Magnifying Christ Through Satisfaction in Suffering

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially in our suffering and death. This satisfaction in Christ is not just a personal experience but a global calling. We are reminded that our church's vision, like the 25 by 25 initiative, is deeply rooted in the wells of God's global glory. This vision is not born out of thin air but from a leadership that drinks deeply from the global glory of God, aiming to plant churches and reach people groups worldwide.

We do not worship a tribal deity; Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead, the very image of God, through whom all things were created. Every person, every nation, and every institution is created for the glory of Jesus Christ. When humanity fell into sin, Jesus came into the world, lived a perfect life, died a substitutionary death, and rose from the dead, laying claim to the worship of every human being. Where worship does not exist, missions should.

The essence of our mission is that Christ is magnified in His world through servants who are satisfied in His worth, especially in their suffering and death. This satisfaction in Christ is what carries missionaries through trials and tribulations. The purpose of creation, redemption, and mission is Christ magnified among the nations, and the means to this end is nations being satisfied in Christ above all things. Missionaries, who are embodiments of Christ's worth, bridge this purpose and means.

As we reflect on how God calls individuals to missions, we recognize the mystery of His providence. In a church where Christ is exalted, specific Bible passages and truths can become a personal call to missions. This call is not impulsive but a deep, unshakable conviction that leads individuals to serve where Christ is not yet known.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Christ is most magnified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, especially in our suffering and death. This satisfaction is not just personal but a global calling to make Christ known among all nations. [19:38]
• 2. Our mission is rooted in the global glory of God, aiming to plant churches and reach people groups worldwide. This vision is born from a leadership that drinks deeply from God's glory. [01:34]
• 3. Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead, claims the worship of every human being. Where worship does not exist, missions should, as every person and nation is created for His glory. [03:58]
• 4. The purpose of creation, redemption, and mission is Christ magnified among the nations. The means to this end is nations being satisfied in Christ above all things, with missionaries embodying this satisfaction. [21:09]
• 5. God's call to missions is a mystery of His providence. In a church where Christ is exalted, specific Bible passages and truths can become a personal, unshakable call to serve where Christ is not yet known. [33:51]
  ** [33:51]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:23] - Opening Prayer
• [01:00] - Vision of Global Glory
• [02:33] - Worship Beyond Tribal Deity
• [03:58] - Christ's Claim on Humanity
• [05:33] - Drinking from Ancient Wells
• [07:05] - God's Work in Our Lives
• [08:19] - Invitation to Global Partners
• [10:26] - Drawing from the Well
• [12:20] - Paul's Passion for Christ
• [14:29] - Christ Magnified in Life and Death
• [16:25] - Understanding Death as Gain
• [18:27] - Christ's Worth in Suffering
• [20:46] - Purpose and Means of Missions
• [23:38] - Embodying Christ's Afflictions
• [26:13] - The Call to Missions
• [29:11] - The Mystery of God's Providence
• [34:46] - Invitation to Respond

1. Philippians 1:20-21 - "It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
2. Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church."
3. Psalm 67:4 - "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth."

1. According to Philippians 1:20-21, what is Paul's hope and expectation regarding how Christ will be honored in his life and death? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on Christ being magnified in us? [12:20]
2. In Colossians 1:24, Paul speaks about rejoicing in his sufferings. What does he mean by "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions"? How does this connect to the sermon’s message about missionaries embodying Christ's worth? [23:38]
3. Psalm 67:4 speaks of nations being glad. How does this verse support the sermon’s vision of global missions and the satisfaction in Christ among all nations? [21:50]

1. How does the idea that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" challenge or affirm your current understanding of life and death? How might this perspective influence a believer's approach to suffering and missions? [16:25]
2. What does it mean for missionaries to be "embodiments of Christ's worth" as discussed in the sermon? How does this concept relate to the idea of being satisfied in Christ above all things? [22:34]
3. The sermon suggests that God's call to missions can be a mystery of His providence. How might specific Bible passages or truths become a personal call to missions for someone in the church? [33:51]

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced satisfaction in Christ during a difficult period. How did this satisfaction impact your faith and witness to others? [19:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being satisfied in Christ, especially in suffering. What practical steps can you take to deepen your satisfaction in Christ in your daily life? [20:05]
3. Consider the global vision of missions presented in the sermon. How can you personally contribute to this vision, whether through prayer, financial support, or direct involvement? [01:34]
4. The sermon mentions the mystery of God's providence in calling individuals to missions. Have you ever felt a specific call or leading from God? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [29:11]
5. How can you cultivate a heart that is open to God's call to missions, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone? What fears or obstacles might you need to overcome? [26:13]
6. The sermon speaks of missionaries being satisfied in Christ's worth. How can you embody this satisfaction in your own community and relationships? [22:34]
7. Reflect on the idea that "where worship does not exist, missions should." How does this statement challenge your current understanding of missions and evangelism? [05:05]