DCLM Higher Everyday 14 May 2023 — Suffering For Christ’s Sake
DCLM Higher Everyday 14 May 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Suffering For Christ’s Sake
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Topic: Suffering For Christ’s Sake
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-16
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.
Key Verse: “If 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” (1 Peter 4:14).
Message
Richard Wurmbrand was a pastor in a country called Romania. He and his wife, Sabina suffered much under the ruling Nazi government. The regime was against Christianity, they persecuted many believers for their faith in Christ. Richard and Sabina lost everything – their family, freedom, friends, and even health – yet they persevered. While in prison, they always took every opportunity to show the love of Christ to their persecutors. One of the Nazi soldiers was named The Butcher, for his brutality; he was one of those responsible for killing Sabina’s parents and siblings. When Sabina finally came face to face with The Butcher, she broke him down with God’s love until he too became a born again Christian.
Readiness to suffer persecution for our faith in Christ is proof of our love for Him. What is not worth dying for is not worth living for. Persecution takes different forms and comes with varying degrees of severity. We may be mocked, denied our rights, separated from company, sometimes beaten and, very rarely, killed. No price is too high to pay for Christ Who died for us.
Quote: No price is too high to pay
Challenge: What is not worth dying for is not worth living for.
Prayer for today: Lord, give me grace to stand with you even unto death.
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)
