Finding Hope and Strength in Christ Amid Suffering

 

Summary

In my sermon, I began by addressing the importance of understanding the context in which the Book of Revelation was written. It was a letter meant for a persecuted church in need of comfort and hope, not a text for us to overanalyze or to satisfy our curiosity about the end times. I emphasized that we are a family united in the same battle, inspired by the person of Jesus, and empowered by His power.

I spoke about the suffering and persecution that Christians face, drawing parallels between the first-century church and our experiences today. I reminded the congregation that suffering is expected as we walk in obedience to God, and it's a suffering that proclaims the great riches of Jesus. I cautioned against the health and wealth gospel, which is contrary to the message of a homeless and wounded Savior who calls us to take up our cross.

I then turned to the vision of Jesus presented in Revelation, describing Him as the Son of Man, clothed in a robe with a golden sash, with white hair symbolizing wisdom and eyes like flames of fire. This vision of Jesus is meant to inspire us, reminding us of His authority, wisdom, and the fact that He has walked in our shoes and overcome suffering.

I also spoke about the power of Jesus, highlighting that He is the first and the last, the living one who died and is now alive forevermore. He holds the keys to death and Hades, demonstrating His complete authority over life and death. This power of Jesus is meant to empower us as believers to endure suffering and tribulation.

Throughout the sermon, I encouraged the congregation to find rest and peace in Jesus, to be comforted by the knowledge that He is with us now, and to be confident in His presence no matter what we face. I urged those who do not know Jesus to turn to Him, warning of the judgment to come and the eternal separation from God that awaits those who do not repent.

Key Takeaways:

1. As Christians, we are united in a battle that is characterized by suffering for the sake of Christ. This suffering is not a sign of God's absence but a participation in the life of Jesus, who suffered for us. It is through this shared experience that we find solidarity and purpose in our faith journey. ([57:56])

2. The world has always been dark due to sin, and while it may seem that things are getting worse, we must remember that as Christians, we are called to be lights in this darkness. Our American context may not be one of extreme suffering compared to the early church or other parts of the world, but we are still called to proclaim Christ in the midst of it. ([01:05:12])

3. The vision of Jesus in Revelation is not just a comfort but a call to be inspired by who He is. His attributes, as described in the vision, are meant to remind us of His divinity, His understanding of our human experience, and His ultimate victory over sin and death. ([01:09:28])

4. Jesus' power is not just a historical fact but a present reality. He holds the keys to death and Hades, and this should empower us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that our lives are in His hands, and that even in death, we have hope. ([01:19:03])

5. The message of Revelation is not one of fear for believers but one of assurance. We are reminded that Jesus is with us now, and this should give us confidence to face whatever comes our way, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in Him. ([36:45])

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Revelation 1:9-20
2. Daniel 7:9-10
3. Philippians 1:29-30

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### Observation Questions

1. How does John describe his relationship with the recipients of his letter in Revelation 1:9? What does this imply about the nature of the church? ([53:55])
2. What are some of the attributes of Jesus described in Revelation 1:12-16? How do these attributes reflect His divinity and authority? ([01:09:28])
3. According to Revelation 1:17-18, what does Jesus say about His power over life and death? How does this provide comfort to believers? ([01:19:03])
4. In Daniel 7:9-10, how is the "Ancient of Days" described, and how does this vision compare to John's vision of Jesus in Revelation? ([01:14:43])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean for Christians to be "united in a battle characterized by suffering for the sake of Christ"? How does this shared experience shape the community of believers? ([57:56])
2. How does the vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16 serve as both a comfort and a call to action for believers? What specific attributes of Jesus are meant to inspire us? ([01:09:28])
3. In what ways does Jesus' declaration that He holds the keys to death and Hades empower believers to live boldly and confidently? How should this truth impact our daily lives? ([01:19:03])
4. How does the message of Revelation provide assurance rather than fear for believers? What aspects of Jesus' presence and power are emphasized to give us confidence? ([01:26:27])

