Suffering: “Filling Up what is Lacking in Christ’s Afflictions” Colossians 1:24 By Pastor Dan Kennedy © February 12, 2017 www.pastorkennedy.com The Mystery of Suffering 1. Why is there suffering in the world? 2. Why do Christians suffer? Individuals can give various answers to those questions. The fundamental Biblical answer to the first question is intertwined and bound together in the terrible reality of man’s depravity and the horrific natural outcomes of sin and death.  Today we are going to discuss a limited but essential Biblical response to an element of the second question: “Why do Christians suffer?” Christians suffer just like everybody else in a fallen world...and they also may suffer more. Element 1: Natural Entropy “life is a struggle against entropy: deterioration, degeneration, crumbling, decline, degradation, decomposition, breaking down, collapse; disorder, chaos.”[1] Natural Entropy affects everything on earth causing varying degrees of pain, suffering and death.  Element 2: Cause-Effect Obviously, whether for a believer in Christ, or non-believer, there is a cause-effect relationship to suffering. If you choose to do things that cause suffering…you will experience suffering. If you willingly consume poison, you have a good chance of suffering a painful death. Element 3: Random (to us) accidents, Justice and Injustices and Sovereign purposes Random accidents and circumstances, to us, can cause serious suffering.  Justice and Injustices, with possible collusions and abuse of power, etc., etc., deserved or undeserved can cause mental, emotional, spiritual turmoil, and/or physical suffering.  Everyone will experience suffering in one form or another, and eventually each of us will die. We have been reviewing the first chapter of Colossians in previous messages and are focusing today on Colossians 1:24, which is somewhat a mystery, confronting a concept not often spoken of: “Filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions…for the sake of His Body, the Church.” Element 4: “Filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” Colossians 1:24 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Is Paul intimating that “Christ’s afflictions” were lacking in some way? o NEVER. Christ fully paid for our sins through His afflictions and suffering on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24) Is Paul suggesting that the suffering that he was experiencing somehow enhanced the sufficiency of Christ’s afflictions? o NOT SO, no flawed human suffering could ever enhance or make more beneficial or complete, the suffering of the sinless Son of God. Why then does Paul mention his suffering as “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s affliction”? I believe the last part of verse in Col. 1:24 gives us a primary reason: “For the sake of His Body, which is the Church.” The maturity and expressed radiance of the Church, in each successive age, becomes more complete – or “filled up,” through the testing of suffering (James 1:2-4) and the strengthening maturity of God’s love (Eph. 4:1-16). This is fulfilled individually in each believer and corporately in the whole Church during each successive generation, until all the Body of Christ is completed at the end of the ages.  John 15:18–20 “No servant is greater than his master.” 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (Jesus said.) 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. What does this mean? Why do you and I sometimes experience suffering – physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually?  How can my suffering be related to the “filling up” of Christ’s Afflictions?  Why Do the “Righteous” in Each Generation in the history of the World, Experience Testing and Suffering? Those who preach a “health, wealth and prosperity gospel” somehow loose perspective of the depth and maturity that prevailing suffering is meant to accomplish, for those “in the household of faith,” in each succeeding generation. Why does “suffering” prevail for those who are “Godly” in each generation instead of “health, wealth and prosperity?” (see Hebrews 11) The premise of today’s message: I believe Scripturally, it is often through hardship and suffering that God’s Children are pressed to rely on the completeness of God’s Faithfulness and are deepened in their maturity and faith. Some, through suffering, also participate in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s Affliction, and somehow, through their suffering, it seems the “filling up” of the Cup of the Wrath of God is more than Justly poured out on the wicked. … Your suffering and my suffering may also be included. A Scriptural Look at broader aspects of God’s View of the term: “Filling Up” Agnostics may laugh at God…at His existence, at His Power, and at eternity until God’s Cup of Wrath for them is “filled up”. This becomes evident… When they are pinned down by terrorists and surrounded by the deafening, threatening fire of live ammunition with the dead surrounding them. o Thus the saying, “There are no atheist in foxholes.” When they are in the face of a devastating fire, earthquake, tornado, or hurricane.  When they are facing a horrific personal life-threatening situation or accident.  When they are facing death.  