Trials come to Christians testing our faith as a refiner’s fire tests gold (1 Pt. 1:7). We often do not look forward to trials of our faith; however, knowing they can produce steadfast endurance which brings us closer to maturity means they are often necessary for growth (Jas. 1:2-4). We can rejoice in our trials when we look to what suffering can produce in us (Rom. 5:3-5).

We often seek the easiest way and the most convenient environment in which to maintain Christianity; yet, if we are followers of Christ, as the name Christian indicates (Acts 11:26), then we must be willing to suffer with Him (Rom. 8:17). Jesus told any would-be disciple to deny self, take up his cross daily, and follow Him (Lk. 9:23). Jesus changed the world, but it was not because His life was easy. Doing the Father’s will was not convenient for Him. The devil tempted Him (Mk. 1:14). Hypocrites tried to entrap Him (Mk. 12:15). The multitudes left Him (Jn. 6:10, 66). Friends betrayed Him (Jn. 13:18-30; Mt. 27:3-5) and denied Him (Mt. 26:69-74; Mk. 14:27-31). Enemies interrogated Him (Mt. 26:57-68). Soldiers mocked (Lk. 23:11, 36), scourged (Mk. 15:15), and crucified Him (Jn. 19:23). Yet, He still did the Father’s will (Mt. 26:39; Jn. 6:38; 8:29). Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).

This means that when we follow Jesus, difficulties will arise to try to discourage us from continuing to do the Lord’s will. All that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Consider the contrast in the words Jesus had for the church at Philadelphia who were keeping His word while enduring trials (Rev. 3:8-13) to those He had for Laodicea who because of their earthly wealth were self-satisfied, complacent, and blind to their own spiritual destitution (Rev. 3:15-22).

Obviously, this does not mean that we should seek the path of temptation (Mt. 6:13). We need daily encouragement from one another lest we are deceived into sin and depart from the living God (Heb. 3:12-14). A righteous man is tortured by what he sees and hears when he dwells among immoral people (2 Pet. 2:8). What this does mean is that we should not expect a great multitude of friends if we walk the path of truth (Mt. 7:13, 14). Some who once walked with us have forsaken the narrow way because they love this present world (2 Tim. 4:10). We should not expect all to speak well of us if we stand for truth (Lk. 6:26). The word of truth sets the disciples of Jesus apart from the world (Jn. 17:17-19). The church, as the pillar and ground of the truth, upholds the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). We are not often going to be mainstream. Let’s be on guard about compromising with the world (both secular and denominational) for numbers. When the multitudes leave the teachings of the Lord, we must stick with Him who is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6), as Peter said after the crowd left, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68).

Do not love the world, but rather seek God’s will (1 Jn. 2:15-17). False teaching can infiltrate the church to lead Christians to conform to the world’s practices (Rev. 2:14-16; 20-23). We should greatly rejoice when the children of God continue to walk in truth and abide in the teaching of Christ (2 Jn. 2, 6, 9). Those who are young in the faith can learn to mature, be strong, have the word of God abide in them, and overcome the wicked one (1 Jn. 2:14).

Paul described the past state of Gentiles who did not know the true God back before they had become Christians in Ephesians 2:12: “that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” What would it be like to be without God? These Gentiles were blessed to have the opportunity to obey the gospel. When they did they were brought near to God by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13) and reconciled to God (Eph. 2:16).

However, the New Testament does reveal the sobering reality of a time to come when those who are lost will be without God forever. Jesus described Hell as a place of “outer darkness” (Mt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). God is light (1 Jn. 1:5) and is called the Father of lights (Jas. 1:17). Revelation 21:23 says, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” However, to be separated from God forever would mean no light.

Jesus said that the wicked who are cast into this place of outer darkness suffer with weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mt. 8:12; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30). The rich man was so tormented in flames, he wanted Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to bring just a drop to him. However, he is told this is not possible (Lk. 16:26). God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3). The promise of Revelation 21:4 is: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” But to be separated from God means no comfort. He who wipes away tears will not be there to comfort.

God is the God of hope (Rom. 15:13) and the God of peace (Rom. 15:33). However, if I am lost in Hell, then I will have no hope and no peace forever. When you stand before the Lord on the last day, what words will you hear? Will He say to you, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Mt. 7:23)? Will He say, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt. 25:41)? How sad that would be! God has done everything for us to be with Him for eternity. Will you respond to His love by obeying the gospel and serving Him faithfully the rest of your days? If you do, then you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Mt. 25:21, 23),  and “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”  (Mt. 25:34).