Finding Joy in Suffering: Glorifying God Through Trials

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Suffering as a Path to Glory

Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, and it is through these tribulations that believers enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This path is not easy, but it is the path of obedience and mission, glorifying God in the process. Christians are called to embrace suffering as a high calling, understanding that it is a part of their spiritual growth and journey towards eternal life. The early church understood this, and their example serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found in faith. [01:06]

Acts 14:22 (ESV): "Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently experiencing suffering? How can you view this suffering as a part of your journey towards glorifying God?

Day 2: The Intertwining of God's Glory and Our Happiness

God's glory and our happiness are not in conflict; they are beautifully intertwined. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially through suffering. This satisfaction in God is the key to enduring trials and glorifying Him. When believers find their deepest joy in God, they reflect His glory to the world, even in the midst of hardship. This perspective transforms suffering into an opportunity to demonstrate the sufficiency and beauty of God. [03:31]

Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Reflection: In what ways can you seek to find your satisfaction in God today, even amidst challenges? How might this change your perspective on your current circumstances?

Day 3: Treasuring Eternal Possessions Over Earthly Loss

The early Christians joyfully accepted the plundering of their property because they knew they had a better possession in Christ. This teaches believers that their true treasure is in heaven, and it is this eternal perspective that sustains them through suffering. By valuing eternal rewards over temporary losses, Christians can endure trials with joy and hope, knowing that their ultimate inheritance is secure in Christ. This mindset shifts the focus from earthly possessions to heavenly treasures. [14:51]

Hebrews 10:34 (ESV): "For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one."

Reflection: What earthly possessions or comforts are you holding onto too tightly? How can you begin to shift your focus to the eternal treasures you have in Christ?

Day 4: Enduring Trials with Joy Like Jesus

Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, modeling for believers how to endure suffering with joy. His example shows that joy in God enables believers to endure trials and glorifies Him in the process. By focusing on the joy that lies beyond suffering, Christians can find strength and perseverance in their faith journey. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the eternal promises of God. [21:11]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: How can you follow Jesus' example by focusing on the joy set before you in your current trials? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this joy in your daily life?

Day 5: Bearing Reproach for Christ with an Eternal Perspective

Believers are called to go outside the camp, to bear the reproach of Christ, and to seek the city that is to come. This is the path of true discipleship, requiring an eternal perspective and valuing Christ above all else. By embracing this calling, Christians demonstrate their commitment to Christ and their hope in the eternal city that awaits them. This perspective encourages believers to live boldly for Christ, even when it means facing rejection or persecution. [24:39]

Hebrews 13:13-14 (ESV): "Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to bear the reproach of Christ in your current context? How can you keep an eternal perspective as you face challenges for your faith?

Sermon Summary

In our time together, I've shared a message that is both challenging and deeply rooted in the truth of Scripture. My heart is full of affection for each of you, as I consider the weight of what it means to truly follow Christ, especially in the face of suffering. We are reminded that suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, as the Bible tells us that through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This path is not easy, but it is the path of obedience and mission, and it is one that I have encouraged my own children to embrace.

The central theme we've explored is the glory of God and the gladness of man, and how these two can be one. God's passion for His glory and our desire for happiness are not in conflict; rather, they are beautifully intertwined. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, even through suffering. This satisfaction in God is not just a personal pursuit but is meant to overflow into love for others, even when it is costly.

We looked at the book of Hebrews to understand how joy in God sustains us through suffering. The early Christians faced persecution, yet they joyfully accepted the plundering of their property because they knew they had a better and abiding possession in Christ. Moses chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin, because he was looking to the reward. Jesus Himself endured the cross for the joy set before Him, modeling for us how to endure suffering with joy.

As we consider these truths, we are called to pursue our joy in God relentlessly, knowing that this pursuit glorifies Him and enables us to love others well. We are invited to go outside the camp, to bear the reproach of Christ, and to seek the city that is to come. This is not an easy path, but it is the path of true discipleship, and it is one that leads to eternal joy and satisfaction in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, but it is through these tribulations that we enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Embracing obedience and mission, even when it leads to suffering, is a high calling that glorifies God. [01:06]
2. God's glory and our happiness are not in conflict; they are intertwined. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially through suffering. This satisfaction in God is the key to enduring trials and glorifying Him. [03:31]
3. The early Christians joyfully accepted the plundering of their property because they knew they had a better possession in Christ. This teaches us that our true treasure is in heaven, and it is this eternal perspective that sustains us through suffering. [14:51]
4. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, modeling for us how to endure suffering with joy. Our joy in God is what enables us to endure trials and glorifies Him in the process. [21:11]
5. We are called to go outside the camp, to bear the reproach of Christ, and to seek the city that is to come. This is the path of true discipleship, and it requires us to have an eternal perspective, valuing Christ above all else. [24:39]
** [24:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Growing Affection
[00:52] - The Reality of Suffering
[01:23] - Treasuring Christ Above All
[02:58] - The Glory of God and Our Gladness
[03:49] - God's Pursuit of His Glory
[04:56] - Enjoying God Magnifies Him
[06:33] - Pursuing Joy in God
[08:13] - Satisfaction in Suffering
[09:36] - Love as an Overflow of Joy
[11:41] - Joy in the Midst of Persecution
[13:13] - Joyfully Accepting Loss
[16:39] - Moses' Choice of Suffering
[20:25] - Jesus' Endurance Through Joy
[24:39] - Bearing Reproach for Christ

