Go Through Suffering
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound truth that suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey, as outlined in Romans 8:12-18. The Apostle Paul, through the Spirit, invites us to embrace suffering as a pathway to a fuller, more meaningful life in Christ. This is not an easy invitation, as our natural inclination is to avoid pain and seek comfort. However, the reality of life, as Matthew Perry's story reminds us, is often filled with pain and challenges that we cannot escape. Instead of numbing ourselves or seeking temporary relief, we are called to face reality head-on, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.
The process of embracing suffering involves killing sin and living by the Spirit. This means rejecting the desires of the flesh and choosing to live according to God's will. It's a difficult path, but it leads to life and freedom. As children of God, we are not slaves to fear but are adopted into His family, able to call Him "Abba, Father." This adoption is not just a change of status but a transformation of identity, where we become co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His sufferings so that we may also share in His glory.
Suffering, therefore, is not a sign of failure but a testament to our belonging to Christ and our preparation for eternity. It is a refining process that shapes us into the image of Christ. We are encouraged to embrace this V-shaped journey of descending into suffering and rising into glorification, just as Jesus did. This path requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, trusting that He is with us in every valley and shadow of death.
In our modern world, we are often tempted by escapism, whether through substance use, overworking, or meaningless leisure. These distractions keep us from facing reality and experiencing the meaningful work and rest that God has designed for us. Instead, we are called to engage with our suffering, to bring our pain and struggles to God, and to find peace in His presence. By doing so, we trade temporary relief for eternal glory, allowing God to do a deep work in us that prepares us for His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing suffering is essential for spiritual growth. It is not a sign of failure but a gateway to deeper intimacy with Christ and preparation for eternity. By facing our pain and struggles, we allow God to refine us and shape us into His image. [03:00]
- Our identity as children of God means we are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His sufferings and glory. This adoption transforms us, giving us the privilege to call God "Abba, Father" and live in the freedom of His love. [13:12]
- Escapism, whether through substance use or meaningless leisure, robs us of the meaningful work and rest God has designed for us. We are called to engage with reality, trusting that God is with us in every valley and shadow of death. [18:06]
- Suffering is not wasted; it is proof of our adoption and preparation for reigning with Christ. By embracing the V-shaped journey of descending into suffering and rising into glorification, we align ourselves with the path Jesus walked. [21:23]
- In moments of suffering, we are invited to bring our pain and struggles to God, finding peace in His presence. By doing so, we trade temporary relief for eternal glory, allowing God to do a deep work in us that prepares us for His kingdom. [24:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:00] - Embracing Suffering
[07:54] - Jesus' Suffering
[13:12] - Adoption and Identity
[18:06] - Escapism and Reality
[21:23] - Suffering as Proof of Adoption
[24:49] - Facing Reality with God
[31:19] - The V-Shaped Journey
[34:22] - Meaningful Work and Rest
[39:31] - Moving Forward Through Suffering
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:12-18
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 8:12-18, what does it mean to be "debtors, not to the flesh"? How does this relate to living by the Spirit?
2. In the sermon, how is the concept of "killing sin" described, and why is it essential for spiritual growth? [03:00]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between suffering and our identity as children of God? [13:12]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea of escapism, and what are some examples given? [18:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "provided we suffer with him" in Romans 8:17? What does this imply about the Christian journey? [07:54]
2. The sermon mentions the "V-shaped journey" of suffering and glorification. How does this concept help us understand the role of suffering in the Christian life? [21:23]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that suffering is a preparation for eternity rather than a sign of failure? [24:49]
4. How does the sermon explain the transformation of identity through adoption as children of God? What impact does this have on how we view suffering? [13:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge or suffering you have faced. How might embracing this experience with Christ's help change your perspective or response? [31:19]
2. The sermon discusses the temptation of escapism. Identify one form of escapism you are prone to. How can you confront this tendency and engage more deeply with reality? [18:06]
3. Consider the idea of being co-heirs with Christ. How does this identity influence your daily life and decisions, especially in times of difficulty? [13:12]
4. The sermon encourages bringing our pain and struggles to God. What is one specific struggle you can bring to God this week, and how will you do it? [24:49]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of "killing sin" into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to live more by the Spirit? [03:00]
6. Think about a time when you avoided facing reality. What was the outcome, and how might facing reality with God's presence have changed the situation? [18:06]
7. The sermon suggests that suffering is not wasted. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you are in the midst of a difficult situation? [21:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Suffering as a Pathway to Growth
Embracing suffering is essential for spiritual growth. It is not a sign of failure but a gateway to deeper intimacy with Christ and preparation for eternity. By facing our pain and struggles, we allow God to refine us and shape us into His image. [03:00]
"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." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of suffering in your life that you have been avoiding? How can you begin to face it with the hope of spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with Christ today?
