DECEMBER 9 - SUFFER LIKE CHRIST
READ 1 Peter 4
In the face of suffering, we should follow Christ's example.
INSIGHT
Life is often very trying whether you are a Christian or not. Difficult circumstances fall on the righteous and unrighteous alike. However, the Christian life often adds to our difficulties. We may be discriminated against because of our faith, or our beliefs may eliminate the "easy" ways out of a problem. But Christ does not ask us to suffer anything for Him that He was not willing to suffer for us. Someday we will be rewarded for our diligence and faith.
PRAYER
Praise the Lord that He is completely in control of your life:
Your decrees are wondrous;
Therefore I obey them.
The revelation of your words brings light
And gives understanding to the inexperienced.
Redeem me from human oppression,
And I will keep your precepts.
Make your face shine on your servant,
And teach me your statutes.
My eyes pour out streams of tears
Because people do not follow your instruction
(Psalm 119:129-130, 134-136).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame (1 Peter 3:13-16).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15).
In the face of suffering, we should follow Christ's example.
INSIGHT
Life is often very trying whether you are a Christian or not. Difficult circumstances fall on the righteous and unrighteous alike. However, the Christian life often adds to our difficulties. We may be discriminated against because of our faith, or our beliefs may eliminate the "easy" ways out of a problem. But Christ does not ask us to suffer anything for Him that He was not willing to suffer for us. Someday we will be rewarded for our diligence and faith.
PRAYER
Praise the Lord that He is completely in control of your life:
Your decrees are wondrous;
Therefore I obey them.
The revelation of your words brings light
And gives understanding to the inexperienced.
Redeem me from human oppression,
And I will keep your precepts.
Make your face shine on your servant,
And teach me your statutes.
My eyes pour out streams of tears
Because people do not follow your instruction
(Psalm 119:129-130, 134-136).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame (1 Peter 3:13-16).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Wisdom and discernment
- Christian media ministries
- Whatever is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name (Hebrews 13:15).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.