Contenders: The Gift of Suffering
March 3, 2024
Pastor Ricky Smith
Sermon Notes
Philippians 1:29-30
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
I. Surrender to Suffer
Our belief in Jesus is not something static, but it is dynamic
II. Suffering is a Gift
Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Suffering is an identifying marker that I belong to Christ
A. Suffering matures us
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
B. Suffering weans us from self-reliance
2 Corinthians 1:9
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
C. Suffering is an evangelistic tool
Philippians 1:12
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
D. Suffering increases our eternal reward
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
E. Suffering helps us minister to others
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
F. Suffering helps keep down pride
2 Corinthians 12:7
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
G. Suffering shows we belong to Christ
Philippians 3:10
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death
Next Steps
- I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
- I choose to resist the temptation to believe the Enemy’s lies.
- I commit to showing my scars to point others to Jesus.
Deep Dive
- Read James 1:2-4 and discuss how our attitude impacts our situations.
- How have you experienced spiritual maturity through suffering?
- Read Philippians 1:12. How can our suffering advance the Gospel mission
Springboards
- Read Philippians 2:1-4. What motivations does Paul give for the church to serve one another?
- Share your reactions to the unity described in verse 2. How does Calvary reflect this unity?
- Do you find it challenging to put the needs of others ahead of your own?
