The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Saturday, July 6, 2024
THE BLESSEDNESS 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: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
1 Peter 2:21-24
Main Text: Main Text: Luke 9:23
Suffering for Christ opens you up to a life of righteousness, which means being in right standing with God. It's not just about confessing faith but also living rightly and denying yourself certain pleasures—these may not be sinful, but for Christ's sake, you choose to forgo them. This empowers you to live a life dedicated to righteousness. Righteousness is a by-product of suffering for Christ Jesus, where your life preaches the gospel without you even saying a word.
Jesus died for us to become righteous. However, we often use the cliche? phrase 'I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus' without truly suffering for Him. We are often unwilling to sacrifice our money for missions or the progress of the gospel. What are you willing to give up for Jesus? Are you willing to die to self and help spread the gospel to the ends of the earth?
See the story of this famous song “I have decided to follow Jesus” “The famous song, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, originated in Amman, India, when the village leader told a new Believer to recant his faith or watch his children be executed. He refused. His wife was executed, and he steadfastly refused the opportunity to deny his faith in Christ. Finally, the new Believer was executed for his refusal to deny Jesus Christ as Lord. Every time the village leader gave him the opportunity to deny his Lord, the new Believer responded that he had decided to follow Jesus. The martyrs’ steadfastness to follow Jesus no matter what the cost led to the tribe turning in faith to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.”
Today we sing “I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.” we must remember that this hymn came from the place of suffering for Christ and righteousness. Jesus Christ is Lord and we must be willing to deny ourselves for Him. Jesus is Lord.
Confession:
I declare, I am blessed, I am willing to suffer for the gospel, I give my finances to the furtherance of the Kingdom, I deny myself and I am empowered to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
Further Reading:
1 Peter 3:13 “But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed (are ye:) and fear not their fear, neither be troubled.”
2 Tim 3:12 “Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Read through the bible in 1 year: 1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4 Acts 24:1-27 Psalm 4:1-8 Proverbs 18:16-18
Read through the bible in 2 years: Lk 18.31-19.44 & Prov 26
