Embracing Change: Finding Faith in Suffering

 

Summary

In today's message, I felt a deep calling to address the struggles and fears many of us face when contemplating significant changes in our lives. Change is daunting, and the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are often called to step out in faith, even when it means facing pain and loss. I shared the story of Dave Gibbons, a pastor who experienced profound loss and betrayal when he chose to follow God's call, losing a third of his congregation and facing financial hardships. His journey reminded us that true leadership in Christ involves enduring suffering and betrayal, much like Jesus did with Judas.

We explored the biblical perspective on suffering, emphasizing that it is not an anomaly but an expected part of the Christian journey. Scripture is replete with examples of suffering as a means to grow closer to Christ. From the apostles in Acts to the teachings of Paul, suffering is portrayed as a pathway to deeper fellowship with Jesus. This is not about seeking pain for its own sake but recognizing that in our trials, we find a unique closeness to Christ, akin to sharing in His sufferings.

I also shared personal reflections on the challenges of leading a church and the temptation to retreat when faced with adversity. However, the call to follow Christ is a call to embrace discomfort and rejection, trusting that these experiences refine us and draw us nearer to God. The stories of missionaries and martyrs who found profound intimacy with Christ in their darkest moments serve as powerful reminders of the joy and peace that can be found in suffering for His sake.

Ultimately, the message is a call to action, urging us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives and ministries. Each of us has a unique path, and while it may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the promise of Christ's presence. As we navigate these trials, may we find strength in the knowledge that we are not alone, and may we strive to love and forgive those who hurt us, reflecting the highest form of Christlike love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Change and Fear: Change is often accompanied by fear and uncertainty, but as Christians, we are called to step out in faith. This journey may involve pain and loss, but it is through these trials that we grow closer to Christ and fulfill our calling. [00:49]

2. The Reality of Suffering: Suffering is not an anomaly in the Christian life but an expected part of our journey. Scripture teaches that through suffering, we experience a deeper fellowship with Christ, sharing in His sufferings and growing in our faith. [06:28]

3. Loving Through Betrayal: True Christlike love is demonstrated when we love those who have betrayed or abandoned us. This is an opportunity to reflect Jesus' love for Judas, showing grace and forgiveness even in the face of deep hurt. [07:44]

4. The Fellowship of Suffering: There is a unique intimacy with Christ that can only be found in suffering. As we endure trials, we are drawn closer to Jesus, experiencing His presence and comfort in profound ways. [21:11]

5. Following the Holy Spirit's Call: Each of us has a unique calling, and it is essential to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. This path may be painful, but it is through obedience and faithfulness that we find true fulfillment and joy in Christ. [33:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Praying for Change
- [01:04] - The Danger of Buzzwords
- [02:16] - Dave Gibbons' Story
- [03:33] - Facing Betrayal and Loss
- [05:18] - Biblical Convictions
- [06:28] - Embracing Suffering
- [07:31] - Loving Betrayers
- [09:09] - Expecting Trials
- [12:02] - Seeking the Holy Spirit
- [13:15] - Jesus' Call to Suffer
- [14:29] - The Pattern of Suffering
- [17:26] - Bearing Reproach
- [20:07] - Fellowship in Suffering
- [23:31] - Stories of Faith
- [30:30] - Renewed Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 4:12 - "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."
2. Philippians 3:10 - "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
3. Hebrews 13:12-13 - "So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the main struggle that Dave Gibbons faced when he decided to follow God's call, and how did it affect his church? [02:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between suffering and Christian leadership? [03:22]
3. What examples from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the expected nature of suffering in a Christian's life? [09:09]
4. How did the pastor describe the experience of missionaries and martyrs in relation to their intimacy with Christ during suffering? [23:31]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does 1 Peter 4:12 challenge the common perception of suffering in the Christian life? What does it suggest about our expectations? [09:09]
2. In Philippians 3:10, what does it mean to share in the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, and how might this deepen one's relationship with Him? [19:54]
3. Hebrews 13:12-13 speaks about going outside the camp to bear reproach with Jesus. What does this mean for Christians today in terms of societal acceptance and rejection? [17:26]
4. How does the sermon suggest that suffering can be an opportunity to demonstrate Christlike love, especially towards those who have hurt us? [07:44]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant change or challenge. How did fear of the unknown affect your decision-making process, and how might faith have played a role? [00:49]
2. Consider the concept of suffering as a pathway to deeper fellowship with Christ. How can you reframe your current struggles to see them as opportunities for spiritual growth? [06:28]
3. Think of someone who has hurt or betrayed you. What steps can you take to show them love and forgiveness, following the example of Jesus with Judas? [07:44]
4. How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life, especially when facing difficult decisions or trials? What practices can help you discern His voice? [12:02]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to step out in faith despite potential pain or loss. What practical steps can you take to move forward in obedience? [33:01]
6. Reflect on the idea of finding joy and peace in suffering for Christ's sake. How can you cultivate a mindset that embraces trials as opportunities for deeper intimacy with Jesus? [21:11]
7. How can you support others in your community who are experiencing suffering or betrayal, and what role can your small group play in providing encouragement and support? [22:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Change with Courage
Change is an inevitable part of life, and it often brings with it a sense of fear and uncertainty. As Christians, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God is with us even in the midst of our fears. This journey may involve pain and loss, but it is through these trials that we grow closer to Christ and fulfill our calling. The story of Dave Gibbons, who faced significant loss and betrayal when he chose to follow God's call, serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership in Christ involves enduring suffering and betrayal. By embracing change with courage, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God in our lives. [00:49]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one change you are currently facing that feels daunting? How can you invite God into this situation and trust Him to guide you through it?


