Embracing Suffering: God's Tool for Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound and often challenging topic of suffering and its role in spiritual formation and discipleship. We began by acknowledging the importance of discipleship relationships and the significant pastoral transition happening in our church. We then turned our focus to the heart of the message: understanding how God uses suffering as a primary tool to shape us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
We explored the common misconception that the Christian life is meant to be free of pain and full of prosperity. While God is indeed good and generous, He also allows suffering to enter our lives. This suffering acts as a powerful agent to mold us, much like a rushing river shapes solid granite. We examined the Apostle Paul's teachings in 2 Corinthians 4, where he speaks of being afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, and how these experiences prepare us for an eternal glory that far outweighs our present troubles.
We also discussed the role of prosperity and abundance in spiritual formation, noting that while God can use these to shape us, they often lead our hearts to drift away from Him. In contrast, suffering has a more immediate and profound impact, stripping away our idols and drawing us closer to God.
We looked at various biblical figures like Moses, Jeremiah, and the Apostle Paul, who were all shaped significantly through their suffering. We also touched on modern examples, including a pastor battling cancer, to illustrate that suffering is not a sign of God's absence but rather His active work in our lives.
Finally, we addressed common questions about suffering, such as whether it is punitive and why it happens to us. We concluded that suffering is not a punishment for our sins but a tool God uses to accomplish His purposes in us. Our response to suffering should be to seek what God is trying to teach us and how He wants to shape us through it.
### Key Takeaways
1. Suffering as a Tool for Spiritual Formation: Suffering is a primary agent God uses to shape us into the image of His Son. It acts like a rushing river that cuts through solid granite, removing idols and drawing us into deeper surrender and trust in God. [44:24]
2. Prosperity vs. Suffering: While God can use prosperity to shape us, it often leads our hearts to drift away from Him. Suffering, on the other hand, has a more immediate and profound impact, stripping away our idols and drawing us closer to God. [45:27]
3. Biblical Examples of Suffering: Figures like Moses, Jeremiah, and Paul were all significantly shaped through their suffering. Their experiences teach us that suffering is not a sign of God's absence but rather His active work in our lives. [53:39]
4. Common Questions About Suffering: Suffering is not a punishment for our sins but a tool God uses to accomplish His purposes in us. Our response should be to seek what God is trying to teach us and how He wants to shape us through it. [01:02:09]
5. The Gift of Suffering: Suffering matures us in ways that nothing else can. It helps us see what truly matters, draws us closer to God, and heals us from our narcissism. It is a gift that shapes us for eternity, preparing us for the glory that is to come. [01:11:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:09] - Pastoral Transition Announcement
[37:33] - Call to Prayer
[39:01] - Opening Scripture and Teaching
[40:20] - Laying Down Burdens
[41:53] - Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
[43:07] - Misconceptions About Christian Life
[44:24] - The Role of Suffering
[45:27] - Prosperity vs. Suffering
[46:25] - 2 Corinthians 4: Afflicted but Not Crushed
[48:19] - Paul's Light and Momentary Afflictions
[49:59] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[51:04] - Cultural Christianity vs. True Discipleship
[53:39] - Biblical Examples of Suffering
[56:18] - Modern Examples of Suffering
[59:08] - The Inevitability of Suffering
[01:02:09] - Common Questions About Suffering
[01:11:22] - The Gift of Suffering
[01:19:58] - Setting Our Gaze on the Cross
[01:21:51] - Invitation to Prayer and Response
[01:26:42] - Worship and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 - "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke,' we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 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. Philippians 3:10 - "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."
3. Philippians 1:29 - "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, what are some of the ways Paul describes the experience of suffering? How does he contrast these experiences with the ultimate outcome? [47:20]
2. In Philippians 3:10, what does Paul express a desire to know and experience? How does this relate to suffering? [51:53]
3. What does Philippians 1:29 say has been granted to believers on behalf of Christ? How does this shape our understanding of suffering? [01:09:47]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of suffering in spiritual formation? What metaphor is used to illustrate this process? [44:24]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul refer to our sufferings as "light momentary afflictions" in 2 Corinthians 4:17? How does this perspective help believers endure suffering? [47:20]
2. How does the desire to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, as stated in Philippians 3:10, connect to sharing in his sufferings? What does this imply about the nature of Christian discipleship? [51:53]
3. What does it mean that suffering has been "granted" to us on behalf of Christ according to Philippians 1:29? How can this be seen as a gift rather than a punishment? [01:09:47]
4. The sermon mentions that suffering strips away our idols and draws us closer to God. How does this process work, and why is it necessary for spiritual growth? [44:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did it shape your faith and relationship with God? What did you learn from that experience? [01:06:55]
2. The sermon suggests that prosperity can lead our hearts to drift away from God, while suffering draws us closer. How have you seen this play out in your own life or the lives of others? [45:27]
3. How can you prepare yourself to respond to future suffering in a way that seeks to understand what God is trying to teach you? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this mindset? [01:06:55]
4. The sermon mentioned that suffering is not a punishment for our sins but a tool for spiritual growth. How does this understanding change the way you view your current or past struggles? [01:02:09]
5. Think about the idols in your life that suffering might reveal. What are some specific steps you can take to surrender these idols to God and deepen your trust in Him? [44:24]
6. How can you support others in your small group or community who are going through suffering? What are some practical ways to offer comfort and encouragement based on your own experiences? [01:18:24]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of setting our gaze on the cross during times of suffering. What are some specific practices or habits you can adopt to keep your focus on Jesus, especially during difficult times? [01:19:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Suffering as a Divine Sculptor
Description: Suffering is often misunderstood as a sign of God's absence or displeasure. However, it is a primary tool that God uses to shape us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Much like a rushing river that cuts through solid granite, suffering removes the idols in our lives and draws us into deeper surrender and trust in God. This process is not easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 4, where he describes being afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair. These experiences prepare us for an eternal glory that far outweighs our present troubles. [44:24]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience of suffering in your life. How can you see God using this experience to shape you and draw you closer to Him?
