Paul's Suffering, God's Glory

Intro: Many times in ministry and in life we see people who are faithful to the Lord have struggles and trials.

Being humans with a human nature, we really do not want to struggle and have trials.

Yet, the Word of God is clear and consistent in informing us that all people have trails and God’s people will have trials.

The key to pleasing god and to persevering well is how we respond in times of difficulty.

I. Paul served well, he also suffered well.

a. If we are going to live in the blessing of following Jesus, we will also experience the hardships of following Jesus.

If you are insulted for the Name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God rests upon you.

All who desire to live Godly will suffer persecution.

In the world you will have tribulation, take heart I have overcome the world.

There is also great blessing both here and in eternity for following Jesus.

Peace, love, joy, goodness

God’s provision and power.

We must consider the pleasures of knowing and following Jesus as far greater than the pleasures of worldliness.

b. The hardships of following Jesus are much better than the best occurences of living for the world.

c. How can you say that?!!

One way results eternal life and the other are temporary pleasures and eternal destruction.

I had rather have suffering for Jesus here and eternal life with blessings that never end than to have temporary “pleasures” here and suffering eternal death .

Paul knew this: “The temporary sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18 ESV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Do not avoid suffering at the cost of denying Jesus or compromising your witness for Jesus.

We suffer because of a sin fallen world and our sin individually

We suffer as Christians for the sake of Christ because people hate Him and His followers.

We suffer attacks of the devil who attacked Jesus also.

The Gospel and eternal life are worthy of it and worth it.

God’s grace is sufficient!

His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Rejoice in times of peace, health, and prosperity

Also rejoice that God is faithful in times of Struggle.

CS Lewis said God whispers to us in