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Volume 10 ... #16
Appointed by God
Phil. 1:29 ... For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on HIM, but also to suffer for HIS sake;
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Each time we hear someone speak a belief contrary to the knowledge we have in GOD, we suffer. We suffer on behalf of Christ, the Word.
The apostle Paul was appointed to much suffering for the word's sake.
God says, concerning Paul ...
Acts 9 ... He is a chosen vessel unto ME, to bear MY name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY name's sake.
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Paul was highly educated in the theology of the Pharisees. Paul was greatly respected by the Pharisees. Christ cost Paul everything among these men. Paul talks about it in the following scripture.
Phil. 3 ... 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for WHOM I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know HIM, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto HIS death;
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II Tim. 2 ... 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with HIM, we shall also live with HIM: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with HIM: if we deny HIM, HE also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet HE abideth faithful: HE cannot deny HIMSELF.
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