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### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering or persecution for your faith. How did you find solidarity and purpose in your faith journey during that time? ([57:56])
2. Considering the vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16, which attribute of Jesus stands out to you the most? How can this attribute inspire you in your current circumstances? ([01:09:28])
3. Jesus' power over life and death is a profound truth. How can this knowledge help you face your fears and uncertainties? What specific steps can you take to live more boldly in light of this truth? ([01:19:03])
4. The sermon emphasized that the message of Revelation is one of assurance for believers. How can you remind yourself of Jesus' presence and power in your daily life, especially during challenging times? ([01:26:27])
5. The pastor warned against the health and wealth gospel, highlighting the reality of a suffering Savior. How can you align your expectations of the Christian life with the biblical call to take up your cross and follow Jesus? ([59:17])
6. How can you be a light in the darkness of this world, as described in the sermon? Identify one specific way you can proclaim Christ in your current context, even if it involves facing opposition. ([01:05:12])
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to find rest and peace in Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him and experience His comfort and presence more fully? ([01:26:27])

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering Unites Us in Christ
Suffering as a Christian is not an anomaly but an expected part of the journey. It is a profound experience that connects believers with the life of Jesus Christ, who endured suffering for humanity's sake. This shared experience of suffering for Christ's sake is not indicative of God's absence but rather a participation in the narrative of Jesus' own trials. It serves as a reminder that in the midst of trials, there is a deeper connection and solidarity with the body of Christ. The pain and challenges faced are not in vain but are a testament to the great riches of Jesus and His kingdom, which are often most clearly seen in times of hardship. [57:56]

"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." - 1 Peter 4:13 ESV

Reflection: How can your current struggles be viewed as a means to deepen your connection with Christ and fellow believers?

Day 2: Light Amidst the Darkness
The world has been marred by sin, casting a shadow over creation, yet Christians are called to be beacons of light in this pervasive darkness. The context of the American church may not mirror the extreme suffering of the early church or other parts of the world, but the mandate to live out the gospel remains unchanged. Believers are tasked with the mission to embody and proclaim Christ's love and truth, regardless of the cultural or societal challenges they may face. This calling is a powerful reminder that the light of Christ within can shine brightly against the backdrop of a darkened world. [01:05:12]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." - Ephesians 5:8 ESV

Reflection: In what practical ways can you be a light in your community this week, reflecting Christ's love and truth?

Day 3: Inspired by the Vision of Jesus
The vision of Jesus in Revelation is not merely for comfort but also serves as a source of inspiration. His depiction as the Son of Man, with attributes of divine wisdom and authority, is a powerful reminder of His understanding of human suffering and His ultimate victory over sin and death. This vision is intended to embolden believers, to stir their hearts with the reality of Jesus' divinity, and to reassure them of His empathetic nature as one who has overcome the world. It is a call to look beyond present circumstances and to be inspired by the victorious Christ who reigns supreme. [01:09:28]

"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.'" - Revelation 3:14 ESV

Reflection: How does the vision of Jesus in Revelation challenge you to live with greater conviction and purpose?

Day 4: Empowered by Jesus' Authority
Jesus' power extends beyond historical events; it is a present reality that has profound implications for believers. Holding the keys to death and Hades, Jesus demonstrates His complete sovereignty over life and death. This authority is not meant to intimidate but to empower Christians to live with boldness and confidence. The knowledge that life is held securely in the hands of the resurrected Christ provides an unshakeable foundation for facing trials and tribulations. It is a call to live fearlessly, knowing that even in death, hope is alive because of Jesus' victory. [01:19:03]

"I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades." - Revelation 1:18 ESV

Reflection: What fears can you surrender to Jesus today, knowing that He holds ultimate authority over life and death?

