Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 241

VIII. A community of suffering A. The Church community suffers because it exists in the world as “sheep among wolves” (Luke 10:3). 1. Hated by those who reject Christ (John 15:18-20). 2. Persecuted by the world system (Matthew 5:10; 2 Corinthians 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:12). 3. It is uniquely the community of the poor, the hungry, the weeping, the hated, the excluded, the insulted, and the rejected (Matthew 5:20-22). 4. It is founded on the example and experience of Christ and the apostles (Isaiah 53:3; Luke 9:22; 24:46; Acts 5:41; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:2). B. The Church community imitates Christ in his suffering. 4. Because those who share in Christ’s suffering will also share in his comfort and glory (Romans 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1). C. The Church community suffers because it identifies with those who suffer. 1. The body of Christ suffers whenever one of its members suffers (1 Corinthians 12:26). 2. The body of Christ suffers because it voluntarily identifies itself with the despised, the rejected, the oppressed, and the unlovely (Proverbs 29:7; Luke 7:34; Luke 15:1-2). D. The cross of Christ is both the instrument of salvation and the pattern for Christian life. The cross embodies the values of the Church community. 1. The cross of Christ is the most fundamental Christian symbol. It serves as a constant reminder that the Church is a community of suffering. 1. Because it purifies from sin (1 Peter 4:1-2). 2. Because it teaches obedience (Hebrews 5:8). 3. Because it allows them to know Christ more fully (Philippians 3:10).