Christian Suffering
- Amanda Doyle
- 3 days ago
- 16 min read
Suffering is as old as the fall in the Garden of Eden. As believers, we need to be prepared with the right attitude and fortitude to endure hardship and suffering when it comes our way. This topical study of suffering is not only intended to increase biblical literacy, but to provide practical spiritual tools to overcome in the midst of adversity. It assumes God's goal is not necessarily our happiness, but our sanctification. All verses are from NKJV
Recommended annotation tools: highlighters, sticky notes, page marking tabs. It is recommended to create two pages in the back or the front of your Bible for that includes categories of Scripture verses. These are grouped by:
Reasons for Suffering
Attitude Toward Suffering
Suffering to be Expected
The Call of Jesus is One of Denial and Suffering
The next two are much longer and broken up over several lessons. They may benefit from being on their own page, with two columns.
Christ In Our Sufferings
Positive Benefits of Suffering
1. The People of God and Their God
Genesis 24 2 So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, 3 and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; 4 but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
The people of Canaan, during this time 2000-1500 BC, included Hittites, Amorites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Their gods included the infamous Baal and Astarte.
Baal worship included temple prostitution, fertility rites, animal sacrifice as well as child sacrifice. He was a prominent Canaanite god of storm and rain, fertility, livestock, crops, and growth. Today the spirit of his worship includes materialism, lust, power, pleasure and self-gratification. It is an echo of the ancient's focus on abundance through illicit means, including the killing of children for the promise of abundance or rather, the promise of no lack.
Astarte, aka Ashtoreth, was perceived as the powerful, ancient Near Eastern goddess of love, fertility, sexuality, and war. She originated from Mesopotamian's Ishtar before being assimilated to Isis and Hathor in Egypt, and was later assimilated into the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Astarte was frequently considered the warrior sister of Baal and they were frequently worshipped alongside each other. Today this entity appears as a demon in the Japanese video game Megami Tensei and the spirit of her worship includes sensuality, devotion to personal pleasure, and blurring gender.
Abortion is not a political issue; it has been taken up by political parties. For a more extensive history of Baal and Ashtoreth, read this series.
Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Exodus 21:22–25, Luke 1:41-44
It is the responsibility of God's people to bring truth while being gracious and merciful. Discuss the questions below.
What are some reasons women have abortions? How can having a baby create financial/material insecurity?
What are people trying to avoid by abortion?
Moral neutrality means that something is neither good nor evil. Is avoiding hardship always morally neutral? Luke 9:23 Give some examples of ways our society tries to avoid hardship.
To help us understand the scope of the argument, assume the pro-abortion stance from a Biblical worldview. Gen 2:17,Ex 21:22-25
The blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient for all missteps. What might you say to someone who has experienced the effects of abortion (male or female) that speaks grace, acceptance, and truth? What emotions would you expect them to be experiencing? What questions would you ask them and why?
Locally, Promise of Life Network is a ministry that seeks to minister to women in various stages of life. They have a ministry called "Step Into Hope" that is specifically designed to minister to women who have experienced abortion. It is crucially important to discuss the topic of abortion sensitively and gently, without condemnation and with grace. Feeling condemnation is a source of "church hurt" for many people who are already experiencing fear and guilt. This demographic does not need condemnation. They need hope.
Just as Abraham sought to wed his son Isaac to a bride of his own people, God the Father seeks to wed His Son Jesus to His own people. We who know Jesus as Lord and Savior have been adopted into God's family and are united in Christ. We have been redeemed from our pasts, we are chosen, we are set apart. We are all stepping out of our past and into God's best. As we walk with someone who has views differing from ours, it is important to deliver truth with mercy and grace. If everyone completely understood God's truth, no one would actively choose idolatry. Frequently, fear is the catalyst for decisions we later regret.
Delivered from condemnation: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross that redeems us. We have all sinned and fallen short of your perfect standard. Help us to identify attitudes in our own heart that seek to avoid suffering or justify actions that go against Your Word. We trust that You will always lovingly welcome us back to You no matter how we feel about the magnitude of our sins. We trust in the sufficiency of Jesus' blood to cleanse us and make us whole. Give us light, Lord, that we may see areas in our lives that are idolatrous, and grant us the glorious grace to walk away from it. In Jesus' Name.
2. Facing Hardship
2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
In what ways might you experience hardship for Jesus today?
The verse above uses military language for our spiritual journey. The enemy attacks us in our walk with God, our worship of God, and our work for God. Name a way the enemy attacks you personally in each of these areas.
