Surprised by Suffering

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• If you anticipate suffering, you will be better suited to process it in a healthy way (4:12).
• Suffer now, savor later; savor now, suffer later (4:13).
• You can be encouraged if you are ridiculed as a Christian because at least it is noticeable (4:14).
• If Christians are to suffer, let it be for being like Christ (4:15-16).
• Suffering will serve as temporal purification for some and eternal condemnation for others (4:17-18).
• Ensure that suffering brings you closer to God and not further away (4:19).

Test

1. Why is this suffering here?

• Unwise decisions bring consequences that you can’t blame on anyone else.

2. Is it doing any good?

• Don’t reject the lessons God can teach you within challenging circumstances.

3. How long will it last?

• This life is as close to hell for the believer and as close to heaven for the non-believer.

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