The Cross and Suffering
Notes
Transcript
The Cross Understood
The Cross Understood
It’s Nature
It’s Nature
It was intense suffering, on every level.
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It Was unjust suffering, he had done nothing to earn it!
It’s Significance
It’s Significance
It is Central
It is Central
Proved by its frequency: vs. 1:2, 18-20; 2:24; 3:18; 4:1; 5:1
It’s Unique
It’s Unique
It was something that can never be repeated or imitated.
It was for you, as a substitute.
It was on account of your sin.
Illustration: Passover lamb
It purchase your death to sin and life to God
It heals you of your sins.
It reunites you with God.
There is nothing that can match this. You are not called to imitate Christ in this way, only he could have done this.
Our Calling to Suffering
Our Calling to Suffering
Jesus’ death doesn’t eliminate suffering, but resurrects it and gives our suffering meaning.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Typically, unjust suffering.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
Sometimes it’s unexplained suffering. (Job)
It’s to be expected as Christians.
It’s Accomplishments
It’s Accomplishments
It tests believers and shows their genuine faith.
It sanctifies believers of sin.
It prepares them for future glory.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
Our Perfect Standard
Our Perfect Standard
He teaches us the appropriate response to suffering.
Faithful patient endurance under suffering pleases God.
Not responding with evil.
Trusting God with our future.
Look at Him! See Him!