How can you war against the enemy? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 2:15
**Add this list to your Bible at 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Weapons of Warfare: Word of God, delegated power and authority, light, prayer, fasting, praise, keys to the Kingdom, Name of Jesus, Blood of Jesus
2 Thessalonians 1:4-8 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What does Scripture say will happen to those who trouble believers?
What should our response be to those who persecute us? Romans 12:17-21, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Matthew 5:44
**Note this in the back of your Bible on a blank page. We will call this the "Suffering References" page going forward.
Reasons For Suffering
Other people: Genesis 45:5
Circumstances of life: Ruth 1:3-5
Your ministry: Hebrews 11, 2 Ti 1:11-12
Direct Satanic activity: Job 1-2
Your own sin: Jonah 1
Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 1
He empathizes with us Heb 4:15
He knows what it means to lack Mt 8:20
Prayer: Father, thank you for the grace to face hardship. We know that You are always with us to transform us and deliver us from evil. Lord, enlarge our vision that we may see Your hand in our lives. Grant us the fortitude to confront evil with You by our side. With the Holy Spirit, help us guard our walk with You, our worship of You, and our encounter with Your Word. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we will endure as faithful servants of Jesus in such a time as this. In Jesus' Name.
3. Righteous & Unrighteous Suffering
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25
Suffering for Unrighteousness
This passage occurs in the context of a culture that is different than ours today. The passage does not condone slavery. Today, the equivalent is bosses/managers and employees.
What does "taking it patiently" mean? What supports (social and personal) are needed to do this successfully?
When we sin, our "conscience toward God" experiences burden. We call this conviction. Sometimes God will deliver us from the consequences of sin and sometimes He will allow us to experience the consequences of sin. 2 Samuel 12:16-23 Name a time when God allowed you to suffer for doing wrong.
What is the difference between conviction and condemnation? What is the role of Jesus' blood in those differences? Heb 10:1-4, 14, 22 , Jn 3:17-21
Verse 23, what does it mean that Jesus "committed Himself to Him who judges righteously?" What does it mean to follow Jesus in unfair suffering?
Read 1 Peter 3:8-17
Suffering for Righteousness
What does it say about suffering for righteousness sake? Matthew 5:10-12
What does it mean to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in you? Give examples of verbiage that upholds "meekness and fear."
1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
What is the "same mind" and what does "arm yourselves also with the same mind" mean? How do you think suffering transforms the way we live?
Name a time when your suffering changed the way you followed Jesus.
** Suffering References
Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 2
He understands frustration with injustice Jn 2:15-16
He understands acts of injustice committed against us Mt 27:23-26
He knows physical exhaustion Jn 4:6
He knows how God's people can be stubborn Lk 13:34
Prayer: Thank you God for Your encouragement through Your Word. Help us to not loose heart. Even though we may suffer and our bodies decay, we trust that our inward man is being renewed day by day. We know that troubles we face in this life, which are temporary, are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Help us to not gaze upon the things which are seen, which are temporary, but at the things which are unseen, which are eternal. 2 Co 4:16-18 Help us press ahead, reaching for the upward call of Christ. Phil 3:13-14 In Jesus' Name.
4. Philippians 4 Study
Read Philippians 4 and discuss the challenges both Paul and the church was facing. Discuss the responses the believers were exhorted toward.
What are the steps we need to take when we are struggling with anxiety?
What promise can we hold onto?
Take inventory of the list in v8. Do these things take up your headspace? What do you need to do to create this discipline? What would happen if you followed this directive? What happens if you are not disciplined in your thinking?
Verse 9 gives us insights into how to choose mentors and leaders for ourselves and the result of choosing wisely. What areas of your life do you feel you can grow in to provide leadership for those who look up to you? What can be gained - or lost - as a result of your choices?
What is the difference between the peace of God and the God of peace?
What is the secret of contentment? How do we take v 13 out of context?
The Philippian church found ways to be generous in the midst of intense persecution. What resources do you have that enable you to be generous? What excuses hold you back? What is the promise we can hold onto in v 19?
What account is Paul talking about in v17? Lk 12:29-34, 1Ti 6:17-19, Heb 13:5, Mt 6:19 How is a lack of generosity tied to an orphan spirit?
Why is prioritizing comfort dangerous spiritually?
**Suffering References
Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 3
He knows rejection Jn 6:66
He knows deep sorrow Mt 26:38
He was Himself a Man of Sorrow Isa 53:3
He bore our sickness and brings healing Isa 53:4-5
He will be there when we think we are the farthest from Him Ps 139:7-10
Prayer:
5. Treasures In The Valley, Water In The Wilderness
Suffering and resisting evil has the capacity to launch us in to deeper, broader, more effective service for the Lord.
