March 15, 2020

The Endurance of the Cross

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: The Cross & Everyday Life Topic: Suffering, Cross Scripture: Romans 5:3–5

The Cross and Everyday Life

The Endurance of the Cross
Romans 5:3-5

The New Testament says that Christ Followers have a unique ability – they can rejoice in their sufferings

Troubles are inevitable, but they are not Insurmountable

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33)

What Rejoicing In Suffering Is Not

  • Stoicism
  • Masochism

Suffering’s Different Purposes

  • Corrective Suffering

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5–7)

  • Suffering for the Glory of God

And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:2–3)

  • Suffering as part of Cosmic Warfare

And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.” (Job 1:12)

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:20–22)

  • Constructive suffering

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.” (James 1:2–4)

Rejoicing In Our Suffering

Christ followers can rejoice in suffering because of what they Know that suffering produces:

  • Steadfast Endurance (patience, perseverance)

Greek word for suffering: “Thlipsis” means to press or squash something

Greek word for endurance: “Hypomone” means to live under something

  • Dependable Character

Greek word for character: “Dokime” means tested or approved

But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.” (Philippians 2:22)

  • Confident Assurance (Hope)

We can live in hope because of:

  • What Christ Has Done for us

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)

  • What Christ Will Do for us

to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:4–5)

waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13)

  • The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives (5)

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16–17)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, we can live in the present with Confidence and face the future with Courage because of the hope that we have in Christ Jesus

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,”  (Hebrews 6:19)

Making It Personal:

  • What is the basis of your hope in your relationship with God? Are you trusting in your own goodness or in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ on your behalf?
  • Do your daily attitudes and actions reflect an ongoing hope/trust in Jesus Christ as your rightful leader and Lord?
  • How can you live with a confident assurance and hope amid trials and suffering? What truths will you fix your heart and mind upon to draw on this hope?
  • Who can you share these truths with?

other sermons in this series

Apr 5

2020

The Cross and the Temple

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Luke 19:45– 20:2 Series: The Cross & Everyday Life

Mar 29

2020

Mar 22

2020