Q4. Glory and Suffering

[Bobi A]

Persecution - we are promised it by Christ. The world is afraid of Christians. I think people are afraid to come to the Lord because they think (and rightly) that He will ask them to change - Praise Him that he just takes it on and changes us without our permission. God does change our "want-tos".

People see Christians going through terrible times and remain at peace, calm, and keep on praising Him - they can't understand it. But what a testimony it gives to His power in our lives. When we are truly trusting in Him, we walk through valleys of the shadow of death and stay firm in our faith, joyful in our hearts and full of praises - how can we do that? Not in any power of our own, but entirely through Him.

Jesus had to suffer to show us that suffering is in the long run for our benefit. God uses our suffering to conform us to Christ and take us out of the world - we are better able to comfort others when we have already passed through the fire.

[servant for Christ]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

They relate to the fact that we will be persecuted for righteousness' sake. If we hide our light, God will receive no glory and the world will not know of His salvation. Glory and suffering go hand in hand because our Lord suffered and through His suffering He gave glory and praise to the Father because He knew what was ahead of Him. The same with us, through our suffering, we are suppose to praise and worship God and give Him the glory. We know wewill inherit the promises of God and heaven will be our reward. Yes, Jesus' suffering was necessary. Yes, our's is necessary. It has to do with Romans in the fact that we are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed to the will of God. We must have our plans, goals, and ambitions determined by heavenly and eternal truths, not by this evil, temporal, and a world that we are only passing through, that is not our permanent home.

[Lindap]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

As Christians we are to be salty in bringing the word of God to other people, by letting our light shine. Salty meaning we are to not be afraid of what other people will think of us. Our Light is the word of God. That we should bring glory to God by not being shy about spreading the Word of God to people who may not have a relationship with God.

We have glory when we have a good relationship with our Lord, but at the same time we will see suffering at the hands of non-believers who would rather not see our light shining.

If all people had the same belief in the Lord as was intended by God, Jesus suffering would not have been necessary. We do not all believe in the same God. Some even have false idols. Therefore Jesus suffering was necessary. God had to make a bold enough statement thru Jesus to show non-believers that he was very serious about saving all the sheep in the flock. And in the same way our suffering is also necessary. When you step out in faith and spread the Word of God there will be those who mock us thus suffering.

Churches across this nation are filled with people every Sunday. But do these same people live the Word of God everyday or just on Sunday? Romans 12:2 says not to conform to the ways of world. Therefore we are to be Christians everyday of our lives not just on Sunday. Sunday Christians only want to be seen on Sunday and then are not salty and hide their light under a bowl the rest of the week. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, body. Let your light shine, be ready for the love of God to be seen through you.

[hanks]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15)

How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12?

In verse 10 we read that we are blessed if we are persecuted for righteousness

[jr4624]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

The main relationship that I see between 10-12 & 13-16 is the fact that if we are "salty", and if we do let our light shine before men, the persecution Jesus tells us of (and the rewards as well, therefore) will be our lot in life.

If we hide our light we can't bring glory to God through our actions. What little we can do (or fail to do) will not diminish God's great glory, but the good works that God's grace and power (through Jesus and the Holy Spirit) enable us to do will add to God's glory. One way this happens is to show how someone as flawed and inadequate as myself (or Moses, or Gideon, or Samson, or any number of others) can be used by God to do great things through.

It is the same thing that happened to Jesus. First He was humiliated and suffered a terrible, humiliating outcast's death by torture on the cross for me (all of us, if we but claim it), and then He was glorified in heaven at the right hand of the Father. This is how we reflect God's great love for us. This is how we take up our cross daily and follow Him, how we lay down our lives for others. By making ourselves as nothing and putting others first, we show the love of Christ shining through us, love which we could not even have without the grace of God through Jesus.

Yes

Yes

Paul explains to us just what I was trying to. This is the way to show that we are different than the world. That we are transformed by the love of Christ into people who will subordinate our own petty pursuits and concerns to the will of God and the concerns of His Kingdom.