Wilderness can have many geographical formations in the natural world. But in the spiritual world, the wilderness is the place of formation. The wilderness lacks the comforts of home, the company of friends, the reassurances that life will play out favorably. Natural wilderness can even mean death if ill prepared. Spiritual wilderness feels isolating, uncomfortable, without fellowship and connection, and may feel like God has completely abandoned you. But its only a season of discomfort, and will bear much fruit if we respond in a godly manner.
Isaiah 43:18-21
Here are several examples of the heroes of our faith that entered the wilderness to be formed by it with stories of responses God can work with:
Joseph was sold as a slave, accused of adultery, imprisoned, and forgotten.
Moses knew he was the deliverer of the Hebrew people, but found himself in the desert for decades.
David was anointed as king over Israel, but was on the run several times from his predecessor and his own son.
Paul knew he was sent to the Gentiles, but spent much of his time in prison.
God has a very distinct plan and purpose for sending His people into the wilderness. In the wilderness He purges disbelief, increases our dependence on Him, teaches us His ways/law, cleanses us from fear, tears down the altars of our idolatry, and enlarges us for the battles ahead. This is exactly what God did with His people in the 40 years between Egypt and The Promised Land. The 40 years of wandering in the desert was the preparation that would enable them to inherit the blessing. Deuteronomy contains the historical records of the sin and redemption of God's people through the wilderness.
Similarly, in the wintertime, plants enter a state of dormancy, where it doesn't seem like much is happening above the ground, but below, much is happening. There is internal growth and deeper roots established, resting, storing of energy, and the quietness to just "be." As God's people, it is very important for us to enter seasons of wilderness, seasons of dormancy with grace. Here we become more deeply rooted, cleansed of the fear of man, purged of idolatry, healed from our disbelief, and prepared for rapid growth later. Just as in the natural world there are seasons, God's people have spiritual seasons. In the dormancy season, we learn to be a child of God, not performing or ministering, but being ministered to, grow in our faith in God and see Him deliver on His promises. It is frequently dark, isolating, and challenging. All the uncomfortable circumstances are designed to drive us into deeper relationship with the Father. This prepares us for the next season: Spring.
In the springtime, the outpouring of our faith surges. We sow seeds that will lead to (discipleship) fruit, the conditions seem perfect, and life feels much more refreshing.
In the summertime, we can identify what we are doing well. This is the season where you see your spiritual gifts being used and refined and can recognize new areas of effectiveness for God's kingdom.
In the fall, things start slowing down and the fruit of our discipleship starts to become ready for harvest. We can take deep joy in knowing we have the privilege of partaking in growing God's kingdom.
As fall sets in, we start to experience loss and death, but it is death that leads to life. Jesus, in His three years in ministry, came into His fall season in John 12. He clearly states in verse 24: Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Col 1:18, 1 Th 5:10. In His fall season, He was prepared for burial Jn 12:7, He experienced a modest pinnacle of kingship recognition Jn 12:12-19, He knew the season of death was coming v 23, 27-28 and the reign of the prince of the world was ending v 31.
When we experience a significant loss or many losses in a row, it may be a signal that we are entering into a winter season, or a wilderness. The wilderness may feel scary and intimidating, but rest assured, God has a plan for it. He desires to make your faith stronger, your endurance increased, your fears decreased, and your ministry to Him more fruitful. We can welcome seasons of change and challenge with open arms, trusting in our loving Father.
Here is the pattern for preparation for entering the wilderness, as demonstrated by Jesus as He entered the wilderness in Matthew 3 & 4.
Matthew 3:16-17 Jesus was given an encouraging Word beforehand, reminding Him of identity (My Son), position (accepted and loved), and righteousness (well pleased)
Jesus entered suffering through the desert: lonely, unmet needs, direct confrontations with the enemy. We need not be surprised or overtaken by challenges found in the desert.
Jesus needed to not only know the Word, but the context in order to counter the enemy's lies. The enemy knows Scripture better than any man, but is a master at twisting the Word of God. Stay deeply rooted in the Word and the Truth.
