Embracing Suffering: The Privilege of Ministry

Summary

This morning, we gathered as a people of grace—those who know our own brokenness, but also the transforming power of God. We began by remembering that God is eternal, sovereign, and merciful, and we asked for His Spirit to open our hearts to His Word. Reflecting on Paul’s life, we saw a man who endured relentless suffering, both from within and outside the church. Yet, Paul’s response was not despair, but gratitude—he thanked God even as suffering became his daily companion. Unlike our natural tendency to avoid pain, Paul embraced it, recognizing that God uses us, in our weakness, to spread the aroma of Christ.

We considered the reality that ministry is not reserved for a select few; every believer is called to be God’s hands and feet in the world. Ministry is often met with rejection, loneliness, and even persecution, but Paul’s exhortation is clear: do not lose heart. This calling is not just a responsibility, but a privilege—by God’s mercy, we are invited to participate in His redemptive work. Even when ministry feels thankless or difficult, we are reminded that the joy of seeing lives transformed by Christ far outweighs the hardships.

Our confidence must not rest in ourselves, but in what God can do through us. When we focus on our own inadequacy or pain, we lose heart. But when we fix our eyes on God’s faithfulness, we find strength to persevere. Paul also warns us about the dangers of deception and distortion in ministry. We are not to use clever tricks or manipulate God’s Word to achieve results. Instead, we are to present the truth plainly, trusting in the power of the gospel.

Furthermore, we are not to preach ourselves, but Christ as Lord. Our lives are the real sermon—what we say, how we love, how we serve, and how we handle adversity all proclaim who is truly Lord in our hearts. We are called to be servants, not self-promoters, living in a way that reflects Christ’s humility and love. Ultimately, God has shone His light into our hearts, not for us to hoard, but to share with a world in darkness. This is our privilege and our calling: to let the light of Christ shine through us, even when it costs us comfort or reputation.

Key Takeaways

- Embracing Suffering as a Pathway to Glory
Paul’s life teaches us that suffering is not an interruption to God’s work, but often the very context in which His power is displayed. Rather than insulating ourselves from pain, we are invited to see suffering as an opportunity to participate in Christ’s redemptive mission. Gratitude in hardship is possible when we trust that God is using even our trials to spread the aroma of Christ to a world in need. [27:00]

- Ministry Is a Privilege, Not Just a Duty
Every believer is called to ministry—not just pastors or church staff. This calling is not merely a burdensome responsibility, but a profound privilege granted by God’s mercy. When we see ministry as a privilege, even the most difficult tasks become opportunities to witness God’s transforming power in the lives of others. [34:14]

- Integrity in Ministry: No Deception, No Distortion
We are warned against using deceptive tactics or distorting God’s Word to achieve our own ends. True ministry relies on the plain truth of the gospel, trusting in its inherent power rather than our own cleverness. When we are tempted to manipulate or “bait and switch,” we must remember that the gospel needs no embellishment—God’s Word is sufficient. [41:37]

- Our Lives Preach Louder Than Our Words
Preaching Christ is not limited to what we say from a pulpit; it is demonstrated in every aspect of our lives. When our actions contradict our words, we preach ourselves rather than Christ. True witness means living with integrity, humility, and repentance, so that our lives point others to Jesus as Lord, not to our own preferences or personalities. [47:38]

- Servanthood as Our True Identity
We are called to know our place—not as self-promoters, but as servants owned by Christ. In a culture obsessed with self-advancement, the call to servanthood stands in stark contrast. Our greatest impact comes not from asserting ourselves, but from humbly serving others and letting the light of Christ shine through us, even when it means sacrifice or suffering. [55:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:14] - Opening Prayer and God’s Character
[27:00] - Paul’s Suffering and Perspective
[28:32] - The Aroma of Christ in Ministry
[29:33] - The Veil and Transformation
[31:23] - Ministry Is for Everyone
[32:20] - Rejection and Spiritual Warfare
[33:10] - Do Not Lose Heart
[34:14] - Ministry: Opportunity, Responsibility, Privilege
[36:01] - The Challenge and Joy of Ministry
[38:34] - Confidence in God, Not Ourselves
[41:03] - Non-Negotiables in Ministry
[41:37] - Integrity: No Deception or Distortion
[44:49] - The Reality of Spiritual Blindness
[46:20] - Preaching Christ, Not Ourselves
[53:57] - Servanthood and Real-Life Application
[58:54] - The Light of Christ in Our Hearts
[01:02:02] - Prayer and Communion
[01:03:46] - The Lord’s Table and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 4:1-7 (ESV)
> Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in 2 Corinthians 4, what is the source of our confidence and ability to do ministry?
([38:34])

