A Greater Ministry

The Challenge of Ministry

Sufferings - 1 Cor 1:3-11

Sharing in Christ’s sufferings

Sharing in Christ’s comfort

Despair of life … to make us rely on God who raises from the dead

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What is lacking in Christ’s afflictions?

Reconciliation? No, this was accomplished by his death.

“for the sake of Christ” or “suffering like Christ” but still, what is lacking?

Jesus will return; until then, we share in his sufferings (Rom 8:17-18) until the appointed time for his return arrives. A predetermined amount (thus “filled up”). There is purpose in our suffering: God receives glory and the church grows until the time which he calls us to glory. Present suffering is not worth being compared to the glory to be revealed.

Lacking in the sense that the persecution is intended for Christ, but he is out of their reach.

Often people take the perspective that our present reconciliation demands present glory. This view assumes that because we have already been saved from the penalty of sin and because we daily experience our learn to live in light of our freedom from the power of sin, then we should also be free from the presence of sin and its consequences. Some say that if you suffer today then you are not experiencing God’s best for you now.

But God presents

Why joy?

1)Suffering brings Christians closer to Christ

2)Suffering provides evidence to us that we belong to Christ

3) Suffering brings future reward

4) Suffering can result in the salvation of others

5) Suffering frustrates Satan in that he seeks to harm us but God brings tood from it.