[smithj7]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

(Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12?

Verses 10-12 tell us that we are blessed when we are persecuted in that we receive a prophet's reward. To receive this blessing, we must let our light shine before people. We must be the alt of the earth.

How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?

If we hide our light, there can be no glory for God.

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand?

If we don't hide our light we may be persecuted for righteous sake. If we want to become the salt of the earth, we may need to face trials to purify us.

Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours?

If Jesus did not die and rise there would be no hope.The churches in the U.S. are blessed. I have spoken to Christians in other countries, such as Bulgaria. The Bulgaria's can now worship freely, but a few years ago, Christians had to hide to worship. Many died for their faith.

What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

Romans 12: 2 says: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. In order, to follow the Jesus teachings and show our lights or become salt of the earth we must get rid of impurity. Romans is telling us how to do this.

[alogrippo]

If we are truly light to the world, if we truly let the light of Jesus shine in our lives it most likely will bring persecution at some point or another. If the light of God is shining in our lives it means we are standing for something meaningful, true and right--and that brings persecution to Christians in the world today.

Glory and suffering go hand in hand because we are not of this world. Our Kingdom is not of this world and the Lord whom we serve is not of this world. Our minds ( romans 12:2 ) should not be set on the things of the world around us, not conformed to the world's thinking, but set on the things above, the things and thoughts and words of Jesus. These things will "rub the world the wrong way" and at times will mean persecution and suffering for us--for some, the persecution may be just in the words of treatment from other people, for others, the persecution and suffering may be much much more severe, to the point of prison or death.

We are told not to be surprised by this, Jesus says the world hated him first. His suffering on the cross was for our salvation. So we too may suffer many things in the world if we stand for God, but better to suffer for good than suffer in sin.

[Lory]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

A. How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?We as disciples are to imitate Jesus. Jesus glorified the Father in everything he did and said. He was the Word of God made manifest so that the world would see,and know the Truth that can set the captives at liberty. We are suppose to put God's word into action as well, apply it to our daily lives and continue to set the captives free through Jesus Christ. That takes faith. Without faith we can not please God. It's easy to get into the negative, but it takes faith to see the higher truth of God. When people are healed, that brings glory to God. When we have doubt this doesn't bring glory to God. If we don't use our light for the right intentions and motivations this can affect the glory of God. When we share our testimonies of how God strengthened us and gave us power to overcome this brings glory to God, but we have to share this light in everything we do.

B. Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? The darkness hates the light and you will always find resistence as long as there is no unity. You are going to find yourselves in many uncomfortable situations and as you obey God you are going to suffer for doing right. You're either going to win souls by choosing to utilize God's light or gain enemies. Many people love their darkness and don't want to conform to the light of God. You will be persecuted for it. The good news, no matter what happens, in every situation we plant seeds for these lost children. Being a seed planter can cost you your life, but win many souls to God. God will bless you for your faithfulness to Him. So you're going to have to suffer for doing good and what God wants.

C. Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Yes, there was no other way to show the people how hard and violent their hearts are. This is a very dark world, full of selfishness, most people living only for himself. Light has come into the world and his very own didn't recognize it. By Jesus suffering many people have come to know freedom in God. Jesus went around blessing, forgiving,healing, and setting people free. God was glorified in His son. People don't know that they are dead and have great darkness in them, how will they ever be freed from thier own darkness? Jesus suffering on the cross, paying for our sins, took upon himself and offer up himself so that we may be forgiven of our sins. Now we know the truth.

D. Is ours? Yes. It's not easy to live the Christian life. Many Christians go so far, but not all the way for their neighbors or their enemies. Most are not willling to suffer for difficult, selfish people, they give up way too soon. When you suffer for another, it's like you are saying, "I love you, you are worth it." Jesus died for all sinners, we should be willing to suffer too. We must take a stand, in love for truth, no matter what the cost. You might be laughed at, beaten, mocked, killed, but it's all worth it in the end, because you showed some poor soul the greatest love. God wants all to know His great love and who are willing to receive and be set free.

E. What does this have to do with Romans 12:2? "Do not be conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will."

When you conform yourself to God's Kingdom, you will be called sons and daughters of God and there are blessings through walking with God. God's will is that none should perish. Everyday there are people who are perishing because they don't see the love or understand it, they die in their sins. God is merciful and this great love He has for us is beyond anything we could ever imagine. he showed it on Calvary 2009 years ago and it's still here today through His HolySpirit.

Wishing you a beautiful and glorious day. God's blessings, Lory

[Marloes]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

1. How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12?

Both passages tells us to walk with Jesus - all the time, in plain sight.

2. How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?

God is light - Satan is darkness.

3. Was Jesus' suffering necessary?

Yes, our sins are so bad that they require punishment - by His suffering.

Besides this, He shows His love with it.

4. Is ours?

We don't have to suffer to go to heaven.

Unfortunately, Satan makes us suffer for following Jesus.

It is a logical consequence.

5. What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

Paul also tells us that we have to live for God and not to please the world.

[Prayer1995]

God's light almost always get persecuted in this dark and dirty world.

This world is not GOD'S, it's the devil's and people think by going to church every so often they are saved or they think God loves me I will work my way in, he don't need to live in my heart. By us showing his light shine in us, this dark and dirty world will ask what's in our hearts

Without the cross, we would have to pay for our very own SINS. There is no way on this earth we could pay for our own sins,

The devil hates us the give our hearts to Jesus, so Jesus isn't why we suffer after we trust him. The devil will do anything to get us away from Jesus Christ.

We need not to care about the world, we need to have our eyes on Jesus Christ.

[JimOtt]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=738

Verses 10-12 are a warning to expect persecution for showing the light, and 13-16 tell us to do it anyways. Both sets of verses explain that while we won't be rewarded here on earth for allowing our light to shine, our reward is actually waiting for us in heaven with our Father.

Jesus' suffering...there is something that puzzled me from time to time. We discussed that at our in-home Bible study right after Easter. Why, with Jesus being God's son, would God allow him to suffer that way? Why, with all of the miracles that Jesus had performed and everyone had witnessed did He not just put a stop to the suffering immediately when it started?? Would that not have made as big an impression on people of the time, if Jesus had just wiped out his accusers, and caused those that were ridiculing Him to be struck with some horrifying disease. Perhaps that is the answer...would it have been easier???? sure, but his suffering was a metaphor...to illustrate for us how deeply He loves us and wanted to impress upon us that He would do anything for His children so that we wouldn't balk at following the rules that He set forth for us.

Romans 12:2. Jesus' acts, and what he tells us to do is simply that we shouldn't follow what the world would have us do, but to follow what he would have us do.

[royk]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

There is no glory for us, it must all be for God our father and creator. We must seek to be in the moment to server

God with clarity and purpose. It need not be by words. If we feel it is suffering then perhaps we don't love God enough; though He loves us so greatly and perfectly.

Romans 12:2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is

[Paul H]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? Together they set out a profile of a true disciple of Christ.

How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Because our light is a reflection of God's glory.

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? I think that whilst suffering is to some extent to be expected by Christians and if we are suffering for our faith we should be glad, I don't think that an absence of suffering in a Christian's life necessarily points to the fact that there is something wrong with that person's faith or relationship with God. Being realistic, Christian's do not generally really suffer in places like the UK (and the rest of Europe) and the US. For sure people may laugh at us and make jokes at our expense, but people get laughed at and have jokes made about them for all sorts of reasons. However, if this is suffering and we are suffering it for our faith then we should rejoice because it means our faith is obvious enough to those making the jokes to convict us of being Christians. Jesus' suffering was necessary as a sacrifice to reconcile us Man to God.

