The Suffering Path

A recap of last Sunday’s sermon… [July 24, 2022]

I. Expect Suffering

Suffering will mark the path ahead for those saved and seeking to live in compliance to His will.

Matthew 7:14, Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life.

Acts 14:22, When they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples… exhorting them to continue in the faith, saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

II. Why Suffering?  

Why would God will that those who embrace Him and desire to please Him should suffer?  Because Suffering Serves!

Suffering…

1. Proves and Proclaims to the person and others one is truly saved (Acts 4:13)
2. Purges and Purifies the saved one – it helps put off and put on (Colossians 3:5, 12)
3. Promotes and Preaches God, Jesus, and salvation (I Peter 3:15; Acts 4:13, 18-20, 29)
4. Prepares for and Pushes Heaven (I John 3:3)
5. Pays and Passes – there will be rewards and an end to all suffering (Matthew 5:12, Revelation 21:4)

III. Suffering with Blessings!

The Path of Suffering is also marked by great blessings which include:

1. Freedom – Galatians 5:1, Stand fast in the liberty whereby Christ has made you free.  Matthew 11:28, Come…labor, heavy ladened and I will give you rest. 

2. Friend in Jesus – another Comfort, the Spirit, indwelt by God, He’ll never will leave, John 14:16.  I John 1:3, truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

3. Wisdom – the Bible is alive! rich! amazing! impacting!  Psalm 119:103, How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

4. Family – support, fellowship, team, family!!  I Peter 4:8-11; support of Christians (I Corinthians 12), stretcher bearers (Mark 2), prayer for (James 5:16)

5. Peace (see God’s smile) – Zephaniah 3:17, He will rejoice over you with singing.  The threat of death and Hell removed. Luke 1:30, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God

6. Purpose / Mission – His servant (Titus 2:14), His ambassador (II Corinthians 5:20), His voice and hands (I Thessalonians 2:19, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 

7. Living in Victory – sin doesn’t have dominion (Romans 6:14); confess and be cleansed (I John 1:9).  Standing on the Promises – “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 6, 7).

8. Providence (blessed by knowing His involvement) – God’s moving, working, leading, acting.  Psalm 19:1-2, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.

9. Suffering is allowed, limited and used, but for a reason – He keeps His sheep
   I Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

10. Excited/Joyful – He comes! – to die is gain (Philippians 1:21); I will come again for you (John 14:3); II Corinthians 5:8, We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Is the journey ahead easy?  No!  Is it worth it? Yes!

Is the suffering adequately countered by blessings?  YES!