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We are accustomed to thinking of the Apostle Paul as a man who was willing to endure extreme hardship for Christ. He said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13 NKJV). It would be good if we adopt their attitude. But Paul did not see his sufferings as mere hardships to be endured—he saw them as an opportunity to honor Christ and influence others with that honor. No matter what happened, Paul was always looking for a way to exalt the Lord. To the Philippians he wrote, “I know that by your prayers and by the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ it will work out for my salvation, for this is my eagerness and hope that I will not at all be put to shame, but as always now with full boldness will Christ be honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil. 1:19,20).
A very interesting example of the honor of Christ in the life of Paul is found in AC. 16:25-34, the story of the jailer’s conversion in Philippi. After being beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas, instead of feeling sorry for themselves, choose to keep their faith and demonstrate their gratitude. The text says that “about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (v.25). Suddenly a huge earthquake shook the prison, the doors opened and all the prisoners’ chains came loose. Believing that his prisoners had escaped, the jailer was about to take their lives, but Paul assured him that everyone was safe and urged him not to harm himself. “And the jailer called for a light and ran inside, and fell down before Paul and Silas, trembling with fear. Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?'” (vv.29,30). Immediately he and his family were instructed to follow the gospel of Christ, and at that same hour of the night, they were baptized. The result was very gratifying. “And he rejoiced with all his household because he had believed in God” (v.34). How different this story would have been if Paul and Silas had not conducted themselves in prison with such courage and joy.
So we need to be reminded of this truth: Faith in the midst of suffering is a great example we can give to others. We all face difficulties in life – let’s handle them in a way that sets a good example.
Monday: 1 Peter 4:14-16
Main idea: It is a privilege to suffer as a Christian.
Questions for family development: In verse 16, what does Peter say a person should do if he is “suffering as a Christian”? What was the attitude of the apostles in AC? 5:41? What did Paul say in Phil? 1:29? What does it mean that we are “granted” to suffer for Christ?
Knowledge for today: Proverbs 11:31.
Tuesday: Colossians 1:24
Main idea: When we suffer as Christians, we participate in the sufferings of Christ.
Questions for family development: What did Paul say made him happy? What attitude of his allowed him to do this? What did Paul mean by “filling up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ”? For whom did Paul say he was willing to suffer?
Knowledge for today: Proverbs 12:1.
Wednesday: 1 Peter 2:21-23
Main idea: When we suffer injustice, we must follow Christ’s example.
Questions for family development: What were we “called” to? Regarding suffering, what is Christ’s example that we should follow? When He was mistreated, to whom did Christ entrust Himself? What does it mean for us to do this?
Knowledge for today: Proverbs 12:2.
Thursday: Matthew 5:10-12
Main idea: God’s blessing is on those who suffer for righteousness’ sake.
Questions for family development: Which blessing is pronounced in verse 10? In verse 12, what reason are we given to rejoice over persecution? When we suffer, what is the helpful idea presented to us in 2 Cor. 4:16-18?
Knowledge for today: Proverbs 12:3.
Friday: Acts 16:25-34
Main idea: When we endure hardship with faith and joy we influence others.
Questions for family development: What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight? What were the other prisoners doing? What effect did the behavior of Paul and Silas have on others? What Paul said was that his “fervent hope and expectation” was in Phil. 1:20? Consider Rome. 12:12.
Knowledge for today: Proverbs 12:4.
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
