It seems paradoxical to relate suffering to glory and blessing, but so often the Scriptures do just that. Jesus told us that we are blessed when we suffer for the sake of Christ. He said that the persecuted shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:10-12). Paul told Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of Jesus but to join him in suffering for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-10). Peter writes to the churches telling them that when you are insulted for the name of Christ, the Spirit of glory rests upon you (1 Peter 4:14-16). These are just a few examples where the New Testament authors encourage us to endure suffering for the sake of Christ because it is a great blessing that brings glory. While we are not told to proactively find opportunities to suffer, we should look at the right type of suffering (suffering for the gospel) as a glorious reality of the Christian life. So, what is it about suffering that is so glorious?
The author of Hebrews gives us some great hints as to why suffering for Christ is spoken of so positively in the Scriptures. He discusses suffering in the context of a beautiful section about assurance of faith.
Hebrews 10:19-36.
1. Enduring suffering for Christ’s sake is a proof that our assurance of hope is found completely in him.
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
2. Our endurance of suffering happens as we remind each other that Christ is our glorious and ultimate goal.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
3. The endurance of suffering reveals that we are most serious about holiness before God our great judge.
26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
4. Suffering for Christ brings out the compassion of his family and our desire for his kingdom over the material things of this world.
32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
5. Suffering for Christ encourages us to most value the prize of God’s promise.
35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
6. The endurance of suffering for Christ reveals the strength of our faith to stand before him on the last day.
37 For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
In all these wonderful truths, suffering for Christ simply proclaims the exaltation of Christ in the most powerful possible action. We say to the world, only Jesus is worth it.