TOPIC 35 OF 47
The Cross-Shaped Life
Following the crucified and risen Lord through suffering into hope.
THE MAIN TRUTH
Baptized followers of Jesus are conformed to the cross of Christ.
The teaching
From the book · pages 106–109
Baptized followers of Jesus are conformed to the cross of Christ. Just as Jesus suffered on the cross and was then raised in glory, so we also suffer with Christ in this life as we look forward in hope to sharing in his coming glory.
Living in a cursed and sinful world marked by death, we experience the same hardships and sufferings all people face. But we also bear a cross of suffering because we carry the name of Jesus and daily follow him. The Devil tempts and spiritually attacks us to destroy our faith. The unbelieving world hates our confession of Jesus and his Word and persecutes the Church. As we die to sin so that Christ may live in us, we experience the agony of our sinful flesh resisting death. When we compassionately love others who are suffering, we also share in this cross of suffering.
The Lord Jesus allows us to go through the purifying fire of the cross so that we no longer trust in ourselves but in him who raises the dead. We lose our old sinful life so that we may be saved in Christ. Whatever we suffer, God’s grace is sufficient for us, for his power is made perfect in weakness.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
The passages place suffering within union with Christ and the hope of resurrection. They direct the weak to God’s sufficient grace rather than treating hardship as proof of his absence.
15 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Romans 6:4; Galatians 2:20 ↗
“We were therefore buried with [Christ] by this baptism into his death . . .” “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
Book page 107
SCRIPTURE 02
Philippians 3:10-11 ↗
“. . . that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, in the hope that in some way I may arrive at the resurrection from the dead.”
Book page 107
SCRIPTURE 03
Romans 8:17, 24 ↗
“Now if we are children, we are also heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, since we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him . . . Indeed, it was for this hope we were saved.”
Book page 107
SCRIPTURE 04
Romans 5:12 ↗
“So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, so also death spread to all people because all sinned.”
Book page 107
SCRIPTURE 06
Luke 9:23-24 ↗
[Jesus:] “If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Book page 107
SCRIPTURE 07
1 Peter 4:16 ↗
“But if you suffer for being a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God in connection with this name.”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 08
1 Peter 5:8-9 ↗
“Your adversary, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 09
Matthew 10:22 ↗
“You will be hated by all people because of my name. . .”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 10
Galatians 5:17 ↗
“For the sinful flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the sinful flesh.”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 11
2 Corinthians 4:10 ↗
“We always carry around in our body the death of the Lord Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 12
2 Corinthians 1:5-7 ↗
“For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so through Christ our comfort also overflows. If we are troubled, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort . . . just as you share in our sufferings. . .”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 13
1 Peter 4:12 ↗
“Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery trial that is happening among you to test you. . .”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 14
2 Corinthians 1:9 ↗
“This happened so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.”
Book page 108
SCRIPTURE 15
2 Corinthians 12:9 ↗
“My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Book page 109
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
How does suffering as a follower of Jesus differ from suffering common to all people?
What does it mean that God’s power is made perfect in weakness?
How can you accompany someone who suffers without offering easy explanations?
A prayer
Crucified and risen Lord, sustain us when we suffer. Keep our hope in your resurrection and make us compassionate companions to those who bear heavy burdens. Amen.