The Glory of Our Suffering
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
How Does Our Suffering Bring About Our Glory?
.We must see suffering through the lens of Jesus Christ. Jesus' greatest glory came through his greatest suffering. if Christ endured suffering to receive his glory, shouldn't we do the the same.
1. Our suffering becomes an occasion for God to display His life and power in us. (4:7-12)
. What are the treasures in jars of clay? From verse 6. "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." We as the jars of clay are very breakable. yet, we are afflicted but not destroyed.
.How can this be? Only because of the excellency of mighty power and worth of the Jesus' life that is in us.
. 2 Corinthians 11-12 - look at these verses as well where Paul lists his own sufferings, from which he concludes that in his weakness he is strong.
. Jim mentions that after the shooting at wedgewood baptist the power quoted these verses from 2 Corinthians 4 to the press after the shooting.
2. Our suffering becomes an occasion to know more deeply. (4:13-15)
. There are always followers when there are healings, and blessings, yet they run when suffering comes. But by this suffering, we can know Christ more. Verse 13 quotes Psalm 116.
Very cool psalm. Christ is what makes us endure. Christ is the most valuable gift we can receive. If suffering means we will know Christ more, then it is from here that we realize at it can be a gift even.
3. Or suffering becomes an occasion for our sanctification and glorification. (4:16-18)
. Romans 12:1-2, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:3-4.
. Glorification comes when we are brought home to Christ. V.17 - For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
. Suffering prepares us for glory. Our suffering is nothing in light of the glory received Christ. Praise God!! Acts 14:21-22 "21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,
22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."
God is good.
God is faithful.
Amen!
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