2. What are the two things Paul says we must avoid in ministry, according to verse 2?
([41:37])

3. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the real “sermon” that people see?
([46:20])

4. How does Paul describe the way God’s light comes into our lives, and what is its purpose?
([58:54])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that we are not competent in ourselves to share the gospel, but that our sufficiency comes from God? How does this shape our approach to ministry?
([38:34])

2. What are some practical ways that believers might be tempted to use “deception” or “distort the Word of God” in ministry today? Why is this so dangerous?
([41:37])

3. The sermon says, “Our lives are what we preach.” What does it mean for our actions to either support or contradict the message of Christ?
([47:38])

4. Paul calls us “servants for Jesus’ sake.” How does this identity challenge the way we think about our roles in the church and in the world?
([55:43])

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about embracing suffering as a pathway to glory, rather than running from it. When was the last time you experienced hardship or rejection because of your faith or ministry? How did you respond, and what might it look like to respond with gratitude next time?
([27:00])

2. Ministry is described as a privilege, not just a duty. Do you see serving in the church or sharing your faith as a privilege? Why or why not? What would need to change in your heart or schedule to see it this way?
([34:14])

3. The pastor warned against using “bait and switch” tactics or distorting God’s Word to get results. Are there ways you’ve been tempted to make the gospel more appealing by leaving out hard truths or exaggerating benefits? How can you commit to presenting the truth plainly?
([41:37])

4. Think about your daily life—at work, at home, in your neighborhood. What message are you preaching with your actions, words, and attitudes? Is there an area where your life is not matching your words about Jesus? What’s one step you can take this week to bring those into alignment?
([47:38])

5. The sermon challenged us to know our place as servants, not self-promoters. In what areas of your life do you struggle with wanting recognition or control? How can you practice humble servanthood this week, even if it means going unnoticed or making a sacrifice?
([55:43])

6. The pastor said, “God has shone His light into our hearts, not for us to hoard, but to share with a world in darkness.” Who in your life needs to see the light of Christ through you? What is one specific way you can share that light with them this week?
([58:54])

7. When was the last time you served in ministry or shared the gospel with someone? If it’s been a while, what’s holding you back? What’s one practical step you can take to step into your calling this month?
([58:54])

---

Close in prayer, asking God for courage, humility, and the joy of serving as His hands and feet in the world.

Devotional

Day 1: Do Not Lose Heart in Ministry
In the midst of suffering, rejection, and the daily challenges of serving others, it is easy to become discouraged and want to give up. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are reminded that ministry is not just an obligation but a privilege given to us by God's mercy. Our confidence should not rest in our own abilities or feelings, but in what God can do through us by His Spirit. When we focus on ourselves, we lose heart, but when we look to God and remember the truth of the gospel, we find renewed strength to persevere and continue sharing His love, even when it is difficult. [34:14]

2 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)
"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart."

Reflection: Where in your life or ministry have you felt like giving up, and how can you shift your focus from your own limitations to what God can do through you today?


Day 2: Serve with Integrity—Do Not Distort or Deceive
As we go out to share the good news of Jesus, we are called to do so with honesty and integrity, refusing to use deception or to distort the Word of God for our own purposes. The power of the gospel does not depend on clever tactics or manipulation, but on the truth of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. We must resist the temptation to make the message more palatable or to use bait-and-switch methods, trusting instead that God’s truth, plainly spoken and lived, is sufficient to change hearts. [41:37]

2 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
"But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."

Reflection: Are there ways you have been tempted to soften, distort, or hide the truth of the gospel in your conversations or actions? How can you commit to integrity in sharing Christ today?


