAY GROW SOME OF GOD’S reasons into four categories. The list of references is by no means exhaustive.
First, we suffer for our own sake:
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that we may learn who God is |
Ps 46:1,10; Dn 4:24-37; the Book of Job, |
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that we may learn to trust |
2 Car 1:8-9, |
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that we may learn to obey |
Ps 119:67, 71, |
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discipline is proof of the Father’s love and of the validity of our sonship |
Heb 12:5-11, |
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it is the condition of discipleship |
Act 14:22; Lk 14:26-27, 33, |
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it is required of soldiers |
2 Tm 2:4, |
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Jn 15:2, |
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that we may be shaped to the image of Christ |
Rom 8:29, |
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to qualify us to be fellow-heirs with Christ |
Rom 8:17, |
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to qualify us for the kingdom of God |
2 Thes 1:4-5, |
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to qualify us to reign with Christ |
2 Tm 2:12, |
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that our faith may be strengthened |
Jas 1:3; 2 Thes 1:4-5; Acts 14:22, |
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that faith may be tested and refined |
Is 43:2; Dn 11:35; Mal 3:2; 1 Cor 3:13; 1 Pt 1:7, |
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that we may reach spiritual maturity |
Jas 1:4, |
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power comes to its full strength in weakness |
2 Cor 12:9, |
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to produce in us endurance, character, hope |
Rom 5:3-4, |
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to produce in us joy and generosity |
2 Cor 8:2. |
Second, we suffer for the sake of God’s people:
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that they may obtain salvation |
2 Tm 2:10, |
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to give them courage |
Phil 1:14, |
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that because of death working in us, |
2 Cor 4:12; Gal 4:13; |
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life may work in them |
1 Jn 3:16, |
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that grace may extend to more |
2 Cor 4:15, |
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that our generosity may bless others |
2 Cor 8:2. |
Third, we suffer for the world’s sake:
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that it may be shown what love and obedience mean |
the Book of Job; Jn 14:31; Mt 27:40-43, |
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that the life of Jesus may be visible in ordinary human flesh |
2 Cor 4:10. |
Fourth, we suffer for Christ’s sake:
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that we may be identified with Him in His crucifixion |
Gal 2:20, |
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suffering is the corollary of faith |
Ps 44:22; Act 9:16 and 14:22; 2 Tm 3:12; Jn 15:18-21; 1 Thes 1:6 and 3:4, |
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that we may share His suffering |
1 Pt 4:12-13; Phil1:29, 2:17 and 3:8, 10; Col 1:24; 2 Tm 1:8; Heb 13:13, |
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that we may share His glory |
Rom 8:17-18; Heb 29-10; 2 Cor 4:17. |