“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
Suffering precedes glory.
When Jesus came into this world He had two destinies ahead of Him—suffering and glory. To reach His second destination He had to successfully pass through the first. Once He had been baptized in suffering and shame, He then was raised up to victory and glory.
In the wilderness, Satan offered a fraudulent, yet tempting shortcut (Matthew 4:8-10)—He could be crowned King of kings and Lord of lords without having to be obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Jesus did not take the bait. He had to suffer first, then be highly exalted and given the name above every name. Suffering preceded glory.
In your life, the crowns of spiritual victory and glory are not received until you have suffered for Christ. You must take up your cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). You must be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Your godly life will result in push back and persecution. And, regardless of how severe it may become, you must be faithful to Christ unto death; then you will receive your crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Suffering precedes glory.