Day 5: Assurance in Jesus' Presence
The message of Revelation is one of assurance for those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that He is present with His followers now, offering peace and rest amidst the storms of life. This assurance is not based on circumstances but on the unchanging nature of Jesus, who promises to be with His people always. Believers can face the future with confidence, not because they know what it holds, but because they know who holds the future. The victory of Jesus is a secured hope that stands firm against all fears and uncertainties. [36:45]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Reflection: How can the assurance of Jesus' presence transform the way you approach challenges in your life today?

Quotes

"Christians on a daily basis, I hear this all the time, they go out and they say, well, Jesus must be coming back because our world is just so much darker than it's ever been before. Americans say that. As it's the modern day Sodom and Gomorrah, they say. Have you read your Bible? I'm not challenging you. I'm going to help you understand the people that are going through this. I'm not saying our nation's not dark. I'm not saying it's not sinful. Of course it is." [01:03:42]( | | )

"Our world in America, has it gotten worse these last several decades? Absolutely. Right? It has. We've been pushed on. We've been criticized. It's going to continue to get worse because we are not afraid to come to church. We're not. We're not losing our lives to come and worship on Sunday morning. We have freedoms that every church age before us wishes they had. And you know what's sad? About it. And I'm talking to me, too. We fail to use those freedoms." [01:05:12](Download clip | Download cropped clip | )

"John's writing this letter to these Christians to say, yeah, it's not easy. Jesus never said it was. He said, pick up a cross. Follow me. Be willing to be rejected. Be willing to suffer. He says, don't lose hope. Don't give up. He says, here's why in the next several sections, because of the person and power of Jesus. Let that inspire you and let that empower you, which leads to our second point." [01:08:10]( | | )

"John here, he gives us this glorious vision of Jesus, which kind of, we see all these different characteristics, uh, of Christ here. There's actually 16 in total, if you were to just dig in, but, but to simplify it, what we see in this passage, it's the person of Jesus. And what we see in the next section that we'll get into in our last point, it's the power of Jesus. These are the things that inspire." [01:09:28]( | | )

"Listen, John, he's showing his reader here that nothing compares to Jesus. He says, just shift your gaze toward the only one worthy. Focus your gaze on the person and the power of Christ. As the lamp stands, as you stand in the midst of Jesus, endure your suffering with God. Be empowered as, as you're reminded of the power within you through the spirit of God." [01:23:28]( | | )

"John said it's a blessing as we go through it. If he says, I hold the keys to life in Hades, I'm going to, I'm going to read this, that he controls it. The image of keys here, it's always a symbol of complete authority in the Jewish thought. I mean, Jesus, he, he's completely authoritative over death, over life. Only through him is power found over either." [01:20:33]( | | )

"John, who's writing this letter, who walked with Jesus in a very physical, personal way. He says he's our brother. And you guys have heard my testimony. I struggled as a teenage boy, especially after my parents' divorce. And I wanted so desperately a family. I wanted a mom and a dad and siblings who looked like everyone else that I knew, that had it all together. I longed for that." [53:55]( | | )

"And Lord, be with us this morning. Fill us with your spirit even now as we get ready to dive back into Revelation. And Lord, let us leave knowing that you're with us. Just in time. Just as Matthew 28 says, it's not a future thing. You're with us now. Yes, you're coming back. But you are with us now. And let us find confidence in that." [36:45]( | | )

"And Lord, thank you for this picture that we get to see of your Son and to know who He is, the power of the Holy Spirit. the person, to have experienced it. Thank you for the hope we have, that no matter what it is we face, no matter what we walk through, this picture that we see, we know he's the one with us, he's the one that stands before us, and there's nothing that we can't overcome." [01:35:30]( | | )

"John shows us Jesus knows all things. His eyes were like a flame of fire. He knows everything about us with eyes like fire. He searches every area of our hearts. He sees through all pretenses. He sees the purity of our hearts. He sees the stains of our hearts. He searches every area of our hearts and he sees everything that we want to hide." [01:17:36]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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