Strength in suffering

1- Introduction and statement of theme

“the gospel is the power of God for salvation” (1:16)

2- The gospel is proclaimed (1:18-5:21)

3- The gospel is lived out. (6-8) Sanctification

(1) Accept the reality of suffering. (18)

(2) Maintain a right perspective.(18-22)

(3) Persevere in trusting God. (18-25)

A. Future glory is greater than present suffering. (18)

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.

1. The “glory to be revealed.”

Revelation 21:23 NASB95

And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

1 John 3:2 NASB95

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

Revelation 21:5 NASB95

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

2. When will this be?

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NASB95

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

Daniel 12:1 NASB95

“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.

B. Restoration of creation. (19-22)

2. Promised glory means freedom. (20-21)

Genesis 3:17–19 NASB95

Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you will eat of it All the days of your life. “Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field; By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.”

3. Promised glory makes suffering bittersweet. (22)

2 Corinthians 5:2–4 NASB95

For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.