Christians what is the spiritual connection between obediance and suffering ?

Thanks Deb for highlighting this paradox that shows that following Christ is "foolishness to the greeks"!

Romans 5.1-5, esp 3-5.

We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us....

James 5.7-11, esp 10-11

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.

Phil 2 (esp. v. 8-9 for the transition - note the "therefore" - from suffering to exaltation...)

And being found in appearance as a man,

[Jesus Christ] humbled himself

and became obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

**Therefore** God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,...

Deborah, this "Therefore" highlights the mystery of suffering and the complete *foolishness* of it all, when it comes to the world's perspective on suffering for doing good, as Christ suffered.... There's no reason, for a worldly point of view that suffering should lead to exaltation, but it "just happens" because that is the equation that God has set: obedience to Me = exaltation (but only by faith!).

When I see this, I know that there's no other way to God except by faith that God gives (2 Peter 1.1) to enable me to see, with the eyes of faith, that this is true.

It's not easy to do because we're only human.

Knowing, and believing that God causes all things to work for the good for those who love Him according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) makes suffering easier to bear. If we can find a way to unite our suffering to Christ's suffering on the cross... and find a way to offer our suffering up for the conversion of sinners, or peace in the world, or for food and shelter for the needy and homeless, then our suffering is not in vain. It then has merit.

This is a sinful and broken world, and we are a sinful and broken people. Since the fall we've had to put up with all sorts of suffering... of which I am no stranger, either.... :o)

We are in this world but not of it. Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus can provide us consolation because we know He has a place prepared for us. As far as the obeience, I'm not sure what you mean. Did you mean to say suffering or do you mean that we ought to "suffer obediently" and not complain?.

We should suffer as silently as we can... but since Jesus knows all... we can tell Him how much it hurts, and ask that He take it away if we want to. But as Jesus prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, we should end all prayers with " not my will but thine be done Lord".

We never know what He's up to! Even in our suffering He is building our own faith and the faith of those around us.

This too shall pass.

Peace and strength to you,

Chris <><

The Heavenly prize would be the consolation provided in the midst of our obedience. Jesus was filled with sorrow knowing the cup he was going to drink of.....but still said to God, "not my will, but thine will be done." Even when Jesus was on the cross, he still had compassion for us. He asked God, "Father, please forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." In Romans 5:4-5, it says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." So, in order to obtain hope we must be obedient even if we suffer in the meantime because it produces hope. And hope develops our faith. Knowing what Jesus did for me, and that by being obedient I will see him someday is the best consolation I can have when going through a trial. In Romans 5:8, it says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." If we don't lose heart and stay obedient and faithful, we will be rewarded.

Hebrews 11:25. Talks of Moses

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

Sin is temporary pleasure, suffering can bring us closer to God, and increase our obedience.

This does not mean we HAVE to suffer, but that any suffering may hold a purpose in God's will.

Job was very obedient, yet he suffered greatly. In general, obedience leads to blessings, but we can't always see clearly what is a blessing, and what isn't.

A god that *wants* you to suffer?

I don't think that's very healthy.