The Three Types of Suffering Experienced by Christians

 

The Three Types of Suffering Experienced by Christians

Hebrews 12:5-6: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, or give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.'"

Philippians 3:10: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

1 Peter 4:12-13: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

 

Type of Suffering	Origin	Meaning	Examples	Application	Related Scriptures
First Type: Suffering in the Old Creation	- Due to human fall - Universal to all people - Originating from fallen and aging creation	- Common human experience of suffering - Reflects the corruption of the fallen world	- Diseases (tuberculosis, cancer) - Natural disasters - General physical pain	- Accept inevitable suffering in life - Understand the nature of a fallen world - Do not attribute it to personal sin	Romans 8:20-22: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Genesis 3:16-19: Describes the hardship, disease, and death humans will face after the fall
Second Type: Suffering due to Sin and Mistakes	- Personal negligence - Failing to fulfill responsibilities - Violating moral or work standards	- Direct consequence of personal actions - Reminder and correction of personal shortcomings	- Being fired from work - Property loss due to negligence - Punishment for violations	- Reflect and improve personal deficiencies - Learn to be responsible - Accept discipline	Proverbs 13:15: "Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard." Galatians 6:7-8: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
Third Type: The Dying of Jesus	- For Christ's sake - For faith and ministry - Not due to personal fault	- Destroy the natural self - Renew spiritual life - Devoted to God's kingdom	- Persecution - Suppressed for faith - Outer self destroyed	- Allow inner life to grow - Witness to Christ - Transform spiritual life	2 Corinthians 4:10-11: "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body."

 

Conclusion:

Understanding the three types of suffering provides Christians with a nuanced perspective on life's challenges. The first type reminds us of our fallen nature, the second encourages personal growth and responsibility, and the third offers a profound spiritual transformation. Each type of suffering serves a unique purpose in a believer's journey, ultimately drawing them closer to Christ and refining their spiritual character.

 

*Please refer to Chapter 35, Jesus’ Death and the Renewal of the Inner Man (III) Life-study of 2 Corinthians