Jesus needed to be rock solid in His identity to counter the enemy's lies. The enemy tempted Jesus to be self-serving Mt 4:3, reckless with power v 6, and idolatrous v 9. Insecurity in these areas all trace back to identity: He is the Son of God. But Jesus didn't need to prove His divinity (if You are the Son of God), He refused to abuse His power (do not put the Lord your God to the test, turn these stones to bread), and would not indulge in shortcuts to escape suffering and gain victory (all this I will give to You). If the enemy thought these to be attractive tactics with the God of the Universe, then we ought to be aware of how our wilderness seasons generate unique opportunities for spiritual warfare.
Name a wilderness season you've experienced. What did you struggle with? Do you feel you overcame it or did you see the same wilderness season return? (we sometimes call this "going around the mountain again")
Do you anticipate a season of dormancy? Why are rhythms of rest and growth important to maintain?
**Suffering References
Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 4
There is no dark season that is too dark for Him Ps 139:11-12
He knows what its like to face evil Mt 4:2-3, 27:28-31
He understand dread Mk 14:32-39, Lk 22:44
He understands betrayal Mk 14:41-42, 45
He understands the challenges with not repaying evil for evil Isa 53:7-9
Prayer:
6. ....
**Suffering References
Attitude Toward Suffering
Not ashamed Ro 1:16, 2 Ti 1:8
Commit your soul to Him 1 Pe 4:19
Rejoice Ro 12:12
Endure 1 Co 4:12, 2 Ti 4:5, 2:3
Patience 2 Co 6:4, Ro 12:12
Partake 2 Ti 1:8
Stay put 1 Th 3:3
Don't think it strange 1 Pe 4:12-13
Know your work will be tested 1 Co 3:11-14
Summary of attitude 2 Co 4:16-18
**Suffering References
Benefits of Suffering, Pt 1
Faith is tested: 1 Pe 1:7
Able to comfort others: 2 Co 1:3-4, Heb 12:12-13
7. ....
**Suffering References
Benefits of Suffering, Pt 2
Learn not to trust your own self: 2 Co 1:8-9, 2 Co 4:7
Positive qualities are developed: Ro 5:3-4, 1 Pe 5:10
Conform you to the image of Jesus Ro 8:28-29, Heb 12:6-11
Works of God are manifested Jn 9:3
Power of God is perfected 2 Co 12:9
That which is unstable is removed Heb 12:26-27, Ps 119:89, Mt 7:24-27
8. ...
**Suffering References
Benefits of Suffering, Pt 3
Faith is tested: 1 Pe 1:7
Able to comfort others: 2 Co 1:3-4, Heb 12:12-13
Learn not to trust your own self: 2 Co 1:8-9, 2 Co 4:7
Positive qualities are developed: Ro 5:3-4, 1 Pe 5:10
9. ...
**Suffering References
Benefits of Suffering, Pt 4
Conform you to the image of Jesus Ro 8:28-29, Heb 12:6-11
Works of God are manifested Jn 9:3
Power of God is perfected 2 Co 12:9
That which is unstable is removed Heb 12:26-27, Ps 119:89, Mt 7:24-27
10. ...
**Suffering References
Benefits of Suffering, Pt 5
Your focus is changed 2 Co 4:17-18, 1 Pe 4:12-13, 2 Ti 2:12
Old self is changed Jer 48:11
God prepares you for ministry Isa 6:4-9, 48:10
You are prepared to reign with Christ 2 Ti 2:12
Suffering brings spiritual blessing Mt 5:10-12
Learn obedience through suffering Heb 5:8
............................................................................................
11. ...
**Suffering References
Benefits of Suffering, Pt 6
Suffering tests the Word of God in you Ps 12:6
Humbles you Deut 8:15-16
Enlarges you Ps 4:1 (KJV), Col 1:10-12
Know God intimately Job 42:1-6, Phil 3:10
Come to know God's resurrection power Phil 3:10
Emphasis changes from "me" to "Thee" Job 13:15, 19:25-26, Pr 3:5, Pr 25:22
12. ...
**Suffering References
Suffering To Be Expected
1 Pe 5:9
Mt 7:24-27
2 Ti 3:12
Phil 1:29
2 Ti 1:8
1 Th 3:4
Mt 24:9
Lk 21:12
Jn 15:20
13. ...
