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What are the five stages of suffering outlined in 1 Peter? How do they relate to the five stages of growth?

There is a rough parallel between the five stages of spiritual growth and five stages of suffering outlined in 1 Peter. First is trial and temptation, the everyday aggravations and irritations that baby believers must learn to master by faith. Second is undeserved suffering, the maligning, slander, and injustice that the growing believer must endure silently, without retaliation. Third is suffering for the sake of righteousness, when the maturing believer, whose service begins to have impact, is attacked and accused of false motives for the very good he has done. Fourth is sharing Christ's sufferings, the attack and opposition that come when we make Christ the issue in effective ministry, and here we become heroes of faith. And fifth is personal satanic attack, reserved for the handful who advance so far that Satan himself, the roaring lion, seeks them out, as he sought out Job, Peter, and Paul. As we grow through the stages of the spiritual life, our suffering matures with us.

Also asked: What are the five stages of spiritual growth and how do they relate to the five stages of suffering mentioned in 1 Peter? · How do the different types of suffering described in 1 Peter correspond to the various stages of spiritual growth or development? · Can you describe the progression of trials and difficulties that Christians face as they mature in their faith, according to 1 Peter?

Source: The Basics The Basics, Unit 5, Lesson 5-4 - The Victory—Grace and Truth (Review q7) · Read this lesson in the book →

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