Enduring Suffering: Following Christ's Example of Grace

In our journey of faith, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who left us an example of how to endure suffering with grace and humility. Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross is a path none of us can replicate, but there is another form of suffering we often encounter: being reviled or spoken ill of by others. This is a common experience for those who strive to live for Christ, as the world is filled with people eager to spread falsehoods and negativity. As someone who has been in full-time Christian ministry for 56 years, I have faced this kind of opposition, especially from those who dislike the message of victory over sin and financial integrity in ministry.

Our response to such revilement should mirror that of Jesus. When He was reviled, He did not retaliate or threaten. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, who judges righteously. This is a profound lesson for us: to respond to false accusations and mistreatment with forgiveness and trust in God's justice. Jesus' words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," reveal a deep understanding that those who oppose us may not truly comprehend the gravity of their actions, especially when they are directed against a child of God.

The book of Zechariah reminds us that those who touch God's children are touching the apple of His eye, the most sensitive part of His being. Just as we instinctively protect our eyes from harm, God Himself will act to protect His own. Jesus, the apple of the Father's eye, endured suffering without retaliation, entrusting Himself to God's righteous judgment. We are called to follow His example, continually entrusting our lives and circumstances to God, knowing that He sees and will act in His perfect timing.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Following Christ's example means enduring revilement without retaliation, trusting in God's righteous judgment. This requires a deep faith that God sees and will act on our behalf. [19:29]
• 2. Jesus' plea for forgiveness for His persecutors highlights the importance of understanding that those who oppose us may not fully grasp the significance of their actions. This perspective can help us respond with grace and forgiveness. [20:06]
• 3. As children of God, we are precious in His sight, akin to the apple of His eye. This metaphor underscores God's protective nature and His personal involvement in our defense. [22:36]
• 4. Jesus' consistent entrusting of Himself to God during His suffering is a model for us. It teaches us to continually place our trust in God's justice rather than seeking our own vindication. [25:51]
• 5. The call to follow in Christ's steps is a call to live as He lived, responding to adversity with patience and trust in God's ultimate plan. This is a lifelong journey of faith and obedience. [27:15]
  ** [27:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [15:42] - Christ's Example of Suffering
• [16:23] - Facing Revilement
• [17:17] - Opposition in Ministry
• [18:34] - Responding Like Jesus
• [19:29] - Entrusting to God's Judgment
• [20:06] - Forgiveness on the Cross
• [21:22] - Understanding Accusations
• [22:06] - Zechariah's Insight
• [22:36] - The Apple of God's Eye
• [24:13] - God's Protective Nature
• [25:10] - Jesus' Quiet Endurance
• [25:51] - Continuous Trust in God
• [27:15] - Following in His Steps

1. 1 Peter 2:21-24
2. Luke 23:34
3. Zechariah 2:8

1. According to 1 Peter 2:21-24, how did Jesus respond when He was reviled and suffered? What does this passage suggest about His character? [19:29]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned a specific verse from Zechariah. What does Zechariah 2:8 mean when it refers to God's people as "the apple of His eye"? [22:36]
3. How does the pastor describe the world's reaction to those who strive to live for Christ, especially in the context of ministry? [16:45]
4. What is the significance of Jesus' words on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," as mentioned in the sermon? [20:06]

1. What does it mean to follow in Christ's steps, especially in the context of enduring revilement without retaliation? How does this reflect on one's faith and trust in God's justice? [27:15]
2. How does understanding that those who oppose us may not fully grasp the significance of their actions help us respond with grace and forgiveness? [20:06]
3. In what ways does the metaphor of being "the apple of God's eye" provide comfort and assurance to believers facing opposition or false accusations? [22:36]
4. How does Jesus' consistent entrusting of Himself to God during His suffering serve as a model for believers today? What does this teach about the nature of trust and patience in God's timing? [25:51]

1. Reflect on a time when you were spoken ill of or falsely accused. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Jesus' example? [19:29]
2. Jesus asked for forgiveness for His persecutors, understanding their lack of awareness. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, recognizing they may not fully understand the impact of their actions? [20:06]
3. The pastor mentioned the importance of financial integrity in ministry. How can you apply principles of integrity in your own financial dealings or other areas of your life? [17:35]
4. Consider the metaphor of being "the apple of God's eye." How does this perspective change the way you view your relationship with God and His protection over you? [22:36]
5. Jesus consistently entrusted Himself to God. What are some practical ways you can entrust your current challenges or adversities to God, trusting in His righteous judgment? [25:51]
6. The sermon emphasized living as Christ lived, responding to adversity with patience and trust. What specific steps can you take this week to embody this in your interactions with others? [27:15]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper faith that God sees and will act on your behalf, especially when facing opposition or false accusations? [19:29]