Suffering and the New Birth

For today's discussion, I wanted to focus on something I brought up yesterday. First, let me just say that I'm now convinced by scripture that we are called to a life of sacrifice and at times, suffering, as we carry out our part of the cause of Christ in this world. Here are a few scriptures (there are more):
Luke 9:23-25
23And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
1 Peter 2:21
21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Hebrews 13:12-14
12So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

So, because I'm convinced I'm called to sacrifice and, at times, suffer for the cause of Christ, some questions come to mind. Mainly, how do I get past my fears and my struggles with desiring comfort (and whatever else holds me back) so that I can live a life FULLY devoted to the cause of Christ? We've been looking at Paul's life so I think it's useful to think about what motivated Paul? What enabled him to truly surrender it all for the cause of Christ? This is not the only answer, but I do think it's the main answer. That is, the new birth he experienced and we experienced when God saved us. We're new creations in Christ (2 cor 5:17)! We're in the lifelong process of being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom 8:29). I believe that this new birth we experience in Christ gives us all the desire, courage, endurance, and whatever else we need to sacrifice and suffer for the cause of Christ. Like Paul said, we've been crucified with Christ, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us (Gal 2).

That's what gives Paul the heart to write what he did in Phil 3:7-11. That why all is loss to him compared to knowing Christ. That's why he wants to share in Christ's suffering and by any means possible, attain to the resurrection of Christ. He's been given new eyes to see the glory of Christ, and a hope in Christ that overwhelms him and makes all causes except Christ's rubbish to him.

This gives me hope! When I read or hear about saints sacrificing and suffering for the cause of Christ, my heart leaps. God is giving me more and more of a desire to devote every piece of my life to His cause, but here's the issue I'm dealing with. Even though that's my deepest desire, at times I feel that my progress toward that kind of life is all too slow. However, this give me hope! Since I've been born again, Christ lives in me. Therefore, my deepest desires are His desires. My deepest desire is to live in a way that brings him glory and make my life count in His mission to proclaim his name to all the nations. I can be confident that God will equip me with all I need by the power of His Spirit to sacrifice and endure in suffering for the cause of Christ. Even if on Monday morning, I feel weak and scared saying these things, I can be confident that He will complete my transformation into the likeness of His Son (Phil 1:6). Thank God it's not about me and my abilities!

And finally, knowing that the Spirit of Christ dwells in me, I know that this will be the most pleasing and joyful path for me. What brings Christ joy is what will bring us the most joy and it will be joy that is everlasting. That's what this study has been all about. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Here are some verses on that point:
* For the joy set before him, he endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2)
* Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice (Phil 4:1 -- written from prison by Paul)
* If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:11-13).