Next, we evaluate “Filling Up” when the Wicked Experience the “Cup of God’s Wrath” filled up and being poured out. God allows whatever time necessary for repentance and justice to be available, but when the Cup of His Wrath is full, the time is over, and there are serious consequences. Some people scoff and accuse God of His extreme justice on certain nations identified in the Old Testament, destroyed by Israel following their release from their slavery in Egypt, without realizing the complete degradation of rampant disease, generational abuse, horrific human sacrificial practices in idol worship, etc., surrounding those nations, given ample time by God, for repentance and restoration.  The following are examples, of Judgment and of Repentance. The Demise of the Amorites: God told Abram that his descendants, the Israelites, would be enslaved for 400 years in Egypt…and they would be delivered from Egypt when the sin of the Amorites reached its “full measure.” Their land, Israel’s Promised Land, could then be taken by the Israelites, and God’s destruction would thus come on the Amorites because of their sin and totally destructive practices.  Genesis 15:13-16 13 Then the Lord said to him (Abram), “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years…. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” Remember Jonah and Nineveh? God’s Wrath is Restrained when there is Repentance.  Remember the Prophet Jonah’s Message to Nineveh, their Repentance and God’s restraining of His Hand of Wrath? Jonah 3:1–10 Jonah Goes to Nineveh Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust.... 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. ~~~ Therefore, we see time and again, validated in Scripture, if there is No Repentance and turning back to God – that person, that tribe, that city, or that nation is held liable, through their obstinate rebellion and sin, to experience the full fury of the Cup of God’s Wrath, either in this world or the next, when it is Filled Up and poured out. God’s Wrath on Rebellious Israel and other nations was prophesied by Jeremiah, God’s Prophet to Israel  Jeremiah 25:15-38 – God told Jeremiah to prophesy that the Cup of His Wrath would be poured out on Israel (God’s own disobedient people) and a host of other nations because of their sin against God. Jeremiah 25:15–16 15 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.” See also: Ezekiel 23:31-35; Habakkuk 2:12-20; Revelation 14:10; 16:19; 17:4 Back to Colossians 1:24 We just looked at examples of the “filling up” of the Cup of God’s Wrath, but now we are coming back to our focus for today in Colossians 1:24 expresses a “Filling Up” of a different Kind. The Filling Up of Christ’s Afflictions  Colossians 1:24–25 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. This dynamic of the “filling up” of the sufferings within Christ’s Body has nothing to do with sin’s atonement, but everything to do with the building up of Christ’s Body, the Church, and authenticating God’s Justice in the future judgment of the wicked. I believe, is seen in each successive generation… as we may also participate through our own personal suffering. Let’s look as aspects of what our generation may “still be lacking” regarding our understanding of Christ’s Afflictions: That which the Church has lacked in our generation – In Comprehension:   Suffering in each successive generation gives the current Church a fuller and personal understanding of the reality of their personal relationship with Christ and the continuing depth of suffering in Christ’s Body. Romans 8:16-17 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. That which the Church has lacked in our generation – In Example:   Endurance in Suffering allows brothers and sisters in the faith to appreciate more deeply the reality of their faith, when observing first hand genuine faith being worked out in the furnace of affliction. Our church has observed genuine faith before our eyes through those experiencing very painful sickness, suffering and death. Jesus exampled suffering for us Hebrews 2:9–11 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers…. Hebrews 5:8–9 8 Although he (Jesus) was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,…. The Prophets exampled suffering for us James 5:10–11 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. That which the Church has lacked in our generation – In Depth of Maturity:   Suffering in the life of a believer, brings experienced spiritual maturity. James 1:2-4 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Philippians 3:10-11 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. That which the Church has lacked in our generation – In God’s Discipline:  When God’s child does wrong, Discipline by God is critical in the life of a Believer in Jesus Christ. Where there is no discipline, the evidence of being a Child is lacking. Hebrews 12:5-6 5…“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” That which the Church has lacked in our generation – In Purpose and In Spiritual Fruit:   When a believer in Christ is tested in suffering, even extensive suffering, and their hearts are drawn closer to the Lord, it is amazingly that their faith becomes somehow stronger and fruit of God’s working in their life becomes more of a blessing. Conversely, those who lack saving faith, use the pain of suffering as an