We suffer now, but...

OUR SUFFERING WILL END

 

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.    (John 16:22)

 

What the Bible says  -  Reasons for our suffering  -  Our proper response  -   Old Testament only

 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS   (click on the underlined verses to read them)

The earth will pass away.  Rev 21:1-4 1 John 2:15-17   (see also The Earth will be destroyed).

We are only a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  James 4:13-17 Psalm 39:5-7

The things we see now (this world) are temporary, while the things we do not see are eternal.  2 Cor 4:16-18

In the world we will have trouble, but take heart because He has overcome the world.  John 16:33

Life is like childbirth – pain while on earth turns to joy when we see Jesus.  John 16:20-22

The suffering of this present earth are not worthy to be compared with the future glory.   Rom 8:15-26

After we suffer, God will restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:8-11

When suffering, our confidence of a better and enduring possession in heaven will be richly rewarded.   Heb 10:34-39

We are suffering now for the kingdom of God.  2 Thes 1:5-7

We groan waiting for our adoption.  Romans 8:23-25

We will be glad with exceeding joy (if we suffered for Him).  1 Pet 4:12-15

 

REASONS FOR OUR SUFFERING

We suffer now so that our faith, of greater worth than gold, may be proved genuine and result in praise, glory and honor. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.  It also produces other godly characteristics.   2 Cor 7:9-11

Ultimately, if we partake in Christ's suffering, our suffering will bring exceeding joy.  1 Pet 4:12-15

Suffering occurs so that we might trust in God and not ourselves. 2 Cor 1:8-11

Suffering keeps us humble and lets God's strength work in us.  2 Cor 12:7-10

We suffer so that we can comfort others.  2 Cor 1:3-7

Our current light affliction is working for us a more eternal weight of glory.   2 Cor 4:16-18

God's discipline here is painful, but it reaps later rewards. Heb 12:7-11

Our suffering now is evidence of the righteousness of God's judgment later when he takes vengeance justly.  2 Thes 1:4-10

We are obligated to suffer for Christ.  Phil 1:29-30

We are promised to suffer persecution.  2 Tim 3:12-13

 

OUR PROPER RESPONSE

We should be patient for the Lord's return (like a farmer waits for rain), and we should strengthen and stabilize our hearts for the Lord's return.    James 5:7-11

We should not lose heart while fixing our eyes on eternal things and knowing that the troubles we have are only momentary.   2 Cor 4:16-18

We should be sober, diligent, resist the devil (steadfast in the faith), knowing that we are not alone in our sufferings.  1 Peter 5:8-11

We should bear Jesus' reproach while we seek  the city that is to come.  Heb 13:12-14

We should be faithful during our suffering (even to death), and He will give us life.  Revelation 2:10

Examples of patience: A farmer, the prophets and Job.  In the end, the Lord is compassionate and merciful to those who trust Him.    James 5:7-11

We should remember the suffering Jesus endured from others - and for us.  Heb 12:3  (See Christ's Example)

 

OLD TESTAMENT ONLY

We are only a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.   Psalm 39:5-7

 

 

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