Day 3: Preach Christ, Not Yourself
Our lives are a message to the world, and we are called to preach Christ as Lord, not ourselves. This means that our actions, words, and attitudes should point others to Jesus, not to our own desires, opinions, or achievements. When we allow our personal feelings, grudges, or self-interest to take center stage, we confuse those around us and fail to reflect the love and humility of Christ. Instead, we are to live in such a way that our lives are congruent with the gospel, seeking forgiveness when we fall short and striving to let Christ be seen in all we do. [46:52]

2 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."

Reflection: In what area of your life do your actions or words most often point to yourself rather than to Christ, and what is one step you can take today to make Jesus the focus?


Day 4: Know Your Place—Live as a Servant of Christ
To be a follower of Jesus is to know our place as servants, not masters. In a world that encourages self-promotion and self-service, we are called to humility, recognizing that we belong to God and are to serve Him and others. This servant-hearted posture shapes how we treat our families, our church, and even those who frustrate us. It is not about our rights or preferences, but about living out the reality that Jesus is Lord and we are His. Serving is not always easy or recognized, but it is the way of Christ and the calling of every believer. [56:29]

Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men."

Reflection: How can you intentionally take the posture of a servant in a specific relationship or situation today, putting aside your own preferences for the sake of Christ?


Day 5: Let God’s Light Shine Through You
God has shone His light into our hearts, not for us to keep it to ourselves, but to share the knowledge of His glory with a world in darkness. The privilege of carrying the gospel is not about our worthiness, but about God’s grace and the transforming power of Christ in us. We are called to let His light shine through our words, actions, and love, so that others may see Jesus and come to know Him. This is the antidote to a dying world, and we are entrusted with it—not to hoard, but to give freely. [58:54]

2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally share the light and hope of Christ with this week, and what practical step will you take to do so?

Quotes

Because of the mercy and not getting what it is that we deserve, we have the privilege of taking the good news of Jesus Christ into the world. It's a privilege. It's a privilege to serve the Lord God Almighty. [00:35:42] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

When we get to see a child who acknowledges who Jesus is in their lives, when we have our tank up here and we see these baptisms of people say, I'm all in, take me, I want to just, I'm all in for the faith, I love Jesus and I want the world to know what he's done in my life and we put them under and we pull them out. There is nothing, there is no emotional climactic response and excitement better than watching someone come to know Jesus as their savior and make them lord of their lives. [00:37:34] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

We lose heart when we focus on ourselves and how we feel versus what God can do through us. We lose heart when we become so focused on self that we fail to recognize that God is working through us mightily. And when we take our eyes off of God and focus on how we feel, well then we will lose heart. But when we take our eyes and look to the heavens and acknowledge who he is and what he's done and what he's doing and how he's working, and we just get to be a part of it, we don't lose heart. [00:38:46] (00:00:40 seconds) Edit Clip

If we are the aroma of Christ, and we're taking that aroma and showing others the gospel of the good news of Jesus Christ, then in the midst of that, we don't do a bait and switch. We don't be like, hey, come to our church. It's so fun. And you're going to have such a good time. They come in here, and they're like, that dude's boring. There's no bait and switch where we try to tell people enough stuff to try to get them to come in the door. You know what? When we do those kind of tactics, what we're really saying is the Word of God doesn't have power. [00:42:38] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

For god who said let light shine out of darkness made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of god of god's glory displayed in the face of christ this is the conclusion think about this god said let the light shine out of darkness that is us we were in darkness he has allowed the light to shine out of us shine out of it we he made his light shine in our hearts he gave us this light within us and that light is a knowledge of god's glory and who he is and what he's done it's displayed on the face of christ so that we don't hoard it to ourselves or keep it to ourselves but rather we see it as a privilege to take the good news of jesus christ into the world. [00:57:59] (00:00:53 seconds) Edit Clip

Paul has a message for you today and a message for me don't lose heart don't focus on your own confidence allow the holy spirit and his confidence to come through you don't be consumed with figuring out ways and methods and all these things just preach christ and him crucified preach christ is lord preach that not just with your lives with what you say and how you live but let your life be a testimony to the goodness of jesus christ. [01:00:07] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip