How well do you really know God? Hold that thought, because today's episode reveals a key component that scripture shows is integral to fully knowing God. Yet many Christians lack this ONE THING: SUFFERING.

In his letter to the Philippians 3:10, Paul says that we may know Christ in the power of His resurrection AND the fellowship of His suffering.  The key to understand Paul's words - it was voluntary; Paul's personal goal to know Christ deeply and more intimately. It was a purposeful choice, and it shaped Paul's identity to be like Him in soul and body. Lastly, it was transformational for Paul; it changed him to be something else than what he once was.

We all seek to know God, but Paul took it a step further and made it his purpose. His goal was to enter into the fellowship of His suffering. What was Paul's suffering? It was the separation of things Paul once valued, the people he once fellowshipped with, the things he used to do. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus chose His Father over His flesh, and Paul sought the same so that he would know God in soul and body.

The second way to know God - read 1 Peter 4:1-2. It is a suffering that separates us from SIN, because sin is incompatible with God. Peter wrote that "whoever suffers in the flesh has ceased from sin." Both Paul and Peter knew something about knowing God through His suffering, no longer for human passion but for the will of God. When we separate ourselves from sin and accept God's invitation, God can rejoin us to Himself and to know Him in the areas that formerly separated us from Him.

Thirdly, if we want to participate in His glorification, read Romans 8:17-18. We are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ provided that we suffer with Him so that we can be glorified with Him. Our suffering in this life  does NOT compare to the glory that God wants to reveal in us. This glory only comes through suffering.

Peter also wrote that as you endure by doing what is right and suffer for it, you have God's approval. "…because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

And finally, go to Matt 11:12. We must suffer to enter the Kingdom. "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force." The suffering referenced in this verse is a suffering of will and effort - a pressing in response to what is being done to you, yet you are determine to advance to a whole new level.

Let's connect Matthew's gospel verse with Micah 2:12-13 in the Old Testament. Micah spoke to the kings of Judah and Israel in general. God used Micah to condemn Israel of their empty rituals. He spoke about divine just and grace by calling Israel out in the similar way the modern day church is being called out today. As you read this scripture, take note that the "breaker" is Christ, and the "breakthrough" is the people of God following their King into freedom, authority and power in the earth. Jesus is OUR breakthrough.

If we want to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ, we must recognize the suffering is part of the process. Any gospel that omits the suffering of Christ in our lives is NOT the gospel of Jesus Christ. Suffering is integral to knowing Christ intimately and more deeply.

Social and cultural Christians who go to church, submit their tithes, volunteer their time and talent, read the bible daily, etc. will never know God deeply and intimately without entering into His suffering. We MUST separate our souls from sin, the covenant of death, so that we can attach to the covenant of life.

In this present hour, God is gathering His remnant of those who want to know Him. Are you willing to suffer to know Him?

Will you be part of this remnant and voluntarily enter into the fellowship of His suffering? Will you surrender as God separates you from sin and idolatry?

Phil 3:10; 1 Peter 4:1-3; Rom 8:17-18; 1 Peter 2:20-23; Matt 11:12; 16:15-16; Micah 2:12-13