Our scripture also mentions the "Privilege of Suffering for Him".  

Suffering not because of doing wrong, but because we are Christians.  

The Apostles in Acts 5:41 departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame

       for His name.  

We are told in James 1:2-Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials (sufferings) of various kinds.  

Scholar Gill notes "Count it all joy-not the temptations of Satan or temptations to sin; for these cannot be matters of joy,  

     but grief; these are fiery darts and give a great deal of trouble.  

But afflictions and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel-because they are trials of the faith of God's people.  

God, in these particular situations tests His people as He did Abraham, when He called him to sacrifice his son.  

God thereby tried his faith, fear, love, and obedience.

The Apostle exhorts the Christian to count it all joy, even of the greatest joy; not that these afflictions were joyous in themselves,  

        but within their circumstances and consequences; as we are tried, exercised and worked for our good; spiritually and eternally  

         produced by them is the peaceable fruit of righteousness."

"Be not therefore terrified by your enemies; they can do nothing to you which God will not turn to your eternal advantage." (Clark)

      Y O U   Have Been Given Privileges!   (5 of 5)