Sacrifice & Mortification (see also Persecution & Hardship)
The Pilgrim sets out on his journey.
Verse Observations: Phil 1:29, 3:10
Will there even be moderation in heaven?
What’s the relationship between moderation and mortification?
Why should the good things in life and God be at times mutually exclusive? (Mt 13:22 [parable of the 4 seeds]) Why is it that goodness often draws us away from the ultimate Good?
I Pt 4:1 What the heck is this supposed to mean, about "having ceased from sinning"?
How could Jesus’ afflictions be lacking? (Col 1:24)
I don't understand how you can suffer with Christ and yet have his joy. To me this is a really great paradox, and I think a uniquely Christian one. (I Pt 4:1, II Tm 2:3)
On one hand Christ said, "I thirst" (to alleviate the suffering of being thirsty), but on the other he refused the painkiller. What's going on here? What does this tell us about the nature of pain and sacrifice?
God made us physical, and it's good that we're physical (though I don't know why), but what's the proper way to be physical, considering that we fast to mortify the flesh? (That is, God made us so that we have to eat, he made it so that we are to enjoy our food, so why give up a good thing?) Why are we so often condemned by the beautiful and good things in this world? What I'm really asking here is -- What is the correct balance? What is the proper perspective and attitude to have towards moderation and indulgence? (Mt 13:22)
The following question actually belongs in many categories (Grace vs Work, Good & Evil): If God gives his grace, why must we suffer (that is, through work, which requires perseverance and patient suffering)? That is, what is precious must be bought through suffering, since everything has a price, but the grace of God is free.
How would a “thorn in the flesh” keep Paul from being conceited? (II Cor 12:7)
God will often put someone through a hard time in order to make them a better person. However, he'll also give that person the necessary strength, wisdom, etc to overcome. Well then, why not just give that person all these virtues right from the get-go and forget about all that pain and suffering? But that's not how God does it. This isn't Lala Land. So what's the necessity of trials and tribulations?
Why did God grant Jabez what he asked for when what he asked for were selfish requests? Also, life is full of pain, it's the way of this world, and we must pick up our crosses if we want to follow Jesus. I mean, it sounds like this guy just got it too easy. I'm sure Job must have prayed this same prayer! (I Chr 4:9-10)
Will there even be moderation in heaven?
What’s the relationship between moderation and mortification?
Why should the good things in life and God be at times mutually exclusive? (Mt 13:22 [parable of the 4 seeds]) Why is it that goodness often draws us away from the ultimate Good?
I Pt 4:1 What the heck is this supposed to mean, about "having ceased from sinning"?
How could Jesus’ afflictions be lacking? (Col 1:24)
I don't understand how you can suffer with Christ and yet have his joy. To me this is a really great paradox, and I think a uniquely Christian one. (I Pt 4:1, II Tm 2:3)
On one hand Christ said, "I thirst" (to alleviate the suffering of being thirsty), but on the other he refused the painkiller. What's going on here? What does this tell us about the nature of pain and sacrifice?
God made us physical, and it's good that we're physical (though I don't know why), but what's the proper way to be physical, considering that we fast to mortify the flesh? (That is, God made us so that we have to eat, he made it so that we are to enjoy our food, so why give up a good thing?) Why are we so often condemned by the beautiful and good things in this world? What I'm really asking here is -- What is the correct balance? What is the proper perspective and attitude to have towards moderation and indulgence? (Mt 13:22)
The following question actually belongs in many categories (Grace vs Work, Good & Evil): If God gives his grace, why must we suffer (that is, through work, which requires perseverance and patient suffering)? That is, what is precious must be bought through suffering, since everything has a price, but the grace of God is free.
How would a “thorn in the flesh” keep Paul from being conceited? (II Cor 12:7)
God will often put someone through a hard time in order to make them a better person. However, he'll also give that person the necessary strength, wisdom, etc to overcome. Well then, why not just give that person all these virtues right from the get-go and forget about all that pain and suffering? But that's not how God does it. This isn't Lala Land. So what's the necessity of trials and tribulations?
Why did God grant Jabez what he asked for when what he asked for were selfish requests? Also, life is full of pain, it's the way of this world, and we must pick up our crosses if we want to follow Jesus. I mean, it sounds like this guy just got it too easy. I'm sure Job must have prayed this same prayer! (I Chr 4:9-10)
