Part 1 listed scriptures which show that good character traits can come to us via suffering.

Today (Part 2) will give scriptures for three other causes/reasons/benefits which touch on the subject of the suffering of a Christian.

SO WE CAN IDENTIFY WITH & HELP OTHERS IN NEED

2 Cor. 1:3,4  …the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Heb. 2:18   Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Philippians 1:29  For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him…

BECAUSE OF SIN

Psa. 32:3 v 5  …When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long…Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity…and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psa. 38:3   Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin.  (continue through verse 11.)

Psa. 106:15   So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

I Peter 4:1,2  Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.   As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

TO ADVANCE THE KINGDOM OF GOD

2 Cor. 1:10  He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.  On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

2 Cor. 4:11   For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

Phil, 1:14   Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Psa. 105:18, 19 They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the Lord proved him true.

1 Peter 1:6,7   …while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Peter 4:12-19,   (suffering as a Christian) 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  (5:1 Peter says he is “one who will also share in the glory to be revealed)