Perseverance Through Trials: Strength in Christ

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the theme of perseverance in the face of trials, drawing from both personal experiences and biblical examples. I shared a story about the challenges my family faced when moving into a new house and maintaining an in-ground pool, which served as a metaphor for the larger struggles we encounter in life. These everyday challenges often pale in comparison to the trials faced by early Christians, as depicted in the Book of Acts. We examined the life of Paul, who endured immense physical and emotional hardships for the sake of the gospel. Despite being beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and abandoned, Paul never wavered in his mission because he believed deeply in the cause of Christ.

We also looked at the emotional trials Paul faced, such as loneliness and betrayal, and how he found strength in God to press on. The key to Paul's perseverance was not his own strength but his reliance on the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit empowers us today to endure and thrive in our mission for Christ. We also touched on the life of David Livingstone, a missionary who faced numerous hardships but considered them insignificant compared to the glory that awaited him in heaven.

Ultimately, the message is clear: following Jesus is worth the trials and tribulations we face. Jesus Himself endured the ultimate suffering for our sake, and His example provides us with the strength and motivation to keep going. We are called to live out the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations, despite the difficulties we may encounter. The mission is worth it, and the strength to persevere comes from God, not from ourselves.

### Key Takeaways

1. Perseverance in Everyday Challenges: Life often presents us with challenges that test our resolve, much like maintaining an in-ground pool tested mine. These experiences remind us that perseverance is essential, not just in mundane tasks but in our spiritual journey as well. The small victories in everyday life prepare us for the larger battles we face in our walk with Christ. [02:08]

2. Physical Trials of the Mission: Paul’s life was marked by extreme physical suffering, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. Despite these hardships, he never gave up because he believed deeply in the mission God had given him. This teaches us that the mission of spreading the gospel is worth any physical discomfort we may endure. [14:35]

3. Emotional and Relational Trials: Beyond physical suffering, Paul faced emotional trials such as loneliness and betrayal. These experiences can be even more challenging than physical pain. However, Paul found strength in God, who stood by him and gave him the courage to continue. This reminds us that God is our ultimate source of strength in times of emotional distress. [22:16]

4. Strength from the Holy Spirit: Paul’s ability to persevere did not come from his own strength but from the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit is available to us today, empowering us to endure and thrive in our mission for Christ. Living a life of faith requires us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. [25:01]

5. The Ultimate Example of Jesus: Jesus endured the ultimate suffering for our sake, facing physical torture and the weight of the world’s sin. His perseverance is the ultimate proof of God’s love for us. By following Jesus’ example, we find the strength to keep going, knowing that our trials are insignificant compared to the glory that awaits us. [28:49]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[02:08] - The Pool Challenge
[03:38] - Everyday Struggles vs. Spiritual Trials
[04:55] - Modern-Day Challenges in Following Jesus
[06:13] - The Cost of Discipleship
[07:12] - Financial Sacrifices for the Gospel
[08:03] - Social and Emotional Costs
[08:54] - David Livingstone’s Perseverance
[10:03] - Livingstone’s Trials and Triumphs
[11:01] - Why Keep Going?
[12:01] - The Great Commission in Acts
[13:06] - Paul’s Physical Trials
[14:35] - Paul’s Sufferings Recounted
[16:48] - The Worth of the Mission
[18:30] - Emotional Trials of the Heart
[22:16] - Paul’s Loneliness and God’s Strength
[25:01] - Strength from the Holy Spirit
[26:39] - The Worth of a Life Lived for the Gospel
[28:49] - Jesus’ Ultimate Sacrifice
[30:17] - Finding Rest in Jesus
[31:39] - David Livingstone’s Perspective
[32:54] - The Call to Be Great Commission Christians
[34:04] - Recommissioning and Commitment
[35:53] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's recounting of his physical trials.
2. Romans 8:17-18 - Sharing in Christ's suffering and glory.
3. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 - Paul's loneliness and God's strength.

#### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the physical trials that Paul endured for the sake of the gospel? (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
2. How does Paul describe the relationship between suffering and glory in Romans 8:17-18?
3. In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, how did Paul find strength during his times of loneliness and abandonment?
4. What modern-day challenges did the pastor mention that Christians might face when following Jesus? [04:55]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Paul consider his physical trials worth enduring? How does this perspective challenge our view of suffering? (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
2. How does the promise of future glory in Romans 8:17-18 provide motivation for enduring present sufferings?
3. What does Paul's reliance on God during his emotional trials in 2 Timothy 4:16-17 teach us about finding strength in difficult times?
4. How can the examples of perseverance from Paul and David Livingstone inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith despite hardships? [11:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul's example of perseverance? [14:35]
2. Paul found strength in the Holy Spirit to endure his trials. What practical steps can you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [25:01]
3. The pastor mentioned that following Jesus often requires denying oneself and making sacrifices. What is one specific area in your life where you can practice self-denial for the sake of the gospel? [06:13]
4. Think about a time when you felt emotionally or relationally abandoned. How can Paul's experience and his reliance on God encourage you to find strength in similar situations? [22:16]
5. Jesus endured the ultimate suffering for our sake. How does His example motivate you to persevere in your own trials? What specific action can you take this week to follow His example? [28:49]
6. The pastor shared a story about the challenges of maintaining an in-ground pool as a metaphor for life's struggles. What "in-ground pool" challenges are you currently facing, and how can you apply the sermon’s lessons to persevere through them? [02:08]
7. Identify one person in your life who is struggling with their faith. How can you support and encourage them to persevere, drawing from the examples of Paul and David Livingstone? [08:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Perseverance in Everyday Challenges
Life often presents us with challenges that test our resolve, much like maintaining an in-ground pool tested the speaker's. These experiences remind us that perseverance is essential, not just in mundane tasks but in our spiritual journey as well. The small victories in everyday life prepare us for the larger battles we face in our walk with Christ. When we face these daily struggles, we can see them as opportunities to build our spiritual muscles, preparing us for more significant challenges ahead.

In the same way, our spiritual journey is filled with moments that require us to push through difficulties. These moments, though seemingly small, are crucial in shaping our character and faith. By persevering through everyday challenges, we develop the resilience needed to face more significant trials with confidence and trust in God. [02:08]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a recent everyday challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how can you see it as an opportunity to build spiritual resilience?

Day 2: Physical Trials of the Mission
Paul’s life was marked by extreme physical suffering, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. Despite these hardships, he never gave up because he believed deeply in the mission God had given him. This teaches us that the mission of spreading the gospel is worth any physical discomfort we may endure. Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission, despite the physical toll it took on him, serves as a powerful example for us today.

We may not face the same level of physical trials as Paul, but we are still called to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel. Whether it's sacrificing our comfort, time, or resources, we are reminded that the mission is worth it. Our physical trials, no matter how severe, are temporary and pale in comparison to the eternal impact of spreading the gospel. [14:35]

2 Corinthians 11:24-27 (ESV): "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure."

Reflection: What physical sacrifices have you made for the sake of the gospel? How can you find encouragement in Paul's example to continue enduring for the mission?

Day 3: Emotional and Relational Trials
Beyond physical suffering, Paul faced emotional trials such as loneliness and betrayal. These experiences can be even more challenging than physical pain. However, Paul found strength in God, who stood by him and gave him the courage to continue. This reminds us that God is our ultimate source of strength in times of emotional distress.

Emotional and relational trials can often leave us feeling isolated and discouraged. Yet, Paul's life shows us that even in the darkest moments, God is with us, providing the strength we need to persevere. By leaning on God during these times, we can find the courage to continue our mission and trust that He will see us through. [22:16]

2 Timothy 4:16-17 (ESV): "At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt emotionally or relationally abandoned. How did you experience God's presence and strength during that time?

Day 4: Strength from the Holy Spirit
Paul’s ability to persevere did not come from his own strength but from the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit is available to us today, empowering us to endure and thrive in our mission for Christ. Living a life of faith requires us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.

