God's Glory - Death and Life

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"We always carry around in our bodies the reality of the brutal death and suffering of Jesus. As a result, His resurrection life rises and reveals its wondrous power in our bodies as well. For while we live, we are constantly handed over to death on account of Jesus so that His life may be revealed even in our mortal bodies of flesh. So death is constantly at work in us, but life is working in you.

2 Corinthians 4:10-12 in the Voice Bible Version

[This is the 7th lesson of this series]

Apostle Paul wrote much about how Christ followers share in Christ's suffering and death and in His glorious resurrection. He had to, because followers of Christ who were spread out in different places have to know. This is still the case today.

From the previous message, we know that it is not easy living the Christian life. But just imagine how life is for the non-Christian? It is much harder and this is why so many have to turn to every other thing (except God) to survive.

Suffering

Followers of Christ suffer like Christ did. Remember Jesus told His followers, no servant is better than their master.

But these trials are pathways for God to continually renew their mind and their way of life.

These transforms their situations and conditions. All things will work together for good.

Image Credit: biblia.com

In order to have new life, the old life dies. Like Jesus, His followers share in His death. Their old life dies and their new life in Christ is born.

Resurrection

Followers of Christ die to self daily, they crucify their flesh and walk with the Spirit of God -- sharing in both the suffering and the victory of Christ is the mark of a true follower of Christ.

If you are suffering for the cause of Christ, you are His follower. Paul had to learn this the hard way -- Acts 9:15-16

Peter, who is also familiar with suffering, wrote:

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:12-14

Paul wrote to the 1st believers in Rome:

'The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 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. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:16-18

Both Peter and Paul learned this truth and knew they needed to teach others. And we too must know and tell others. The Christian life is about caring and encouraging others, building them up, not down. We may have our own race to run but we do not run it alone, we have the Holy Spirit and our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.

1 Peter 5:6-11

"Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord's followers are suffering just as you are. 

But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. God will be in control forever! Amen."

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