This is meant to build us up and make us strong preparing us for maturity and vineyard work which always come with fatigue yet, His grace is sufficient. 4- Of course there can be suffering as a result of sin. 1Pet.3:17. What causes suffering for minister does not differ considerably from what causes suffering for Christians generally. How it affects Christians generally is the same way it affects Ministers. Sin is sin and it has negative effect on all. Let us remember that a Minister is primarily a believer. It then follows that certain principles need to be understood and adhere to in our walk with God. 1- Suffering as a result of persecution: The Lord specifically told the Disciples, “Remember
the word that I said unto you, the servant is not greater
than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20. Persecution is unavoidable for Christians who hold on to their faith. It reminds us to fight the good fight of faith; it builds us in the faith. If our faith is not tested, how can we overcome? If we don’t contend for the faith, how can we ever triumph? 2Tim. 4:7-8, Jude 4. However, we are confident of the Lord’s promised reward when we overcome as Paul rightly said. Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Rev. 3:5, 12, 21; Rev 21:7.
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