The Holy Spirit is our helper, providing us with the power and guidance we need to navigate the challenges of life. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can find the strength to persevere through any trial and fulfill the mission God has given us. This reliance on the Spirit is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of our need for God's power in our lives. [25:01]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's strength? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you today?

Day 5: The Ultimate Example of Jesus
Jesus endured the ultimate suffering for our sake, facing physical torture and the weight of the world’s sin. His perseverance is the ultimate proof of God’s love for us. By following Jesus’ example, we find the strength to keep going, knowing that our trials are insignificant compared to the glory that awaits us.

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of perseverance and love. His willingness to endure unimaginable suffering for our sake serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths God will go to for us. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and His example, we can find the motivation and strength to persevere through our own trials, knowing that they are temporary and that eternal glory awaits us. [28:49]

Hebrews 12:2-3 (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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

Reflection: How does Jesus' example of perseverance inspire you to endure your own trials? What steps can you take to keep your focus on Him during difficult times?

Quotes

1. "You know, following Jesus means to deny yourself. And so that means that you're going to have to give up your time. You know, God wants you and me to read our Bible so that we can let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, it says. And that might mean giving something else up during your day in order to have the time to read it. You know, you have to make some harder choices as a Christian." [06:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Following Jesus means you have to open your mouth and talk to people about Jesus. You can't separate following Jesus from making disciples. It's one and the same. And that can get a little scary. You might get made fun of for that. You might lose some friends. You might lose some friends over that. You might even lose a job over that." [07:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're not experiencing opposition or anything like that, well, it could be that you might not be allowing yourself to be in a position of following Jesus in a way that's noticeable enough to the world around you. But if you are really following Jesus with your lives, well, there's a good chance that you've experienced some hardship for it." [08:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You know, the New Testament states over and over that Christians will suffer for the sake of the gospel. You know, we will suffer for our faith. And it might not necessarily be from others, though, you know, we can get made fun of from time to time for trying to be holy in a culture that thinks that holiness is like taxes, right? It just gives people the willies. Ha! Trying to live according to the Bible is so counter-cultural that it feels like we're swimming upstream." [06:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Paul persevered because the power was from God, not from himself. If you want to make it through the kind of hardship that Paul went through, if you want to make it through the kind of hardship that Paul made it through, you know, if you want to survive, you have to trust in the Holy Spirit to help you. And that comes through living a life of faith." [25:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So bringing it all back, why should we pursue a life that we know is difficult? You know, why should we subject ourselves to ridicule, to hardship, to pain, when we can just stay inside, you know, or we can stay around our comfortable bubbles of Christian friends who love us rather than living the Great Commission? Well, because according to Paul, a life lived for the gospel is worth it." [26:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jesus' perseverance is the ultimate proof of God's love for us. He didn't give up. He didn't turn away. So that we could have hope. He finished the race so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. This is the good news that Paul went through so much for. That in Jesus' sacrifice, we find grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. And because of his resurrection, we find the strength to keep going, even when life is tough." [29:33] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Are we going to be the kind of Christians who shrink back from struggles? Who say, well, God can't possibly let us or want us to do this thing because of how hard it is. Are we going to be Christians who let our fear control us? Rather than getting into those eternal conversations? Or are we going to be great commission Christians? Christians who as we follow after Christ, as we do what he says and we make disciples, we bring that good news to those around us who need to hear it." [32:54] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Are you going to be the kind of Christian that has the strength to make it through trials? Because you know that the Spirit is with you. Because you know that the mission is worth it. Are you going to commit to looking at people around you with the heart of God, seeing people as lost sheep, that God desperately wants to save? Are you going to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that Jesus has commanded them?" [34:39] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If you're not living a life that requires any kind of faith in God and his promises and the Word, you may not experience that kind of strength. But if we're going to make our lives count, if we're going to live for Jesus, you know, fulfilling the Great Commission, it's going to take strength outside yourself. Paul was not strong enough on his own, and you and I certainly aren't either. The same Holy Spirit that moved through Paul moves through us today. It's not about trying harder. It's about faith." [25:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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