Refining Faith Through the Journey of Suffering

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering as a Refiner, Not a Definer

Suffering is an inevitable part of every believer's journey, including Jesus. However, it should not define us. Instead, it should refine us, making us stronger and more resilient in our faith. We can endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. Suffering is not a sign of weak faith but an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that comes from God. By allowing suffering to refine us, we become more like Christ, who also endured suffering but emerged victorious.

[01:06:35]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Think of a recent hardship you have faced. How can you view this experience as a refining process rather than a defining moment? What steps can you take to allow God to use this suffering to strengthen your faith?

Day 2: Correcting Flawed Perspectives on Suffering

Within the Christian community, there are two prevalent but flawed perspectives on suffering. One perspective glorifies suffering as a mark of holiness, while the other denies the reality of suffering for those with enough faith. Both are incorrect. Suffering is a part of our journey, but it is not the destination. Our faith is not deficient because we suffer; rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that comes from God. Understanding this helps us navigate suffering with a balanced and biblical perspective.

[01:07:29]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: Reflect on your current understanding of suffering. Do you tend to glorify it or deny its reality? How can you adopt a more balanced and biblical perspective on suffering in your daily life?

Day 3: Temporary and Light Afflictions

The Bible teaches that our sufferings are temporary and light compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. We are encouraged to resist the enemy with vigorous faith, knowing that our trials are producing a far greater glory. By focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary, we can find strength and hope in the midst of our trials.

[01:17:49]

Romans 8:18 (ESV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from the temporary nature of your current sufferings to the eternal glory that awaits you? What practical steps can you take to maintain this perspective in your daily life?

Day 4: God as Our Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Whether our suffering is due to our own foolish actions or for righteousness' sake, God provides mercy and grace abundantly. Our suffering should drive us closer to God, leaning on His faithfulness rather than the fickleness of humanity. In doing so, we emerge stronger, more resilient, and more reflective of His glory.

[01:28:15]

Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."

Reflection: In what ways can you lean on God's faithfulness during times of trouble? How can you make seeking God your first response rather than relying on human solutions?

Day 5: Perspective on Suffering

Suffering should be viewed in the light of eternity. It is momentary and light compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. We are encouraged to resist the enemy with vigorous faith, knowing that our trials are producing a far greater glory. By maintaining an eternal perspective, we can find hope and strength in the midst of our suffering.

[01:22:49]

2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

Reflection: How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life? What specific practices or habits can help you focus on the eternal rather than the temporary?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound topic of suffering and its place in the life of a believer. We began by acknowledging that suffering is an inevitable part of life, even for those who walk closely with God. Jesus Himself experienced suffering, and so will we. However, the key is not to let suffering define us but to allow it to refine us. We heard stories of individuals who have endured significant hardships yet emerged with their faith and joy intact, demonstrating that suffering does not have to leave us broken.

We discussed the two prevalent but flawed perspectives on suffering within the Christian community. One perspective glorifies suffering as a mark of holiness, while the other denies the reality of suffering for those with enough faith. Both are incorrect. Instead, we should understand that suffering is a part of our journey, but it is not the destination. Our faith is not deficient because we suffer; rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that comes from God.

We delved into the biblical perspective on suffering, emphasizing that it is temporary and light compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. We are encouraged to resist the enemy with vigorous faith, knowing that our trials are producing a far greater glory.