What does this have to do with Romans 12:2? By following the guidance set out in the Beatitudes and the following passage, we put ourselves at odds with the world and therefore invite its scorn and ridicule. In Romans 12:2 Paul says that we should no longer conform to the pattern of the World but be transformed into the profile which Jesus is describing here.

[home4ed]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

Living in a way that is "right" with God and following Jesus' teachings will inevitably bring persecution. Our righteousness (and perssecution for it) will be the saltiness or light that glorifies the Father. Our faithfulness to Him through persecution while maintaining Kingdom living, will be our testimony to Him. Glory and suffering go hand in hand because in it there is a proof of dedication to the Father . People don't choose to suffer for nothing usually. Yes, Jesus' suffering was necessary for us to be saved. His choice was in conflict with worldly thinking. It's unselfish and threatened established religion and government. Our sold out faith does the same. It's a threat to the self serving/worshipping worldly ways. Christ's teachings exposes the hearts of man.

2And do not (A)be conformed to (B)this world, but be transformed by the ©renewing of your mind, so that you may (D)prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

If we conform to this world we will lose our saltiness. Or we won't shine the truth of God. We won't look any different from the lost so why would anyone want to change?

[Melvin]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

If you have enough salt and light (the word and works) you will encounter persecution which is why verses 10-16 flow as one topic and not a transition. Every time Glory is exhibeted, if it is not seen, there is no Glory. Likewise, those that have dutifuly followed and lived God's commands will receive suffering in return from 'the world' just as the prophets encountered, including death, in the Old Testament.

I'm not sure 'necessary' is exactly the right word. 'Natural Consequence' of following God's will would be how I'd put it. It is natural to prefer not to experience pain and suffering, it is with joy that the Christian willingly chooses the way of Christ rather than the world. Tranformation is an ongoing event. The bolder we are, the greater our adherence to God's will, the greater our transformation to God's will.

[Highohfaith]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12?

Both Verses13-16 and verses 10-12 talk about being persecuted for the sake of Christ, to bring glory to his name.

How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?

If we hide our light how can we bring glory to God? Liken it to walking into a completely dark room e.g. say for a surprise party, but only the quest in the room know what's happening in the room. The recipient of all the good wishes does not know a thing. But WHAM, turn on the LIGHT and all is seen. He knows something wonderful is happening and it is for him to enjoy and partake in the festivities. If our light doesn't shine brightly for Christ the recipients of His Glory will never receive it, we must put the light on for others to see, enjoy, and partake in God's glory. If we as Christians do not represent the Lord with openness, SHINING His light through us in word and deed. Becoming a living example of His Love and His ever enduring character, we lose our effectiveness for the cause. Fulfilling the great commission. We lose our effectiveness as disciples of Christ.

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand?

Christ suffered for us, to give us a purified, eternal life. He gave us a way to reconcile with God by forgiving our sins. As we grow more and more Christlike in character, the world around us is apt to ridicule, persecute, and torture us, just as they did Jesus. Part of Christ' character was that He was a faithful son, He was strong, and followed God's plan no matter what the cost to Him. The world around us does not understand this kind of strength, and dedication, faithfulness. The world is more wrapped up with worldly power and strength in a more physical or materialistic way. Not the strength of faith known to us only by power the world cannot relate to, the power of God. As true Christians we must be willing to do the same thing as Jesus, suffer for our convictions, adhere to our convictions. Answer the call of our Creator. Follow God's plan no matter what the cost to us.

Was Jesus' suffering necessary?

Yes, it most definitely was, to fulfill God's plan. God came to earth in the form of His son for only one reason. That reason was to save His children from their sin. It is HIS plan, the plan of our Creator, so there is no need to question if, or why it was necessary. It simply is what it is: God's will fulfilled.

Is Ours?

