How to Handle Suffering
Notes
Transcript
AG:
TS: In this text, Paul discusses the reality of suffering and the desired reaction to it in the lives of believers.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,
knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
The reality of suffering
The reality of suffering
(4:8–9):
Earthen Vessels:
We are jars of clay, we are flesh and thus we are fragile
jars of clay are cheap, breakable, and replaceable.
By using frail and expendable people, God makes it clear that the work of salvation is accomplished by Him alone.
It isn’t within us to save ourselves
God’s great power overcomes and transforms the clay pots!
As flesh, we will occasionally face suffering
Notice Paul’s description:
Paul says he is:
1. Pressed on every side by troubles (4:8a)
2. Perplexed but not giving up (4:8b)
3. Hunted down but not abandoned (4:9a)
4. Knocked down but able to keep going (4:9b)
These contrasting metaphors illustrate that how instead of crippling him, his weakness actually strengthened due to God
In our weaknesses, we are made strong!
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The (desired) reaction to suffering
The (desired) reaction to suffering
(2 Cor 4:10–13)
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak,
1. Paul shares in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be seen (4:10).
“always” Suffering was a continuing reality to Paul
“for Jesus’ sake” the attacks Paul, the apostles and even us today suffer are against Jesus, not us
People attack us because we are the messenger, but the one they are really against is our Savior and King
As He strengthens us, He is on display!
That is how Stephen in Acts, could go to his death forgiving his killers
That is how Paul and Silas could sing in prison
That is how....
Martyrs through the ages have gone to their death’s refusing to renounce their faith.
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs The Third Persecution, under Trajan, A.D. 108
In this persecution suffered the blessed martyr, Ignatius, who is held in famous reverence among very many. This Ignatius was appointed to the bishopric of Antioch next after Peter in succession
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs The Third Persecution, under Trajan, A.D. 108
Accordingly, having come to Smyrna, he wrote to the Church at Rome, exhorting them not to use means for his deliverance from martyrdom, lest they should deprive him of that which he most longed and hoped for. “Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, only may I win Christ Jesus!”
2. He lives under constant danger so that Jesus will be obvious to them (4:11–12).
Delivered to death… phrase used to refer to prisoners who had been handed over to the executioner
Paul was all in for God.
He endured to again display Jesus!
This was His aim and mission
He didn’t let fear of the effects on his physical life stop him from advancing for Christ.
3. He continues to preach (4:13).
Regardless of cost, Paul proclaimed the gospel
He knew that God’s Spirit would act through the message.
God honors His word
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Paul remained true to his convictions no matter the cost.
AP: We need that level of devotion today!
We need such a burden in our hearts to win the lost and disciple believers that no threats against us can slow us
That is the faith displayed by the apostles and the martyrs up until this time.
Will that be our faith?
Do we have what it takes to proclaim the word even if they hate us for it?
What about if they persecute us?
Sue us?
imprison us?
They desired result to suffering is to keep proclaiming the gospel.
May it be so with us.
The rewards of suffering
The rewards of suffering
knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Concerning the future: (4:14) A Resurrected body.
We have the promise that this is life is not the end.
Eternal life is our destiny
God saved us and promises that when we breath our last here, we will be in His presence
That is how those who have gone before us endured such suffering at the hands of the enemies of Christ.
Remember, we have this treasure in a jar of clay
We are eternal, and this flesh is not.
It is like a terracotta pot that easily breaks
Yet inside, we have gold and precious jewels
Our eternal soul is far more valuable than this flesh.
2. Concerning the present (4:16-18}: A Renewed Body.
Look again:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
We don’t lose heart!
even though our flesh is on the way out
Our health declines
We can can be attacked and harmed
But our hope is secure
Why:
Our inner self is continuously being renewed
God is growing and strengthening us
He is making us ready for the glory of heaven!
Fix our eyes on the eternal, not the mortal
Keep this perspective, and we can endure anything
