Suffering is a reality, a big part of the reality, and we all will suffer sometime.
2 Tim. 1:8, 12, 2:3, 2:9, 3:11, 4:5
Reasons for suffering:
1) We live in a sinful, fallen world
2) Our own sinfulness - we make bad decisions, etc.
3) For discipline - Deut. 8:56, Heb. 12:6-7, Prov. 3:11-12
4) For the sake of Christ - we are going to be opposed if we love Jesus. Are people who hate Jesus.
2 Tim. 3:12, 1 Pet. 3:16-17, 1 Pet. 4:14-16
There will come times of persecution and suffering when we honor God.
A) Rejoice - Acts. 5:41, Acts 16:25 - Paul and Silas thanking God in prison
B) See it as an opportunity. God uses hardships to grow us, to mold us. Suffering helps us grow.
Result of suffering
1) Can strengthen your ministry potential - 2 Cor. 1:3-4
2) Can strengthen connection with others - God uses these times
3) Sometimes puts us in the right ministry environment.
Ex. Joseph, Paul - Phil. 1:12-14
4) It just makes us better - Rom. 5:4-5
God works all these things together for good. 2 Tim. 4:6-8
God has great reward for those who suffer and are obedient. 2 Cor. 5:10, Matt. 6:20
Closing Scripture: Rom. 8:18-25
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