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Hebrews 10:32-34
Hebrews 11:24-26
Hebrews 12:1-2

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Observation Questions:

In Hebrews 10:32-34, what was the response of the early Christians to the persecution they faced, and what motivated their reaction? [13:13]
How does Hebrews 11:24-26 describe Moses' choice, and what does it reveal about his values and priorities? [16:39]
According to Hebrews 12:1-2, what enabled Jesus to endure the cross, and how is this significant for believers today? [20:25]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between suffering and entering the Kingdom of Heaven? [01:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon explain the connection between God's glory and our happiness, and why are they not in conflict? [03:31]
What does it mean to "joyfully accept the plundering of your property" as described in Hebrews 10:34, and how does this reflect an eternal perspective? [14:51]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that enduring suffering with joy glorifies God? [08:13]
How does the example of Jesus in Hebrews 12:2 serve as a model for enduring suffering, and what is the "joy set before Him"? [21:11]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your faith in God influence your response, and what might you do differently now to glorify God through your suffering? [09:36]
The sermon encourages believers to pursue joy in God relentlessly. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your satisfaction in God, especially during challenging times? [06:16]
Consider the idea of "going outside the camp" and bearing the reproach of Christ. What might this look like in your daily life, and how can you prepare yourself to embrace this call? [24:39]
How can you cultivate an eternal perspective like the early Christians, who joyfully accepted loss for the sake of Christ? Identify one area in your life where you can shift your focus from temporary to eternal values. [14:51]
Moses chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. What are some "fleeting pleasures" in your life that you need to reconsider, and how can you prioritize your relationship with God? [17:23]
Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. What is the "joy" that you are looking forward to, and how does it motivate you to endure present challenges? [21:11]
The sermon speaks about the cost of pursuing joy in God and loving others. What is one specific way you can demonstrate costly love to someone in your life this week? [09:56]

Sermon Clips

because the Bible says through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven There is no other way there and if you choose to embrace obedience at at the hard place of of mission or Ministry uh it will be more and so I don't take lightly the fact that I uh am going to call you to treasure Christ enough to die for him [00:01:04]

the theme has been the glory of God and the gladness of man can they really be one can God's passion for his glory and my passion to be happy really be one and not be in conflict and and our answer has been yes they can be and the secret the key phrase has been God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in him [00:03:16]

so the answer is yes enjoying God enjoying Christ magnifies Christ magnifies God makes him look really good and then we drew the inference okay if that's true then you should obviously pursue that Joy all the time 247 never stopping nothing getting in your way keep on pursuing that joy in God because that magnifies him so much [00:06:01]

love is the Overflow of joy in God that meets the needs of others and the love really shines as beautiful when you press on loving others even when it's really hard and really costly so I called this session uh the cost of pursuing joy in God or the cost of loving people so that's where we're going [00:09:43]

you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property and the question is how in the world can you look at your house all broken with graffiti all over it Christians go home and joyfully accept it and the answer is given in the next Clause since you knew you yourself had a better possession and an abiding one [00:14:51]

Moses choosing to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting Mark that in your Bible because I'm not telling you that the pleasures of sin are not real I'm just telling you they're fleeting fleeting they don't last Christ lasts forever so he he knew this he knew that these Pleasures offered to him in Egypt were fleeting [00:16:47]

he considered the reproach of the Christ greater wealth now that's really strange if you want to be a Christian you're strange you you can't reproach riches I mean riches are riches a lot of money in the bank buy whatever you want that's riches he said reproach for the Christ is riches that's just strange [00:17:51]

how did Jesus survive what you saw in the passion movie how did he survive it how did he know not say God I spent 33 years in sinless obedience and this is what I get that's the way a lot of Christians respond when things go bad I've been trying my best to follow you and this comes into my life [00:21:21]

Jesus invited you do you want to be my disciple then come and suffer with me bear reproach for me to reach the Nations that are yet unreached in this world is going to be extremely costly when I recruit missionaries at Bethlehem I'm not smiling like this is a nice romantic thing where you can take a trip and come back every few years [00:22:24]

if this Great Commission is going to be finished in our generation it will mean death and suffering and reproach and imprisonment we've got to own up to how Jesus survived here how did he survive those lashes answer for the joy that was set before him the place to fight the Battle of your preparation is right now [00:23:13]

therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured so there it is again an invitation come on he went outside Jerusalem you could call it he went outside his comfort zone that's kind of a cheap way to say it but that's true we all have those he went outside the safe secure place to the hard place and he died there for us [00:24:49]

the reason we're able to go with Jesus and endure hardship even though you thought this life was all about maximizing your pleasure on Earth is because here we we have no lasting City we seek a city which is to come teenagers don't do much of that I want Bethlehem I want all teenagers to be different who are Christ's [00:27:09]

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Finding Joy in Suffering: Glorifying God Through Trials

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Suffering as a Path to Glory

Day 2: The Intertwining of God's Glory and Our Happiness

Day 3: Treasuring Eternal Possessions Over Earthly Loss

Day 4: Enduring Trials with Joy Like Jesus

Day 5: Bearing Reproach for Christ with an Eternal Perspective

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Finding Joy in Suffering: Glorifying God Through Trials

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