Strength in Suffering (2)

A. Christians groan under the weight of suffering. (23a)

1. Creation isn’t the only one longing for God to fulfill the promise.

Ephesians 1:13–14 NASB95

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

2. Groaning recognizes that something isn’t right in creation.

Psalm 13:1–2 NASB95

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

Philippians 3:20–21 NASB95

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

B. Refuse to let go of hope. (24-25)

1. It’s hard to hope when you can’t see the finish line.

2. Hoping for what we cannot see is just what God requires of us.

Hebrews 11:6 NASB95

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

3. One of the primary things we hope for is the “redemption of our bodies.” (23)

4. Faith in Jesus and His promises are a key to strength in suffering.

Hebrews 11:1 NASB95

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(1) Resolve in your heart that suffering is a part of this life.

(2) Keep your suffering in proper perspective.

(3) Refuse to let go of hope, namely, the hope of the resurrection.