Day 2: Understanding the Role of Suffering
Suffering is not an anomaly in the Christian life but an expected part of our journey. Scripture teaches that through suffering, we experience a deeper fellowship with Christ, sharing in His sufferings and growing in our faith. The apostles and early Christians understood that suffering was a pathway to deeper intimacy with Jesus. This is not about seeking pain for its own sake but recognizing that in our trials, we find a unique closeness to Christ. As we endure hardships, we are reminded of the profound joy and peace that can be found in suffering for His sake. [06:28]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did it impact your relationship with Christ, and what did you learn about His presence in your life during that time?


Day 3: Loving Through Betrayal
True Christlike love is demonstrated when we love those who have betrayed or abandoned us. This is an opportunity to reflect Jesus' love for Judas, showing grace and forgiveness even in the face of deep hurt. Loving through betrayal is not easy, but it is a powerful testament to the transformative love of Christ. By choosing to forgive and extend grace, we reflect the highest form of Christlike love and open ourselves to healing and reconciliation. [07:44]

Luke 6:27-28 (ESV): "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

Reflection: Think of someone who has hurt or betrayed you. How can you begin to extend Christ's love and forgiveness to them today, even if it feels difficult?


Day 4: The Fellowship of Suffering
There is a unique intimacy with Christ that can only be found in suffering. As we endure trials, we are drawn closer to Jesus, experiencing His presence and comfort in profound ways. The stories of missionaries and martyrs who found profound intimacy with Christ in their darkest moments serve as powerful reminders of the joy and peace that can be found in suffering for His sake. This fellowship of suffering is a sacred space where we encounter the depth of Christ's love and faithfulness. [21:11]

Philippians 3:10 (ESV): "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt closest to Christ during a period of suffering. What did you learn about His character and love for you during that time?


Day 5: Following the Holy Spirit's Call
Each of us has a unique calling, and it is essential to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. This path may be painful, but it is through obedience and faithfulness that we find true fulfillment and joy in Christ. By listening to the Holy Spirit and following His lead, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience the fullness of life He has for us. As we navigate the challenges of our calling, we can trust that Christ's presence is with us, providing strength and guidance every step of the way. [33:01]

Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you to take action? How can you respond in obedience and trust, even if it involves stepping out of your comfort zone?

Quotes



Change is daunting, and the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are often called to step out in faith, even when it means facing pain and loss. I shared the story of Dave Gibbons, a pastor who experienced profound loss and betrayal when he chose to follow God's call, losing a third of his congregation and facing financial hardships. [00:00:49]

True leadership in Christ involves enduring suffering and betrayal, much like Jesus did with Judas. We explored the biblical perspective on suffering, emphasizing that it is not an anomaly but an expected part of the Christian journey. Scripture is replete with examples of suffering as a means to grow closer to Christ. [00:06:28]

I also shared personal reflections on the challenges of leading a church and the temptation to retreat when faced with adversity. However, the call to follow Christ is a call to embrace discomfort and rejection, trusting that these experiences refine us and draw us nearer to God. [00:12:02]

Ultimately, the message is a call to action, urging us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives and ministries. Each of us has a unique path, and while it may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the promise of Christ's presence. [00:33:01]

Dave is one of my heroes and I don't use that word with very many people on this Earth but Dave is because he went through so much pain in changing his church and it was so cool. I just got our guys around him last night at dinner and just were just picking his brain about the pain he went through. [00:02:16]

He talked about losing a third of his church and the income going down 30 to 40% in the church and he talked about all these people that he thought were his friends, people that he thought were with him forever, and then they take off and the pain of seeing them around town. [00:03:33]

I can't help this call that I feel and I can't help these biblical convictions because it's not just another thing or another trend, it's something you see in scripture. You're going, that's not us. I've never felt peace about this. I've never felt peace about, oh here's the book of Acts. [00:05:18]

The highest form of love is when you can love someone who's betrayed you, like Jesus with Judas and the love he showed him knowing he was going to betray him. I realized after a while I got to quit complaining and this is my opportunity to love these people and show the highest form of Christlike love. [00:07:44]

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings. He says I want to know Christ and we would all agree with that. Of course, we want to know Christ and you go I want to know the power of his resurrection and go man of course I want to experience that Holy Spirit power in my life. [00:21:11]

I want to experience the Holy Spirit and please I hope you understand this is not something edgy cool the new thing whatever and we just were bored and so we came up with something. It's a Biblical conviction that's just killing us and it seems like it's been killing a lot of you. [00:30:30]

I want the presence of Jesus and if his presence isn't with us I don't want to go there and unless he builds a house this is all going to be a bunch of garbage anyways and I don't want to have I don't want to come the end and see that it's all going to burn because it was all wood hay and stule. [00:32:01]

I want him to go man well done CU all the way he suffered like my son did he did it well done I want to hear that so badly and I got to remind myself that I want that more than anything but again this is the holy spirit's leading and I don't know what he's calling you to do. [00:33:01]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?