Could Your Suffering in the Flesh Be God's Way of Completely Cleansing You From Sin?

Many people are suffering much physical pain nowadays. Some of it due to a disease (such as cancer, Lupus, Parkinson's, etc), many from old and current injuries such as playing sports, accidents and work-related injuries, and some, simply due to past peccadilloes (such as drinking and using drugs, illicit sex), and other nefarious activities: God shall not be mocked, whatever a man soweth, he also shall reap, (Galatians 6:7).  Some people suffer from none of these causations, but  merely suffer because their faith is being tested, as we read in the Book of Job, or, as is defined in 1 Peter 1:7.

None of us truly knows why we suffer physical pain, most people chalk it up to old age, especially if your over 50 years of age. It could well be a combination of all of the above. Today's medical community has the technology to identify all of the above mentioned symptoms, but they can't really pinpoint where (or why) they originated to begin with.

Regardless, whether it's attributable to one, two, three or all of these actions, we need to accept this as a positive action allowed by God, and realize that the main consequences of experiencing pain (in many cases great and excruciating pain) is that they are leading us to a complete and sinless life. Is there a better way to enter the next phase of our journey with Christ?

1 For as much then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, parties, and abominable idolatries, ( 1 Peter 4:1-3)

Romans 6:7, because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Ephesians 6:13, Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

1 Peter 2:21, To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 5:11   you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

1 Peter 1:6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Suffering as Christians

1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Luke 17:30 "It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:18  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2 Corinthians 1:5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

2 Timothy 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

1 Peter 1:5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--

Evangelist and theologian John Piper in his great video soliloquy has best presented a sermon that speaks directly to the heart of this issue, which probably over 90% of Christians who have seen it squirmed in their chairs as Piper pushed the button of uncomfortability that has long and sorely been missing and needed by today's church.

How about you? Do you believe your walk with Jesus should be filled solely with joy, happiness, great health and an overly abundant life?

[For more information about the author and his books, please click on Joe Ortiz.]