John and Doves,h

In Colossians 1:24, the Apostle Paul tells us that everytime he suffered temptations and trials, he was "filling up the afflctions" of Jesus Christ. I always wondered what that meant. How could one fill up the cup of suffering in regards to Jesus ?

It also says in

Hebrews 4 :15,

that Jesus was tempted and tried "in all points" of human conditions. How could He do that ?

I believe it means that whenever Believers suffered anything physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally etc.

Jesus was there as our shield identifying with our afflictions, and obtaining the grace for us to bear it. 

Example: 

Daniel Chapter 3...

The 3 persons who were thrown into the fiery furnace should have been burned to death. 

But Jesus was in the fire with them, shielding them from the powerful effects of fire and giving them overcoming grace. 

Jesus was in the fire with them and understood their trial. He could count His presence there as a valid experience for understanding all those who suffered the flames of fire. ( the whole burnt offering ...the Holocaust).

I believe this is what is meant when the Bible says Jesus was tempted and tried in all points of human suffering.

The 3 young men were "filling up the afflictions" of Jesus by God identifying with humans in their afflictions.

That total and complete identification with us gave Jesus the credentials to be our Advocate before the Father at the judgment seat of Christ.

Jesus did not take our experience away from us, He felt it ; and gave us His all-sufficient grace to endure. 

In doing so, we bore mature fruit, identifying with Him also in His sorrows, griefs and pain.

That communion of souls

brings us into union with the Triune God. 

John 17:21

This oneness in suffering together not only completed the cup of identifying with human afflictions, but completed the grace for the Body of Christ, the Church, to identify with God in His affictions.

Paul mentions that in Colossians 1:24.

No other figure in all of human history comes alongside of us to share in our hurts and sorrows. No one.

Deliverance OUT and

THROUGH

Our deliverance from afflictions is twofold. We are delivered *out* of our troubles

 (Hebrews 11:33-35A)

and we are delivered *through* our troubles

(Hebrews 11: 35B-40),

aided by His grace.

Some of us are meant for "a better resurrection", being "made white"

Daniel 12:10;

Daniel 11:35

Rev. 13:10

ACTS 14:24

This also helps me to understand  that:

"...we *must* through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."

Acts 14:24

We are being tried *much*,

right now in 2021 before going in the Rapture.

God is purifying us, and Satan is running out of time to de0stroy us; so he is doubling up his efforts against us.

But our God is greater.

1 John 4:4

When I was a new Christian, God delivered me * out * of tribulations.

I was a baby Christian thriving on the milk of God's Word.

As I matured in my Faith, God delivered me *Through* my trials, as I fed on the stronger meat of God's Word. 

God trusted that I would count on His grace to get me through my trials by cooperation and acceptance.

That helped me to realize that God "continually disciplines all those He loves."

Revelation 3:19.

It helped me to realize that I am not an indulged child of the King, but rather a partner with Jesus/Yeshua in this business of living.

Romans 8: 18

"I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you".

1 Peter 4:12

"Marvel not if the world hates you.

1 John 3:13

If they persecuted Me, they **Will** also persecute you." 

John 15 :20

If things are tough right now, 

"Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven."

Matthew 5:10-12