excuse to fall away… to eventually “curse God and die.” Matthew 13:20–22 20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. That which the Church has lacked in our generation – In Persecution for the Sake of Christ around the world:  We in North America can scarcely comprehend the persecution and suffering faced by Believers in Jesus Christ in parts of the world volatile to Christianity. Persecution in Iraq right now “Most Americans have no concept of what it was like to live as a Yazidi or Christian or other minority as ISIS invaded,” he said. “Our people had the option to flee, to convert, or to be killed, and many were killed in the most brutal ways imaginable… Our people lost everything because of their faith—they were targeted for their faith…. We are an ancient people on the verge of extinction because of our commitment to our faith.”[2] How does suffering in 21st Century “Fill up what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s affliction?” As we have noticed, there are many dimensions to suffering. The overt suffering in persecution for Christ’s sake always seem to be definitely a part of the “filling up” of “Christ’s affliction,” but what part does the “patient suffering” of a Christian in an illness, or through a tragic accident, or during an emotional distress, or endurance and healing from abuse and injustice, etc., etc., play in “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s affliction?” Suffering in 1 Peter 2, 3 & 4 Let’s look at verses in chapters 2, 3 and 4 in 1st Peter, which have to do with practical application in our daily lives regarding our Refinement, Patience and Endurance as Believers, in Christ’s Body, the Church, in our generation. What does the Scripture say our Response should be to Harsh and/or Unjust Authority? 1 Peter 2:18–25 18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Outline of 1 Peter 2:18–25 Graciously Submitting to Harsh and Unjust Authority “Submitting graciously, not only to the good and considerate…but also to the harsh, to whom we are accountable. 1. Our Need to have Consciousness of God Bearing up and enduring under pain  2. “To this you were called” – to follow Christ’s Example Because Christ suffered for you Leaving you an example to follow in His steps 3. Christ’s example of not reacting harmfully No sin in His life (Jesus did not deserve the suffering)  No deceit in His mouth  No retaliation in His actions  No threats from His suffering  4. Christ’s example of trusting Him Who Judges Justly He bore our sins in His Body on the tree o So we might die to sins o So we might live for righteousness By Christ’s wounds you have been healed o Are others being healed through the outworking of our suffering? 5. Straying “sheep”, returning to their Shepherd and Overseer of their souls. Are others returning to God because of our testimony of Suffering  Practical application for Daily Living…and Suffering for Doing Good 1 Peter 3:8–17 8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must: A. keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. B. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; C. he must seek peace and pursue it. Why we should live in harmony and respond in a Godly way to others…God sees us! 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? An Exhortation on Suffering – If you are suffering Unjustly for doing Good, that is considerably better than suffering for doing wrong! That is exactly what happened to His Son! God sees you and hears you, and will recompense Justly in His Time. 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit… Suffering for Being a Christian 1 Peter 4:12–19 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. Conclusion If you are honestly seeking God, but also experiencing a time of emotional uncertainty, pain, or suffering, physically, or spiritually, you should not be confused. True Children of God are called upon, from time to time, to experience God’s depth, discipline, and maturity through whatever suffering that God allows them to be given. If you are experiencing great blessing, then enjoy God’s Blessing to the full!! Just realize when you experience suffering, that the suffering He allows is for our good, and also for the “filling up” of the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of Christ’s Body, the Church. From time to time there will come a day when God’s Cup of Wrath is poured out on this world. The “filling up” of Christ’s afflictions in each successive generation, will no doubt stand before God as an undeniable witness, for God’s Justice to be served on any “Days of Judgment” which could come now, and, most certainly, at the Final Judgment. I believe Scripturally, it is often through hardship and suffering that God’s Children are pressed to rely on the completeness of God’s Faithfulness and are deepened in their maturity and faith. Some, through suffering, also participate in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s Affliction, and somehow, through their suffering, it seems the “filling up” of the Cup of the Wrath of God is more than Justly poured out on the wicked. [1] Synonyms to “Entropy” from the dictionary [2]http://www.mysticpost.com/2017/02/the-catholic-archbishop-from-iraq-denounces-hypocrisy-where-were-the-protesters-when-isis-came-to-kill-christians/

