2. Are you Suffering with Christ? We as Americans know very little about suffering compared with the rest of the world. But as Christians, we should know about suffering for Christ. Jesus suffered for us and we must follow His example. (1 Peter 2:21)

3. Are you Suffering with Christ? If we follow Him, we will also suffer with Him. (John 15:18-20) Are you suffering with Christ? What are you suffering for the cause of Christ?

4. Are You Suffering Insults for Christ? If you are following Him, it will happen. (Matthew 5:10) Have you had to endure ridicule because of your stand for truth on the one true church or abstinence on moral issues? (alcohol, sexual immorality, abortion, etc.) (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; Titus 2:11-12)

5. Are You Suffering Insults for Christ? You need to remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12! Jesus said it is a blessing instead of a curse because the prophets of old were persecuted in the same way before you. So instead of being glum and discouraged, we should rejoice and be glad because of the great reward in heaven.

6. Are You Willing to Suffer Loss of Friendships for Christ? The peer pressure to conform to what your friends think, say, and do is great. Bad company still corrupts good morals. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34) But don’t give in to it! (Proverbs 1:10ff) If someone close to you wants you to do evil, he isn’t your friend, but enemy.

7. Are You Willing to Suffer Loss of Friendships for Christ? The apostle Paul lost many friends because of his stand for truth but the Lord was His best friend and strengthened Him in his time of trial. (2 Timothy 4:10, 16ff) Do you have enough love for the soul of your friend to rebuke their sin or do you fear the loss of their friendship?

8. Are You Willing to Suffer Loss of Friendships for Christ? If you lose your friend for telling them the truth, remember that Jesus will be with you and strengthen you! Choose friends that will strengthen your faith like Jonathan did with David. (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Samuel 18:1f; 23:16)

9. Are You Willing to Give Up All Your Possessions for Christ? Jesus said that you cannot be my disciple if you don’t do it. (Luke 14:33) Does this teach that you must give up all of your possessions and give it to the poor or you can’t go to heaven? (Luke 18:22f) No, that would violate other Scriptures. (1 Tim. 5:8; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:7)

10. Are You Willing to Give Up All Your Possessions for Christ? You must put God your Master first, not your wealth (Matthew 6:24). Store up treasures in heaven by sharing with others instead of allowing your possessions to possess you. (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17ff)

11. Are You Willing to Suffer the Loss of Family Members for Christ? We must “hate” our families or we cannot be His disciple. (Lk. 14:26; Mt. 10:34-37) Does this teach that you must give up all family relationships to serve the Lord? No, just as the rich must love the Lord more than their possessions, we must love Christ above our families. (Mt. 19:21-30)

12. Are You Willing to Suffer the Loss of Family Members for Christ? You still have responsibilities to honor your parents, love your spouse, teach and discipline your children. (Eph. 5:22ff; 6:1-4) If there is a conflict between you and your family member concerning your loyalty to whom you serve, Christ must come first or you cannot be His disciple.

13. Are You Willing to Suffer the Loss of Freedom or Death for Christ? The members of the church at Smyrna were facing imprisonment and even death for the cause of Christ (Revelation 2:10). He told them to be faithful even if it costs them their lives.

14. Are You Willing to Suffer the Loss of Freedom or Death for Christ? The Apostle Paul faced the loss of freedom and even death for the cause of Christ. (Acts 22:25ff; 2 Cor. 11:23ff; 1:8-11) Would you be willing to stand up for what the Bible teaches about homosexuality if it costs you your freedom or your life? (Romans 1:26ff; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

15. Conclusion We must be willing to suffer with Christ. Are you suffering for Christ?....by insults?....the loss of friendships?....willing to give up your possessions?...willing to give up family relationships?....willing to give up your freedom and die for Him?

16. Conclusion There is no comparison between this present suffering and future glory so don’t give up! (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) Don’t be ashamed of suffering as a Christian, but commit your soul to a faithful Creator by doing what is right. (1 Peter 4:16-19)