Romans 12-2 says: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Yes, I believe our suffering is a test and a way to bring us closer to God and His will. Some may run from God during hard times, and blame Him, saying" if God is so good why is this happening to me?". But never run from God always run TO HIM. His intent is never to hurt or destroy us, we are His children. In the process of bringing glory to Him, we may stumble and fall, be hurt, ridiculed, persecuted, but we need to realize it's all a work in process till the day of completion. God has a plan, we don't know, nor should we question what it is, we simply follow. That's what faith is. Blind faith, Faith unseen. The world and all the earthy pleasures are very alluring. We must continually work with the Holy Spirit ( not against Him)letting Him continually refresh our mind with the word and wisdom of God.The verse say 'but be transformed' it doesn't say transform yourselves. We cannot transform ourselves on our own, we need The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will glorify God and make clear His plan for us to follow. His pure, and perfect will.

[Raph]

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15)

How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12?

Verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12 in that, to be the salt of the world we are required to show by our deeds and words the Christian values and stand for them. In doing so we might encounter difficulties, including possibility of persecution from those who do not want us to spread the values.

How does hiding our light affect the glory of God?

Hiding our light affects the glory of God in that, people around us will not see Jesus in us if we do not stand out and show Chrisitian values. By showing and preaching these values, we spread the glory of God.

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand?

Suffering and glory must go hand in hand because in living, standing for and preaching the Christian values which is intended to glorify the Lord, there might be sufferings.

Was Jesus' suffering necessary?

Yes, Jesus' suffering was necessary as without it, we could not have received salvation.

Is ours?

Ours also is necessary if we want to be the salt of the world.

What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

I think this tells us to change and understand what pleases God and do as such.

[tgandy]

Loosing one's saltiness is loosing one's witness.  If we loose our witness we no longer represent Jesus.  Jesus was persecuted for us.  He witnessed and he spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven and living right.  If we too are persecuted for His name's sake we are on the right pathway.   If we hide the light of God we are no longer witnessing in word or deed.  Jesus suffering was necessary to show us the way.  We too, must proclaim the Great I AM and we will find we too, are persecuted.  But, we must be faithful in word and deed and FOR Him.    Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the things of this world.  We need to keep our eyes on the Sparrow by study, prayer and meditation on God and His word.

[DebLam3teach]

Verses 10-12 talk about the blessing of being persecuted because of our strong witness for Christ.  Verses 13-16 talk about being the salt and light of the earth, and not becoming ineffective for Christ so that others will glorify God by seeing our good works.  Being salt and light are the "good works" Jesus is referring to, and they cause people to see God's work in us. However, people will either be drawn to our strong witness, or repelled by it. If they are repelled by it, persecution may result as they are convicted of sin. When we let God's light shine through us, people see His glory...and God receives the glory for our witness for Christ. However, when people are in rebellion against God, they hide from the light. They may even persecute those who shine the light and who are salty.  Christ experienced this type of suffering his whole life, especially on the cross, and we will too in varying degrees depending on our circumstances. Yes, this suffering is necessary because Satan still has a hold on many people and does not want them to be drawn to godly things.  Christ's suffering led to our salvation; our suffering leads others to Christ as His light and witness is proclaimed.  Romans 12:2 tells us not to be transformed by the world, but to be renewed in our minds.  This is a daily practice for the Christian to maintain his saltiness and light as a Christian.  That is why I am doing this Bible study:  to keep my mind renewed in godly things and not worldly things! 

[Eager Bver]

How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

 

Verses 10-12 says to rejoice when you are being persecuted for the sake of righteousness.  Verses 13-16 speaks about letting your godly character shine in dark situations.  

 

The glory of God will not be manifested if we hide our light.  No one will know about His kindness and goodness and especially his power.  

 

Through suffering, you experience things, e.g., you have choices to make and after choosing to do right the glory of God is magnified in your life as He gets all the praise as you could not succeed without his help and power.

 

If Jesus did not suffer, we would not have a model and salvation.  If he suffered so must we too.