Suffering: “Filling Up what is Lacking in Christ’s Afflictions”

Colossians 1:24

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

The Mystery of Suffering

1. Why is there suffering in the world?

2. Why do Christians suffer?

Individuals can give various answers to those questions.

•The fundamental Biblical answer to the first question is intertwined and bound together in the terrible reality of man’s depravity and the horrific natural outcomes of sin and death.

Today we are going to discuss a limited but essential Biblical response to an element of the second question: “Why do Christians suffer?”

Christians suffer just like everybody else in a fallen world...and they also may suffer more.

Element 1:

Natural Entropy

“life is a struggle against entropy: deterioration, degeneration, crumbling, decline, degradation, decomposition, breaking down, collapse; disorder, chaos.”[1]

•Natural Entropy affects everything on earth causing varying degrees of pain, suffering and death.

Element 2:

Cause-Effect

Obviously, whether for a believer in Christ, or non-believer, there is a cause-effect relationship to suffering.

•If you choose to do things that cause suffering…you will experience suffering. If you willingly consume poison, you have a good chance of suffering a painful death.

Element 3:

Random (to us) accidents, Justice and Injustices and Sovereign purposes

•Random accidents and circumstances, to us, can cause serious suffering.
•Justice and Injustices, with possible collusions and abuse of power, etc., etc., deserved or undeserved can cause mental, emotional, spiritual turmoil, and/or physical suffering.

Everyone will experience suffering in one form or another, and eventually each of us will die.

We have been reviewing the first chapter of Colossians in previous messages and are focusing today on Colossians 1:24, which is somewhat a mystery, confronting a concept not often spoken of: “Filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions…for the sake of His Body, the Church.”

Element 4:

“Filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”

Colossians 1:24

24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

•Is Paul intimating that “Christ’s afflictions” were lacking in some way?

o NEVER. Christ fully paid for our sins through His afflictions and suffering on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24)

•Is Paul suggesting that the suffering that he was experiencing somehow enhanced the sufficiency of Christ’s afflictions?

o NOT SO, no flawed human suffering could ever enhance or make more beneficial or complete, the suffering of the sinless Son of God.

Why then does Paul mention his suffering as “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s affliction”?

I believe the last part of verse in Col. 1:24 gives us a primary reason:

“For the sake of His Body, which is the Church.”

•The maturity and expressed radiance of the Church, in each successive age, becomes more complete – or “filled up,” through the testing of suffering (James 1:2-4) and the strengthening maturity of God’s love (Eph. 4:1-16). This is fulfilled individually in each believer and corporately in the whole Church during each successive generation, until all the Body of Christ is completed at the end of the ages.

John 15:18–20 “No servant is greater than his master.”

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (Jesus said.) 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

What does this mean?

• Why do you and I sometimes experience suffering – physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or spiritually?
•How can my suffering be related to the “filling up” of Christ’s Afflictions?

Why Do the “Righteous” in Each Generation in the history of the World, Experience Testing and Suffering?

Those who preach a “health, wealth and prosperity gospel” somehow loose perspective of the depth and maturity that prevailing suffering is meant to accomplish, for those “in the household of faith,” in each succeeding generation. Why does “suffering” prevail for those who are “Godly” in each generation instead of “health, wealth and prosperity?” (see Hebrews 11)

The premise of today’s message:

I believe Scripturally, it is often through hardship and suffering that God’s Children are pressed to rely on the completeness of God’s Faithfulness and are deepened in their maturity and faith.

Some, through suffering, also participate in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s Affliction, and somehow, through their suffering, it seems the “filling up” of the Cup of the Wrath of God is more than Justly poured out on the wicked.

… Your suffering and my suffering may also be included.

A Scriptural Look at broader aspects of God’s View of the term: “Filling Up”

Agnostics may laugh at God…at His existence, at His Power, and at eternity until God’s Cup of Wrath for them is “filled up”. This becomes evident…

•When they are pinned down by terrorists and surrounded by the deafening, threatening fire of live ammunition with the dead surrounding them.

o Thus the saying, “There are no atheist in foxholes.”

•When they are in the face of a devastating fire, earthquake, tornado, or hurricane.
•When they are facing a horrific personal life-threatening situation or accident.
•When they are facing death.

Next, we evaluate “Filling Up” when the Wicked Experience the “Cup of God’s Wrath” filled up and being poured out.

God allows whatever time necessary for repentance and justice to be available, but when the Cup of His Wrath is full, the time is over, and there are serious consequences.

