God’s Work in Physical Suffering
1 Peter 4:1-11
So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. [1 Peter 4:1, NLT]
I’ve listed the above in the New Living Translation because I think it is easier to understand. In short, because Christ suffered physical pain we, too, His disciples, can expect to suffer physically as well.
Now I know this flies in the face of some believers. Many think that physical suffering equates to a lack of faith. But that is absolutely not true; from Scripture, and particularly in this verse. “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.” I don’t know how it can be stated any clearer.
All the Apostles suffered physically, like their Master. Jesus forewarned them even before He sent them out two by two. “But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.” [Matt 10:17] “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is not enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” [Matt 10:24-25]
And suffering is not reserved to attacks on the outside. They include disease and sickness on the inside, even inside the body. Paul suffered from a serious eye disease that could have been his “thorn in the flesh” [ref. 2 Cor 12:7-8], a physical trial. Physical suffering is something God allows in our lives to bring us closer to Him.
Let’s ponder this for a bit. If you were to never suffer physically; if you were able to live without experiencing physical pain and the fear of death thereof, would you ever desire to know the Lord?
“For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.” Sin is the ultimate source from which suffering came, physically [and emotionally, read Genesis 3], and yet it is in physical suffering that men and women seek and find a merciful God.
“My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness.” [2 Cor 12:9]