 

Our thoughts are not to be on worldly things, but our minds is to be focused on things above.

[JoanG]

All the verses in this question have to do with being a witness for Christ. We are not to fear persecution because it is going to happen. We need to be williing to share in all of God's teachings to the world. This will show the true glory of God our Father. By alllowing the glory of God to shing from us, we are challenging the way people live. We are showing that there is a higher and more human and more loving way to live. We are literally calling the worldly people to the carpet of judgement. And this action causes the worldly people to become angry and resentful. They will look to attack us back. But they will attack us with the untruths and influences of evil intent. However, there are those few people that we just might lead to God and a better way of life.

[Old Jerry]

The way that verses 10-12 relate to 13-16 is that we should be expecting persecution if we being the light and the salt of the earth. There are people that will see us and will try to stop us from bring others to Jesus Christ. Hiding our light affects the glory of God because people can’t see God through us if we don’t shine.

Jesus’ suffering was necessary because he was trying to let his light shine so that the people would believe in God. Our suffering is also necessary so that people can see God in us. If we are being transformed into the ways of Jesus the world doesn’t want to see that.

[Karen11]

On 12/19/2007 at 9:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?

Even though we will be persecuted we should not hide Jesus, we are to shine for all to see.

It puts the light out no longer to shine.

Because when you follow Glory you will suffer.

Yes. 

Yes.

That no matter what we must keep up the fight of faith, not to give into this world.

 

[MosesSole]

On 12/19/2007 at 9:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12?  If you are persecuted and made to suffer as a result of it, you will be vindicated in the Kingdom.

How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? If people can't see the good work you're doing in the name of God, then you're not bringing glory to Him. This negates your efforts so be sure to walk the righteous path with all the lamps lit.

Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand?  It really shouldn't be and this is the concept I have difficulty grasping.

Was Jesus' suffering necessary? It was for the time period, absolutely. Because Jesus was giving sight to the blind, and raising the dead and people still didn't believe. 

Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2?  I think we would better appreciate the glory after having gone through some tribulations. However, I don't know to what degree of suffering one needs to endure.  I believe if one is good and righteous and honor God, He will see and glorify you in some way.  

 

 

[Irmela]

4.1 Just as salt and light can bring about "good" it also exposes the "bad". We read in the Bible about prophets who often had to say something that did not "sit well" with the recipient(s). In spite of this they brought the message God had sent them with. They did not hide it as it were, under a bushel. The light exposed the darkness. Often they then underwent torture or even death. 

In the same way, in the present, if we are persecuted for living a righteous life or for exposing evil, we are letting light shine in the darkness and allowing the darkness to be exposed.

4.2 Our deeds and words must point to God and bring glory to Him. If we hide our "light", it is as it were that we are agreeing with the evil instead of exposing it by our light and thereby allowing God to receive glory.

4.3 Suffering is bound to be the consequence of exposing evil. In ecposing evil, it can be dealt with and the situation can change and glory for that is given to God.

4.4 Yes. If He had not suffered, we would not have been set free. By suffering, He took our iniquities upon Himself and then foed in our place. The debt for sin was death and Christ paid that debt for me.

4.5 Yes. Christ our Lord and Master was persecuted, so it is only natural to assume that we too will undergo some persecution. 2Tim 3:12 All who live a godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution.

4.6 By distancing ourselves from the world i.e. by not conforming to it, by being different (almost sticking out like a sore thumb) we are standing out, as it were, from the norm. Our standards are different. Our lifestyle is different. We live as we believe that God would have us live, by His standards. Again we see in darkness a light will stand out and may it be to God's Glory.

 

I am just reminded of a chorus we used to sing .... 

It only takes a spark to get a fire going

and soon all those around

will warm up in its glowing.

That's how it is with God's love 

Once you've experienced it

You spread His love to everyone

You want to pass it on.

 

No matter the persecution. That is sideline, the most important is that God's light is reflected and passed on.