BEING MADE PERFECT THROUGH SUFFERING

1 Peter 4:1: Forasmuch then as the Messiah suffered in the flesh, arm you yourselves also be of the same mind; for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased to sin;

1 Peter 5:10: And the God of all grace, who called you unto His eternal glory in the Messiah, after that you have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

Hebrew 2:10: For it became Him [Yehovah], for who are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the author [Jesus] of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Note: We also are made perfect through suffering, even as the lord Jesus was made perfect through suffering! [He has set us an example of how to endure suffering and persecution in this world which will allow us to become more like him. Perfection according to the biblical definition is to become more like the lord Jesus, we do so by following in his footsteps obeying his word]

Hebrews 5:8: though he [Jesus] was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered. [The disciples of the Messiah Jesus will also learn obedience by the things that they suffer]

1 Peter 2:21: For hereunto were you called: because the Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps:

We are made perfect [become more like the Messiah Jesus] by the things that cause us to suffer for his name.

2 Timothy 3:12: Yes, and all that would live godly in the Messiah Jesus shall suffer persecution [suffering that will make us to become perfect, to become more like the lord Jesus!

1 Corinthians 10:13: There no temptation [trial] has come upon you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond that you are able to bare; but will with the temptation [trial] provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Philippians 1:27-29: Only let your way of life be worthy of the gospel of the Messiah: …..stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing be afraid because of the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God; because to you it has been granted on behalf of the Messiah, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer on his behalf:

2 Timothy 1:8: … suffer hardship because of the gospel according to the power of God;

So we understand that whatever trial, persecution or hardship comes our way that we are to stand fast and rely on our God and Father to deliver us. If Yehovah allows us to die in the faith as we hold fast, we will be guaranteed a place in the Theocratic Government that Jesus will establish when he take his place on the throne of David at Zion. We will fill the position he gives us as glorified immortal men/women and co-rule with him for 1,000 years!

Brothers and sisters this age is quickly drawing to a close. We are very near to the time of the end of this age! Since that is the reality that we all face we need to be prepared to undergo all kinds of hardship, persecution, and tribulation. As Paul says, "all who live godly in the Messiah Jesus will suffer persecution. We need to be prepared physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for what is coming and the only way we will be able to stand is to be empowered by the indwelling Spirit of God!