•Some people scoff and accuse God of His extreme justice on certain nations identified in the Old Testament, destroyed by Israel following their release from their slavery in Egypt, without realizing the complete degradation of rampant disease, generational abuse, horrific human sacrificial practices in idol worship, etc., surrounding those nations, given ample time by God, for repentance and restoration.

The following are examples, of Judgment and of Repentance.

•The Demise of the Amorites: God told Abram that his descendants, the Israelites, would be enslaved for 400 years in Egypt…and they would be delivered from Egypt when the sin of the Amorites reached its “full measure.” Their land, Israel’s Promised Land, could then be taken by the Israelites, and God’s destruction would thus come on the Amorites because of their sin and totally destructive practices.

Genesis 15:13-16

13 Then the Lord said to him (Abram), “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years…. 16 In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”

•Remember Jonah and Nineveh? God’s Wrath is Restrained when there is Repentance.

Remember the Prophet Jonah’s Message to Nineveh, their Repentance and God’s restraining of His Hand of Wrath?

Jonah 3:1–10

Jonah Goes to Nineveh

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

3 Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4 On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” 5 The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust....

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

~~~

Therefore, we see time and again, validated in Scripture, if there is No Repentance and turning back to God – that person, that tribe, that city, or that nation is held liable, through their obstinate rebellion and sin, to experience the full fury of the Cup of God’s Wrath, either in this world or the next, when it is Filled Up and poured out.

•God’s Wrath on Rebellious Israel and other nations was prophesied by Jeremiah, God’s Prophet to Israel

Jeremiah 25:15-38 – God told Jeremiah to prophesy that the Cup of His Wrath would be poured out on Israel (God’s own disobedient people) and a host of other nations because of their sin against God.

Jeremiah 25:15–16

15 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to whom I send you drink it. 16 When they drink it, they will stagger and go mad because of the sword I will send among them.”

See also: Ezekiel 23:31-35; Habakkuk 2:12-20; Revelation 14:10; 16:19; 17:4

Back to Colossians 1:24

We just looked at examples of the “filling up” of the Cup of God’s Wrath, but now we are coming back to our focus for today in Colossians 1:24 expresses a “Filling Up” of a different Kind.

•The Filling Up of Christ’s Afflictions

Colossians 1:24–25

24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

This dynamic of the “filling up” of the sufferings within Christ’s Body has nothing to do with sin’s atonement, but everything to do with the building up of Christ’s Body, the Church, and authenticating God’s Justice in the future judgment of the wicked. I believe, is seen in each successive generation… as we may also participate through our own personal suffering.

Let’s look as aspects of what our generation may “still be lacking” regarding our understanding of Christ’s Afflictions:

That which the Church has lacked in our generation

•– In Comprehension:

Suffering in each successive generation gives the current Church a fuller and personal understanding of the reality of their personal relationship with Christ and the continuing depth of suffering in Christ’s Body.

Romans 8:16-17

16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

That which the Church has lacked in our generation

•– In Example:

Endurance in Suffering allows brothers and sisters in the faith to appreciate more deeply the reality of their faith, when observing first hand genuine faith being worked out in the furnace of affliction. Our church has observed genuine faith before our eyes through those experiencing very painful sickness, suffering and death.

Jesus exampled suffering for us

Hebrews 2:9–11

9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers….

Hebrews 5:8–9

8 Although he (Jesus) was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,….

The Prophets exampled suffering for us

James 5:10–11

10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

That which the Church has lacked in our generation

•– In Depth of Maturity:

Suffering in the life of a believer, brings experienced spiritual maturity.

James 1:2-4

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Philippians 3:10-11

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

That which the Church has lacked in our generation

•– In God’s Discipline:

When God’s child does wrong, Discipline by God is critical in the life of a Believer in Jesus Christ. Where there is no discipline, the evidence of being a Child is lacking.

Hebrews 12:5-6

5…“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,

nor be weary when reproved by him.

6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

and chastises every son whom he receives.”

That which the Church has lacked in our generation

•– In Purpose and In Spiritual Fruit:

When a believer in Christ is tested in suffering, even extensive suffering, and their hearts are drawn closer to the Lord, it is amazingly that their faith becomes somehow stronger and fruit of God’s working in their life becomes more of a blessing.

