Moment of Truth: Casting Down Lies #35

“You’re not supposed to talk about your problems. You only talk to God.”

Here’s the Apostle Paul talking about his sufferings:

[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. [28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? [30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. ~2 Corinthians 11:24-30 KJV

He spoke about these things that affected him on his Christian journey. Remember, he said that he gloried in his infirmities so that the power of Christ would rest upon him.

[18] And when they [elders of the Christian church] were come to him, he said unto them, “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, [19] Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:…” ~Acts 20:18-19 KJV

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. ~2 Corinthians 7:5 KJV

[13] Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. ~Acts 21:13 KJV

[3] Giving no offence1Not stumbling into sin in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: [4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, [5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; [6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, [7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, [8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; [10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 KJV

[29] For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; [30] Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. ~Philippians 1:29-30 KJV

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. ~1 Thessalonians 3:4 KJV

[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; [24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: ~Colossians 1:23-24 KJV

[8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men , as theirs also was. [10] But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, [11] Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. [12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. ~2 Timothy 3:8-12 KJV

[32] But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; [33] Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. ~Hebrews 10:32-33 KJV

[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you . [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. ~1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV

[10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. ~James 5:10 KJV

[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. ~1 Peter 2:20 KJV

[8] For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: ~2 Corinthians 1:8 KJV

[9] For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. [10] We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. [11] Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; [12] And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: [13] Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. [14] I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you . [15] For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. [16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. ~1 Corinthians 4:9-16 KJV

The person who thinks we should never talk about our problems is probably misinterpreting this passage in the Bible:

Two chapters prior to 2 Corinthians, Paul reiterates how he and the apostles do not corrupt the word of God. In chapter 3, Paul said, “Do we need letters of commendation written in ink?” Then, he said that it was not important, but what is important is our lives being a living letter. Therefore, as “letters of commendation” were used to commend a person, Paul was saying that is not right because our actions should speak louder than words. He further states “We do not use the word of God deceitfully…” leading to “not preaching ourselves” to commend ourselves. Then, we see immediately after that he talks about our trials; a long list.

Therefore, Paul is not referencing not talking about Christian trials, but rather, “not commending ourselves.” If you continue to read, (Remember, one book — all of 2 Corinthians by Paul, is one letter. Paul did not add the “chapters,” man did.) Paul confirms in the next chapter about those who “glory in appearance and not in heart” in 2 Corinthians 5:12 KJV. Therefore, he is making an argument about those who glory in appearances such as requiring letters of commendation, etc. Remember, he says later, ”I would rather glory in my infirmities so that the power of Christ will rest upon me.” Therefore, sharing trials is not a bad thing, but rather glorying in your own or others educational appearances is a bad thing. We see this today when some Christians may assume that a college degree makes a pastor more qualified to run a church.

I think Paul talked about these things because Christians want the power of Christ to rest on them and also, we are supposed to be a family; a real sympathetic family.

Read about comforting those who mourn or suffer here.