Finally, we were reminded that God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Whether our suffering is due to our own foolish actions or for righteousness' sake, God provides mercy and grace abundantly. Our suffering should drive us closer to God, leaning on His faithfulness rather than the fickleness of humanity. In doing so, we emerge stronger, more resilient, and more reflective of His glory.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Suffering is Inevitable but Not Defining: Suffering is a part of every believer's journey, including Jesus. However, it should not define us. Instead, it should refine us, making us stronger and more resilient in our faith. We can endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. [66:35]
2. Two Flawed Perspectives on Suffering: One perspective glorifies suffering as a mark of holiness, while the other denies the reality of suffering for those with enough faith. Both are incorrect. Suffering is a part of our journey, but it is not the destination. Our faith is not deficient because we suffer; rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and resilience that comes from God. [67:29]
3. Temporary and Light Afflictions: The Bible teaches that our sufferings are temporary and light compared to the eternal weight of glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. We are encouraged to resist the enemy with vigorous faith, knowing that our trials are producing a far greater glory. [77:49]
4. God as Our Refuge and Strength: God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Whether our suffering is due to our own foolish actions or for righteousness' sake, God provides mercy and grace abundantly. Our suffering should drive us closer to God, leaning on His faithfulness rather than the fickleness of humanity. [88:15]
5. Perspective on Suffering: Suffering should be viewed in the light of eternity. It is momentary and light compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us endure suffering without letting it alter our beliefs or our joy. We are encouraged to resist the enemy with vigorous faith, knowing that our trials are producing a far greater glory. [01:22:49]
### [82:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:48] - Stirring of Dormant Anointing
[35:45] - Worship and Healing
[37:20] - Emotional and Physical Healing
[38:19] - Changes in Worship and Offering
[38:56] - Act of Faith in Giving
[39:28] - Offering Time
[56:25] - Addressing Social Issues
[58:24] - War for Righteousness
[60:00] - Purpose of Faith in Suffering
[61:04] - Introduction to Suffering
[63:08] - Stories of Endurance
[66:35] - Perspective on Suffering
[67:29] - Two Flawed Perspectives
[77:49] - Temporary and Light Afflictions
[88:15] - God as Our Refuge and Strength
[82:49] - Perspective on Suffering
[101:46] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 2:18, why is Jesus able to help those who are being tempted? ([01:09:46])
In 1 Peter 5:8-11, what are believers instructed to do in response to the devil's attacks? ([01:12:20])
How does 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 describe our sufferings in comparison to the glory that awaits us? ([01:22:49])
What are the two flawed perspectives on suffering mentioned in the sermon? ([01:07:29])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding that Jesus also suffered (Hebrews 2:18) change the way believers view their own suffering? ([01:09:46])
What does it mean to "resist the devil" with "vigorous faith" as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:9? How can this be practically applied in daily life? ([01:13:20])
Why does Paul refer to our sufferings as "light and momentary" in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18? How does this perspective help believers endure hardships? ([01:22:49])
The sermon mentions that suffering should refine us rather than define us. How can believers ensure that their suffering leads to spiritual growth rather than spiritual defeat? ([01:06:35])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did you respond, and what did you learn about your faith through that experience? ([01:06:35])
The sermon discusses two flawed perspectives on suffering: glorifying it as a mark of holiness and denying it for those with enough faith. Have you encountered these perspectives in your faith journey? How did they affect you? ([01:07:29])
How can you practically "resist the devil" in your daily life, especially during times of suffering? What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in these moments? ([01:13:20])
The sermon emphasizes that our sufferings are temporary and light compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. How can you keep this perspective in mind when facing current challenges? ([01:22:49])
Think of a specific area in your life where you are currently experiencing suffering. How can you lean on God's faithfulness and strength to endure this trial? ([01:28:15])
The sermon encourages believers to let suffering drive them closer to God. What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God during times of trouble? ([01:28:15])
How can you support and encourage others in your small group who are going through suffering? What specific actions can you take to be a source of strength and comfort for them? ([01:14:07])

Sermon Clips

1. "See, there's a stirring inside of each and every one of God's children right now. Now, there's been dreams that were all but stolen. Hopes that were all but squashed. And right here in the midst of this worship, when we're giving him everything, the triumphs, the tragedies, the pleasures, the pains, he's stirring it all back up. Because God has determined that we will be the people. That he has ordained that we would be. He's determined that we would be without blemish. Nothing broken, nothing missing." [30:48] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You can endure suffering without suffering. Suffering becoming the thing that defines you. As you'll see when we get into this, it's all about perspective. And we're going to go through it. So we might as well learn how to do it in a kingdom way." [01:06:35] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You can have two churches read the same Bible and come up. One comes out with the idea that suffering is Christianity. And that if you're not suffering, you ain't living righteous. And that your holiness is marked by the degree of your suffering. And the more you suffer, the more devoted you are. So get a whip and whip thyself. And that is a school of thought." [01:07:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "It's not about suffering for suffering's sake, but nor are you ever going to reach this nirvana of faith that when you're in this world, because it's not written. And your faith, listen, if you're enduring something, it's not a sign. It's your faith is deficient. And you don't have to feel ashamed and condemned because for some particular reason, you're having it rough and they ain't. All of us suffer. All of us. Some just broadcast it. And others just walk through it." [01:08:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You don't sit by the ashes of your life and sing kumbaya, my Lord, whatever will be, will be. The devil can torment me. That ain't faith. That's foolishness. You resist your enemy. Take decisive stand against him and resist some of his attacks. Every attack with strong, vigorous faith." [01:13:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You can make it through what you're going through because he'll never leave you. He'll never forsake. And his word abides in you. The greatest treasure of Christianity is Christ in you. And if he can't be defeated, neither can you. Because Christ is in you." [01:15:09] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "There is suffering, but God is not the source. God is the fountain of grace. He's the place we run to. And this is why scholars say, I'm going to jump ahead a little bit. The reason why scholars say that suffering for righteousness sake produces strength is because it weans us off of humanity. It causes us to lean into the divine." [01:29:41] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God can't be both the help. God doesn't cause the problem to prove he's capable of solving it. He can't be both the help and the cause. And if your God is the cause, you need to start serving the God of the Bible, not the God of religion." [01:28:54] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Suffering does not need to define me. The goodness of God defines me. The blessings of God define me. The love of God defines me. The word of the living God defines me. We all go through it but we come out of it differently." [01:37:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So learn to focus. Focus not on the suffering which is light and momentary. Compared to the glory that is eternal and weighty. And by eternally saying this is. Listen. What you're going through it only feels like forever. But let me tell you what forever really is. It's delightful. It's filled with pleasures forevermore. It's filled with joy that is non-ending." [01:38:58] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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