The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Friday, July 5, 2024

THE ART OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”
1 Peter 2:21
Main Text: Main Text: Matthew 10:33

As a believer, you are called to suffer for Christ. This suffering doesn't mean living in poverty, sickness, or disease. It means letting Jesus take ownership of your life and obeying whatever instruction He gives you, no matter how difficult it may be. Suffering for Christ also entails loving the Lord with all your heart, finances, and time, and giving up everything you have for the furtherance of the gospel out of your love for Him.

Matt 6:20-21 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” For some people, suffering for Christ may involve letting go of certain relationships, sexual fantasies, or business profits for the work of God. Jesus taught us to lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven, which requires foregoing certain pleasures and wholeheartedly following God. Where your heart is, there your treasure will be! Jesus is everything—He calls us to take up our cross daily and willingly suffer for Him."

Suffering for Christ releases power into your life. The reward for suffering is spiritual strength. Your trials will deepen your relationship with Jesus. Give up the pleasures of sin—like drugs, pornography, multiple relationships, and more—Jesus is calling you to live for Him. Taking up your cross means crucifying deceitful and predatory behaviors.

Confession:

I declare, I give myself wholly to Jesus, I put away sin, I hate sin with perfect hatred. I am given to Jesus, I deny myself and take up my cross daily.

Further Reading:
Heb 9:26 “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Read through the bible in 1 year: 1 Chronicles 1:1-2:17 Acts 23:11-35 Psalm 3:1-8 Proverbs 18:14-15

Read through the bible in 2 years: Lk 17.11-18.30 & Prov 25