Longing for the glory of the new life

A. In this world, Christians have trouble.

1. Suffering is part of this fallen world.

2. Christians suffer with Jesus.

3. Paul was well acquainted with this suffering.

Acts 9:15–16 NASB95

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

2 Corinthians 11:24–26 NASB95

Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;

4. Christians shouldn’t be surprised by suffering.

B. The glory to come will far outweigh the suffering.

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NASB95

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2. We must keep this glory that is to be revealed in focus.

3. Trust the Lord with your whole heart and refuse to doubt.

John 16:33 NASB95

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”