Conversely, those who lack saving faith, use the pain of suffering as an excuse to fall away… to eventually “curse God and die.”

Matthew 13:20–22

20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22 The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.

That which the Church has lacked in our generation

•– In Persecution for the Sake of Christ around the world:

We in North America can scarcely comprehend the persecution and suffering faced by Believers in Jesus Christ in parts of the world volatile to Christianity.

Persecution in Iraq right now

“Most Americans have no concept of what it was like to live as a Yazidi or Christian or other minority as ISIS invaded,” he said. “Our people had the option to flee, to convert, or to be killed, and many were killed in the most brutal ways imaginable…

Our people lost everything because of their faith—they were targeted for their faith….

We are an ancient people on the verge of extinction because of our commitment to our faith.”[2]

How does suffering in 21st Century “Fill up what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s affliction?”

As we have noticed, there are many dimensions to suffering.

The overt suffering in persecution for Christ’s sake always seem to be definitely a part of the “filling up” of “Christ’s affliction,” but what part does the “patient suffering” of a Christian in an illness, or through a tragic accident, or during an emotional distress, or endurance and healing from abuse and injustice, etc., etc., play in “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s affliction?”

Suffering in 1 Peter 2, 3 & 4

Let’s look at verses in chapters 2, 3 and 4 in 1st Peter, which have to do with practical application in our daily lives regarding our Refinement, Patience and Endurance as Believers, in Christ’s Body, the Church, in our generation.

What does the Scripture say our Response should be to Harsh and/or Unjust Authority?

1 Peter 2:18–25

18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Outline of 1 Peter 2:18–25

Graciously Submitting to Harsh and Unjust Authority

“Submitting graciously, not only to the good and considerate…but also to the harsh, to whom we are accountable.

1. Our Need to have Consciousness of God

• Bearing up and enduring under pain

2. “To this you were called” – to follow Christ’s Example

Because Christ suffered for you

Leaving you an example to follow in His steps

3. Christ’s example of not reacting harmfully

• No sin in His life (Jesus did not deserve the suffering)
• No deceit in His mouth
• No retaliation in His actions
• No threats from His suffering

4. Christ’s example of trusting Him Who Judges Justly

• He bore our sins in His Body on the tree

o So we might die to sins

o So we might live for righteousness

• By Christ’s wounds you have been healed

o Are others being healed through the outworking of our suffering?

5. Straying “sheep”, returning to their Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.

• Are others returning to God because of our testimony of Suffering

Practical application for Daily Living…and Suffering for Doing Good

1 Peter 3:8–17

8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For,

“Whoever would love life

and see good days

must:

A. keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from deceitful speech.

B. 11 He must turn from evil and do good;

C. he must seek peace and pursue it.

Why we should live in harmony and respond in a Godly way to others…God sees us!

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

An Exhortation on Suffering – If you are suffering Unjustly for doing Good, that is considerably better than suffering for doing wrong! That is exactly what happened to His Son! God sees you and hears you, and will recompense Justly in His Time.

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit…

Suffering for Being a Christian

1 Peter 4:12–19

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,

what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Conclusion

If you are honestly seeking God, but also experiencing a time of emotional uncertainty, pain, or suffering, physically, or spiritually, you should not be confused. True Children of God are called upon, from time to time, to experience God’s depth, discipline, and maturity through whatever suffering that God allows them to be given.

If you are experiencing great blessing, then enjoy God’s Blessing to the full!! Just realize when you experience suffering, that the suffering He allows is for our good, and also for the “filling up” of the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of Christ’s Body, the Church.

From time to time there will come a day when God’s Cup of Wrath is poured out on this world. The “filling up” of Christ’s afflictions in each successive generation, will no doubt stand before God as an undeniable witness, for God’s Justice to be served on any “Days of Judgment” which could come now, and, most certainly, at the Final Judgment.

I believe Scripturally, it is often through hardship and suffering that God’s Children are pressed to rely on the completeness of God’s Faithfulness and are deepened in their maturity and faith.

[1] Synonyms to “Entropy” from the dictionary

[2]http://www.mysticpost.com/2017/02/the-catholic-archbishop-from-iraq-denounces-hypocrisy-where-were-the-protesters-when-isis-came-to-kill-christians/