DCLM Higher Everyday 9 December 2022 — Pain before gain
DCLM Higher Everyday 9 December 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Pain before gain
TOPIC: PAIN BEFORE GAIN
TEXT: 1 PETER 4:12-19
13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
MEMORY VERSE: “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 PETER 4:13).
MESSAGE:
John Huss, the Church reformer who died singing while being burnt on a stake, refused to renounce his preaching and said, “In the truth of the gospel which I preached, I die willingly and joyfully today.”
Millions of Christians have died for Christ; the tragedy of universal Christian suffering is a reality. This is because the world is generally hostile to the gospel and believers.
Suffering is part of the Christian life and should not come as a surprise. Rather, view it as a test of faith, knowing that you are not alone. God can use such adverse conditions to refine and mature us.
Christian suffering could reveal how truly committed we are to our faithful God. Suffering develops our character, brings us closer to God and teaches us to lean on Him.
Suffering comes in different forms, but the Bible says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Are you slandered, rejected or imprisoned? Take courage, you are not far from home.
QUOTE: Suffering comes in different forms.
CHALLENGE: Expect persecutions; and rejoice for, no pain no gain.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, stand by me in trouble in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
