Joy in Suffering

1
Joy in Suffering
2
1. The Hardships in our lives
3

• "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine
  and puts them into practice is like a wise man
  who built his house on the rock. The rain came
  down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and
  beat against that house yet it did not fall,
  because it had its foundation on the rock. But
  everyone who hears these words of mine and does
  not put them into practice is like a foolish man
  who built his house on sand. The rain came down,
  the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat
  against that house, and it fell with a great
  crash."
• - Jesus (Matthew 724-28)

4
The Suffering of Paul
Based on 2 Corinthians 1121-28

• been in prison
• flogged
• exposed to death
• thirty-nine lashes
• beatings with rods
• stoned
• shipwrecked
• on the move

5
The Suffering of Paul
Based on 2 Corinthians 1121-28

• been in danger from rivers
• bandits
• his own countrymen
• from Gentiles
• in the city
• in the country
• at sea
• from false brothers

6
The Suffering of Paul
Based on 2 Corinthians 1121-28

• has labored and toiled
• has often gone without sleep
• has known hunger and thirst
• has often gone without food
• has been cold and naked
• daily concern for the churches

7
2. God is With Us in our suffering
8

• That day when evening came, he said to his
  disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
  Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along,
  just as he was, in the boat. There were also
  other boats with him. A furious squall came up,
  and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was
  nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping
  on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to
  him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

9

• He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the
  waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down
  and it was completely calm. He said to his
  disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still
  have no faith?" They were terrified and asked
  each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the
  waves obey him!"
• Mark 435-41

10

• I will not leave you as orphans I will come to
  youBut the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the
  Father will send in my name, will teach you all
  things and will remind you of everything I have
  said to you. Peace I leave with you my peace I
  give you. I do not give to you as the world
  gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do
  not be afraid.
• - Jesus (John 1418,26-27)

11

• When evening came, the boat was in the middle of
  the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw
  the disciples straining at the oars, because the
  wind was against them.

12

• About the fourth watch of the night he went out
  to them, walking on the lake. He was about to
  pass by them, but when they saw him walking on
  the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They
  cried out, because they all saw him and were
  terrified.

13

• Immediately he spoke to them and said, Take
  courage! It is I. Dont be afraid. Then he
  climbed into the boat with them, and the wind
  died down.
• - Mark 647-51

14

• Sometimes it takes eyes of faith to recognize
  when Jesus is around. Often in the middle of the
  storm, tormented by waves of disappointment and
  doubt we are no better at recognizing his
  presence than the disciples.
• - John Ortberg

15
3. God brings Joy out of our suffering
16

• Hear my cry, O God
• Listen to my prayer.
• From the end of the earth I call to you,
• I call as my heart grows faint
• Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

17

• For you have been my refuge,
• A strong tower against the foe
• Then will I ever sing praise to your name,
• And fulfill my vows day after day.
• - David (Psalm 611-3,8)

18

• I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way
  be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so
  that now as always Christ will be exalted in my
  body, whether by life or by death.
• - Paul (Philippians 120)

19

• And we know that in all things
• God works for the good of those who
• love him, who have been called
• according to his purpose.
• - Paul (Romans 828)

20

• But Joseph said to them, Dont be afraid. Am I
  in the place of God? You intended to harm me,
  but God intended it for good to accomplish
  what is now being done, the saving of many
  lives.
• - Genesis 5019-20

21

• Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has
  happened to me has really served to advance the
  gospel. As a result, it has become clear
  throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone
  else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of
  my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have
  been encouraged to speak the word of God more
  courageously and fearlessly.
• - Paul (Philippians 112-14)

22
(No Transcript)