8:17 What is the suffering with Christ that Paul refers to here?
8:17 What is the suffering with Christ that Paul refers to here?
These are the sufferings all Christians are called on to endure for Christ's sake (CP Mt 10:38; Mk 10:29-30; Jn 16:33; Ac 14:21-22; Ro 12:12; Php 1:29; 2Ti 2:11-12; 3:12; He 13:12-13; 1Pe 4:1).
Sharing as heirs with Christ also means sharing His sufferings (CP Jn 15:18-25). Suffering for Christ results from our relationship with Him (CP Php 3:7-11).
As we learned in our study on Ro 5:3-5 suffering for Christ is needful for Christians to develop strength of character and steadfastness in faith (CP Ro 5:3-5 with 1Cor 11:31-32; 2Cor 4:17-18; He 12:3-11; Jas 1:2-4; 1Pe 1:3-9; 4:12-14).
Christians must be prepared to die for their faith if need be.
But whatever form their suffering takes, whether it is mockery, ridicule or physical persecution, it is absolutely nothing when contrasted with the future glory Christ will share with us (CP Ro 8:18 with Mt 5:10-12). See also comment on Romans 5:3-5.