**Suffering References
The Call of Jesus Is One Of Denial and Suffering
Mt 10:38
Mt 16:24
Mk 8:34
Mk 10:21
Lk 9:23
Lk 14:27
Reasons For Suffering
Other people: Genesis 45:5
Circumstances of life: Ruth 1:3-5
Your ministry: Hebrews 11
Direct Satanic activity: Job 1-2
Your own sin: Jonah 1
Suffering To Be Expected
1 Pe 5:9
Mt 7:24-27
2 Ti 3:12
Phil 1:29
2 Ti 1:8
1 Th 3:4
Mt 24:9
Lk 21:12
Jn 15:20
The Call of Jesus Is One Of Denial and Suffering
Mt 10:38
Mt 16:24
Mk 8:34
Mk 10:21
Lk 9:23
Lk 14:27
Attitude Toward Suffering
Not ashamed Ro 1:16, 2 Ti 1:8
Commit your soul to Him 1 Pt 4:19
Rejoice Ro 12:12
Endure 1 Co 4:12, 2 Ti 4:5, 2:3
Patience 2 Co 6:4, Ro 12:12
Partake 2 Ti 1:8
Stay put 1 Th 3:3
Don't think it strange 1 Pe 4:12-13
Know your work will be tested 1 Co 3:11-14
Summary of attitude 2 Co 4:16-18
Christ In Our Suffering
He empathizes with us Heb 4:15
He knows what it means to lack Mt 8:20
He empathizes with us Heb 4:15
He knows what it means to lack Mt 8:20
He understands frustration with injustice Jn 2:15-16
He understands acts of injustice committed against us Mt 27:23-26
He knows physical exhaustion Jn 4:6
He knows how God's people can be stubborn Lk 13:34
He knows rejection Jn 6:66
He knows deep sorrow Mt 26:38
He was Himself a Man of Sorrow Isa 53:3
He bore our sickness and brings healing Isa 53:4-5
He will be there when we think we are the farthest from Him Ps 139:7-10
There is no dark season that is too dark for Him Ps 139:11-12
He knows what its like to face evil Mt 4:2-3, 27:28-31
He understand dread Mk 14:32-39, Lk 22:44
He understands betrayal Mk 14:41-42, 45
He understands the challenges with not repaying evil for evil Isa 53:7-9
Benefits of Suffering
Faith is tested: 1 Pe 1:7
Able to comfort others: 2 Co 1:3-4, Heb 12:12-13
Learn not to trust your own self: 2 Co 1:8-9, 2 Co 4:7
Positive qualities are developed: Ro 5:3-4, 1 Pe 5:10
Conform you to the image of Jesus Ro 8:28-29, Heb 12:6-11
Works of God are manifested Jn 9:3
Power of God is perfected 2 Co 12:9
That which is unstable is removed Heb 12:26-27, Ps 119:89, Mt 7:24-27
Faith is tested: 1 Pe 1:7
Able to comfort others: 2 Co 1:3-4, Heb 12:12-13
Learn not to trust your own self: 2 Co 1:8-9, 2 Co 4:7
Positive qualities are developed: Ro 5:3-4, 1 Pe 5:10
Conform you to the image of Jesus Ro 8:28-29, Heb 12:6-11
Works of God are manifested Jn 9:3
Power of God is perfected 2 Co 12:9
That which is unstable is removed Heb 12:26-27, Ps 119:89, Mt 7:24
Your focus is changed 2 Co 4:17-18, 1 Pe 4:12-13, 2 Ti 2:12
Old self is changed Jer 48:11
God prepares you for ministry Isa 6:4-9, 48:10
You are prepared to reign with Christ 2 Ti 2:12
Suffering brings spiritual blessing Mt 5:10-12
Learn obedience through suffering Heb 5:8
Suffering tests the Word of God in you Ps 12:6
Humbles you Deut 8:15-16
Enlarges you Ps 4:1 (KJV), Col 1:10-12
Know God intimately Job 42:1-6, Phil 3:10
Come to know God's resurrection power Phil 3:10
Emphasis changes from "me" to "Thee" Job 13:15, 19:25-26, Pr 3:5, Pr 25:22
Historical Suffering of Christians
Fire of 64AD, 3:17: https://youtu.be/2s7LdMk-EM4?si=onlF261x2jkEXPDC
Nero blames Christians, YT Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/IuLwTdX2I24?si=Cd3-5jk6_E05amei
Clement, 92AD, 2:53: https://youtu.be/FQw-O_HVj8E?si=I0Y6RlUz2rRCWSTa
Philippians was written around 61 or 62AD, just before the Roman fires. However the church was already experiencing severe persecution. Philippians 4 describes various responses to challenges the church in Philippi endured and the Apostle Paul's exhortation to endure hardship, even disclosing his own suffering.
Colosseum: https://youtu.be/bmvxRMYxlhE
Martyrs of the Roman Colosseum: Ignatius of Antioch (fed to lions) and later figures like Abdon and Sennen (dismembered)
Perpetua: martyrd in northern africa
Modern Suffering of Christians
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