Persevering With God

Introduction

So if you have not seen it in the news this week then you probably have not heard. We were given the judgement on our lawsuit with the city and the judge ruled in favor of the city. This means that for the time being we lost the lawsuit. This does not mean that it is over but what it means is that we will have to decide if we want to pursue further legal action.

But with this decision it feels like we, as a church, are continuing to struggle with the mission that God has placed in front us. We are continuing to suffer for the gospel.

Jesus said that the world will hate us because it hated him first. So we are feeling the pressure from that. It is only fitting that our passage today talks about persevering in God. So just how are we to persevere in our suffering?

We are never promised a life without trouble

Many want to believe that a relationship with Jesus is free from trouble

“If you do your part, God will do his. He will promote you. He will give you increases.” Osteen

“I am not poor. I am not miserable and I am not a sinner. That is a lie from the pit of hell. That is what I were and if I still was then Jesus died in vain. I’m going to tell you something folks. I didn’t stop sinning until I finally got it through my thick head I wasn’t a sinner anymore. And the religious world thinks that’s heresy and they want to hang you for it. But the Bible says that I am righteous and I can’t be righteous and be a sinner at the same time.” Myers

If you follow Jesus everything will be ok.

Scripture promises us the opposite

Paul tells us

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Jesus said

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

And also

Luke 14:27 NIV

And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

We are promised God’s strength and mercy

God is with us when we are suffering

We never have to go through life’s struggles alone

Isaiah 43:2 NIV

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

John 17:11 NIV

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

God brings fellow believers around us

The church is a place of refuge

Acts 4:32–35 NIV

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

We are promised God’s salvation

While we will suffer in this world it is only temporary

God promises us a future glory w/o suffering

James 1:12 NIV

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Future Glory will be better than what we could ever suffer

Romans 8:18 NIV

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Conclusion

Sure in this broken world there will be times when will suffer, especially when we follow Christ. The Long short of it is we will never suffer alone. God is always with us, especially when we are struggling. Let us pray