Wk 19 - Suffering for the sake of the Gospel

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Born to Brandon and Cassie Bell: Eleanor Drew Bell (Drew is after Cassie’s brother Andrew who passed away)

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: Suffering for the sake of the Gospel

Background

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 “8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”

Focused on the Future Glory in the Midst of Suffering and Weakness… 2 Corinthians 4:7 “7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”

Opening Scripture: 2 Cor. 11:16-33

In This Midst of Suffering for the Gospel:

During Suffering Be Mindful Of What You Approve

2 Corinthians 11:16–21 “16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs [HIGHER RANK/ARROGANT], or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.”

Paul tells the Corinthians that their foolish approval of his rivals shows them to be cold and undiscerning.

Just as Paul cautions the Corinthians against tolerating foolishness, we too must be vigilant in recognizing and rejecting false teachings and deceitful practices that may infiltrate our midst.

During Suffering Remember Your Identity Is In Christ

2 Corinthians 11:21–22 “21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.

Paul’s Jewish credential are equal to those of his rivals.

We are reminded that our true identity and worth are found in knowing Jesus the King/Christ, not in worldly accolades or comparisons.

During Suffering Consider Who You Serve

2 Corinthians 11:23–27 “23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

Paul’s service to Christ far exceeds that of his rivals.

“DO NOT LET ANY SUFFERING GO TO WASTE”

During Suffering Renew Your Commitment to Your God Given Task

2 Corinthians 11:28–29 “28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?”

Paul’s commitment to the Gospel and God’s Church has entailed enduring mortal dangers, grueling labor, and much psychological anguish.

“anxiety” is same as “worry” in Matthew 6:34 “34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Despite enduring immense hardships and trials, Paul remained steadfast in his devotion to the call to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, setting an example for us to renew our commitment to our God-given tasks even in the face of adversity.

WE are SAVED to SERVE (Sister Aimee)

During Suffering Continue To Trust God

2 Corinthians 11:30–33 “30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.”

Paul’s flight from Damascus is more important than the hardships he has endured because it reveals his need for God’s power.

Paul's reliance on God's intervention in his escape from Damascus serves as a powerful reminder that our weaknesses and vulnerabilities only serve to magnify God's strength and sovereignty.

Illustrate this conclusion with a story of a persecuted Christian facing immense challenges and suffering for their faith.

*VIDEO*

Despite enduring persecution, discrimination, and hardship, these believers remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

Their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a compelling testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

*MAGAZINES*

*PRAYER during month of Ramadan against persecution of Christian Laborers within MENACA (Middle East, N. Africa, C. Asia).

Conclusion/Reflection:

In the midst of suffering for the Gospel, we are called to maintain discernment in what we approve.

Trials are times to be assured our anchor is firmly planted in Christ.

Our suffering should deepen our commitment to serving Christ wholeheartedly.

In times of suffering, may we find solace and strength in entrusting ourselves to the faithful care of our Heavenly Father.

***5 MINUTE BREAK To VOTE AND THEN ANNUAL MEETING Presentation***

Talk It Over:

Reflecting on Paul's emphasis on discernment amidst suffering, how can we cultivate a discerning mindset to recognize true discipleship and authentic service to Christ, especially in challenging times?

In what ways does anchoring our identity in Christ help us endure suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel? How can we strengthen our identity in Christ amidst adversity?

Discuss the significance of Paul's commitment to serving Christ despite facing numerous trials and hardships. How does his example inspire us to deepen our commitment to serving God faithfully, even in the face of opposition?

Reflecting on the story of Paul's escape from Damascus in Acts 9:25, how does this narrative illustrate the importance of trusting in God's providence and power during times of suffering? How can we cultivate trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives, especially when facing adversity?