Desiring God: Suffering, The Sacrifice of a Christian Hedonist

Colossians 1:24-2:5

There is something fun about playing games is there not?  Can I suggest something?  I think we are so enthralled with games, that it can have a negative effect upon our life with Christ.  Now, hear me out, I am not saying whatsoever that it is sinful to play games.  In fact, we probably should gather around the dinner table to play games instead of that electronic box in our living room called TV.  No, what I am saying is that we may not take seriously the invitation to follow Christ.  When Jesus calls a person, He bids him come and die.  What I am saying is that we may be all too good and playing the game called Christianity, but when it comes to real faith, When it comes down to making a sacrifice and possibly accepting some unfortunate consequences, we may say, “Show me the door, I’m out.”

I feel that sometimes our attitude toward suffering for Christ, may be like these amigos instead of the real faith that God calls us to.  God desires that we would be obedient unto death.  Let’s see if we can get some help from the Scriptures.

The apostle Paul, speaking to the church in Corinth writes, 1 Corinthians 15:16-20 (NIV) “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. ²⁰ But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

The call of Christ is a call to live a life of sacrifice and loss and suffering that would be foolish to live, if there were no resurrection from the dead (Piper, p. 220).

READ Colossians 1:24-2:5

Why should we be ready to suffer for God?

1—We suffer for Christ because we have examples to follow.

A—Jesus Christ, himself suffered for God (Hebrews 12:1-3)

                        Jesus chose suffering (John 10:18)

B—The Apostles suffered for God (Tradition has it that all, but John died from persecution.  John, the writer of Revelation was the only one who died of natural causes).

            C—Contemporary Christians suffer for God.

2—We suffer for Christ because we receive joy from suffering.

John Piper writes, “The Calvary road with Jesus is not a joyless road.  It is a painful one, but it is a profoundly happy one.  When we choose the fleeting pleasures of comfort and security over the sacrifices and sufferings of missions and evangelism and ministry and love, we choose against joy.  We reject the spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11).  The happiest people in the world are the people who experience the mystery of “Christ in them, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), satisfying their deep longings and freeing them to extend the afflictions of Christ through their own sufferings to the world.” (Desiring God, p. 236).

1 Peter 4:13 (NIV)
¹³ But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Application:

1—Make a commitment today to stop playing church embrace complete obedience to Christ.  That may mean changing occupations, reorganizing time and finances.  Maybe you need to live with God in mind and not with self in mind.  Walk by faith and not by sight.

2—Maybe God is calling you to be more faithful in certain situations.  Maybe you are being asked to do something that is not quite right, maybe it is not quite legal and you know it is wrong.  Maybe God is calling you to be obedient to Him and He will protect you.  You know what, it may cost you your job.  You may have to reduce you “high” standards of living.  Maybe you need to do what is right for the sake of Christ.

3—Maybe you need to take seriously the two projects that we are working on here at BCC:  1)  Multiplying your $2 for tsunami relief, 2) Invite a friend, neighbor, family member, coworker to friend day.  You may get some ridicule, but maybe the Holy Spirit is gently nudging you to be bold in your relationship with Jesus.

4—We all need to pray for Christians who are suffering on account of the name of Christ.  You know what they pray for?  Christians who are suffering persecution don’t ask that they persecution be lifted, they ask for stronger faith to endure and witness to the glory of God.

Conclusion

            Are you serving God faithfully everyday or are you simply playing the game of Christianity?  Remember that at the core of Christian Hedonism is giving glory to God by enjoying Him forever.  Suffering is a key component for joy because we give Him glory by our obedience and we enjoy His protection, not our own.  The happiest people in the world are those who love Jesus so much they are willing to suffer for Him.