Day 2: The Perils of Prosperity
Description: While God can use prosperity and abundance to shape us, these often lead our hearts to drift away from Him. Prosperity can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, making us less reliant on God. In contrast, suffering has a more immediate and profound impact, stripping away our idols and drawing us closer to God. It forces us to confront our limitations and depend on God's strength and grace. This is why suffering is often more effective in spiritual formation than prosperity. [45:27]
Deuteronomy 8:11-14 (ESV): "Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced prosperity. Did it draw you closer to God or lead your heart to drift away? How can you ensure that your current blessings do not become idols?
Day 3: Lessons from Biblical Figures
Description: The Bible is filled with examples of individuals who were significantly shaped through their suffering. Figures like Moses, Jeremiah, and the Apostle Paul all experienced profound suffering that molded their character and deepened their relationship with God. These stories teach us that suffering is not a sign of God's absence but rather His active work in our lives. Their experiences remind us that God uses suffering to accomplish His purposes and prepare us for greater things. [53:39]
Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV): "By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."
Reflection: Consider the story of a biblical figure who suffered. How did their suffering shape their faith and character? How can their story inspire you in your own journey through suffering?
Day 4: Understanding the Purpose of Suffering
Description: Many people struggle with the question of why suffering happens and whether it is a punishment for our sins. The truth is that suffering is not a punishment but a tool that God uses to accomplish His purposes in us. It is a means of spiritual formation that helps us grow in faith, character, and dependence on God. Our response to suffering should be to seek what God is trying to teach us and how He wants to shape us through it. This perspective can transform our experience of suffering from one of despair to one of hope and growth. [01:02:09]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about a current or past trial in your life. What might God be trying to teach you through this experience? How can you respond in a way that allows Him to shape you?
Day 5: The Gift of Suffering
Description: Suffering is often seen as something to be avoided, but it can be a profound gift that matures us in ways that nothing else can. It helps us see what truly matters, draws us closer to God, and heals us from our narcissism. Suffering prepares us for the glory that is to come, shaping us for eternity. It is a tool that God uses to refine our character and deepen our faith. Embracing suffering as a gift can transform our perspective and help us grow in ways we never thought possible. [01:11:22]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you begin to see your current suffering as a gift rather than a burden? What steps can you take to embrace it and allow God to use it to shape you for eternity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is immeasurably good and he's kind and he's generous. Those are true at the very same time. God will allow and will suffering into your life. Now, why, why would he do that? Why would he allow suffering? Well? One of the primary reasons is because suffering is this painful agent in the hands of God to shape us into the image of the sun." [44:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Suffering is much more like 10 billion gallons of water coming up against your life that sweeps away everything that does not belong and softening the sharp edges and destroying every idol that you have set up in your life. That is the gift of the river of suffering that comes into our life to shape us into the image of the sun." [45:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you and I want to be people that, that walk like Jesus, live like Jesus, pray like Jesus. Have the eternal impact like Jesus, not, not Christians, not like cultural, like I'm a good person. I, you know, I don't drink alcohol. I don't watch rated R movies. I'm talking about like Christ people, people sanctified, Bible saturated, Holy Spirit activated in our city." [49:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Suffering is the fast track. For us to see what really matters. So to say it in the opposite way, suffering clearly identifies for us what our idols are. So listen, no, nobody in our Southern cult, Christianity cults that we live in the deep South. And I'm grateful that I live here, but, but nobody's ever going to like confront you for loving your family too much, loving your, your spouse too much, loving your children." [01:12:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Suffering draws us close to God. Suffering makes us people that, that fall in love with Jesus. My, some of you know, my, my parents both died within four months this last year. It's been a very difficult year for me. I'm still grieving. And one of the verses that I prayed, I memorized, I memorized this verse maybe 15 years ago, long before I, I, I've, I've had any pain." [01:17:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The whole idea is this, is that God is going to great lengths to shape you. And the great length is through the work of his son, his life, his death, his resurrection, his ever present work in our life. He's going to great lengths to shape you into the image of the son that you and I might, might carry the values of the kingdom that we might walk in the power of the spirit." [41:53] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Suffering is a primary agent. It's, it's the primary tool in the toolbox of God to shape us into the image of the son, Jesus. I mean, so much, so look, look what he says in chapter 11 and second Corinthians, because the question hopefully rising up for you is like, what are the light and momentary afflictions?" [47:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Suffering matures us in a way that nothing else will. Specifically maturity to finish well. So one reason, uh, perseverance, uh, is a central theme. So hear that. One reason perseverance is a central theme in the new Testament is because God knows there is a default brokenness in every one of us to bail out when things get hard." [01:14:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Suffering heals me from my narcissism. And if you're like, I'm so glad for someone else to hear this. This is for you then. Okay. This is for you. Second Corinthians one, blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, the God of all comfort who comforts us in all of our afflictions so that we ourselves are able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." [01:18:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Suffering's real. You don't have to be a Christian to be like, yep, suffering's real. And our time on earth is so short. This is why Paul's like the light and momentary afflictions. They don't even compare with the glory that's coming, but suffering in this life is coming. Like you and I, we could walk out of this, this room today, get in a car accident, end up paralyzed in a nursing home for the rest of our life." [01:19:58] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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