Day 2: Our Identity as Co-Heirs with Christ
Our identity as children of God means we are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His sufferings and glory. This adoption transforms us, giving us the privilege to call God "Abba, Father" and live in the freedom of His love. [13:12]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing you are a co-heir with Christ change the way you view your current struggles? What steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom of being God's child?
Day 3: Escapism vs. Engaging with Reality
Escapism, whether through substance use or meaningless leisure, robs us of the meaningful work and rest God has designed for us. We are called to engage with reality, trusting that God is with us in every valley and shadow of death. [18:06]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one form of escapism you turn to when life gets tough. How can you replace this with a practice that helps you engage with reality and trust in God's presence?
Day 4: Suffering as Proof of Our Adoption
Suffering is not wasted; it is proof of our adoption and preparation for reigning with Christ. By embracing the V-shaped journey of descending into suffering and rising into glorification, we align ourselves with the path Jesus walked. [21:23]
"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." (Philippians 1:29, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you see your current suffering as a testament to your identity in Christ? How can this perspective help you endure and find purpose in your trials?
Day 5: Finding Peace in God's Presence
In moments of suffering, we are invited to bring our pain and struggles to God, finding peace in His presence. By doing so, we trade temporary relief for eternal glory, allowing God to do a deep work in us that prepares us for His kingdom. [24:49]
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22, ESV)
Reflection: What burden are you carrying today that you need to bring to God? How can you intentionally seek His presence and peace in the midst of your struggles?
Quotes
"Because going through suffering means you're facing reality, right? Part of why we scroll past terrible, awful news is because I can't really deal with that right now because I got my own stuff. And rightly so. But sometimes we avoid it because we just don't want to face it. So we're going to do something else." [00:01:06] (20 seconds)
"But if you want life that's truly life, life in the Spirit, life where you can call your Heavenly Father Abba and He listens to you, Daddy, and He listens to you. You have to kill sin and embrace suffering. Ah! This is kind of a big no thank you, right? It's been said that Christianity has not been tried and found wanting." [00:02:45] (23 seconds)
"So as Matthew Perry's story of addiction and his desire to live kind of numbed out, it's just a reminder that avoiding reality is just going to lead to death. But reality means suffering. Reality means sin. Reality means I've got to deal with the stuff going on in my life. Turns out, yes." [00:03:38] (18 seconds)
"Embracing the suffering, rising through in glory. This is the V-shaped path that he invites every one of us to. Let's think about what Jesus said. I don't know. Anyone who wants to follow me must take up his cross, deny himself, and follow me. We think about the waters of baptism." [00:16:41] (18 seconds)
"Meaningless leisure, endless scrolling, binge-watching, gaming, robs us of what we were supposed to experience in life, which is meaningful work and meaningful rest. Meaningless, meaningful work, which many of you have. And if not, you just need to adjust a few things. You have meaningful work, but then also meaningful rest." [00:19:00] (25 seconds)
"Paul is saying suffering is not a sign of failure. No, it's not at all. It's not a sign of failure. It's proof that we belong to Christ and we're being shaped for eternity. How many of you have got a ton of proof right now that you are being shaped for eternity because you feel the pressure on you right now?" [00:21:23] (23 seconds)
"Suffering isn't a glitch. It's actually the gateway. It's not because things are going wrong. It's because maybe God is doing it. A deep work in you right now. And you will be thankful for it. But it's a deep work. It's not a punishment. It's actually a preparation." [00:22:41] (19 seconds)
"Fasting is a way to remind yourself, like, oh, look at me. I'm reliant on food. I'm reliant on God. I'm reliant on these things. And so suffering, fasting is a way of bringing on a suffering for a purpose to remind you about reality. Oh, I am really a hungry person. I am really a needy person." [00:37:39] (20 seconds)