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anglican devotional

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 10 May 2022 – Partakers Of Christ’s Sufferings And Glory

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TOPIC: Partakers Of Christ’s Sufferings And Glory

READ: 1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJV)

  1. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
  2. but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
  3. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed [are you,] for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
  4. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.
  5. Yet if [anyone suffers] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
  6. For the time [has come] for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if [it begins] with us first, what will [be] the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
  7. Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
  8. Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls [to Him] in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

THE MESSAGE:

God has given us exceedingly great and precious promises that include participation in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This will be fully made manifest when Christ returns, because then we shall see Him as He is, and we shall be like Him (1 John 3:2). In the meantime, as we live our lives on earth, Christ’s nature in us moves us to live pure and holy lives (2 Corinthians 5:4). This nature and the resulting lifestyle are contrary to the prevailing worldly system, resulting in conflict with the world as well as persecution, trials and the like (Galatians 5:17).

If suffering, hardship or difficulty comes to a Christian because of his righteous lifestyle resulting from his faith, he should not be surprised (verse 12). Indeed, he should rejoice as the apostles did (verses 13-14; Acts 5:41). Many saints of old also suffered for their faith (Hebrews 11:35-38). And Jesus told us that we may experience persecution like Him (Matthew 10:24-25; 24:9; John 15:20). Verse 15 cautions us to make sure we never suffer as evildoers. Are you currently passing through a hardship, challenge or difficulty because of your faith in Christ? Cheer up! Don’t give up. May the Lord send you help as He did for the apostles (Acts 5:17-20).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please deliver us from all evils in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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