Suffering as a Pathway to Gospel Mission

In reflecting on the profound truth of Colossians 1:24, we are reminded that our sufferings are not in vain but serve a greater purpose in God's redemptive plan. The Apostle Paul speaks of rejoicing in his sufferings, as they complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. This does not imply any deficiency in Christ's atoning work but highlights the necessity of our participation in making the gospel known to the nations. Our sufferings, like those of Paul, serve as a bridge, connecting the sacrificial love of Christ to those who have yet to hear the good news.

The story of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:30 illustrates this concept beautifully. He risked his life to deliver the Philippians' gift to Paul, completing what was lacking in their service. Similarly, our sufferings and sacrifices are the means by which we present Christ's afflictions to the world. This is the divine strategy for missions: to show the gospel through our lives, even when it involves suffering and martyrdom.

The call to missions is inherently a call to suffer, as evidenced by the countless martyrs who have laid down their lives for the sake of the gospel. This is not a burden but a privilege, as our momentary afflictions are working for us an eternal weight of glory. The story of the Indian evangelist with bloody feet serves as a poignant reminder that our willingness to endure hardship for the gospel can be a powerful testimony to the reality of Christ's love.

In the face of suffering, we are called to embrace this divine strategy, recognizing that there is no such thing as a closed country when we are willing to suffer for Christ. The legacy of missionaries like Jim Elliott and Nate Saint challenges us to live with the same resolve, understanding that our lives are a testament to the gospel we proclaim. As we participate in this mission, we are assured that our sufferings are not in vain but are part of God's sovereign plan to bring salvation to the nations.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Our sufferings serve a greater purpose in God's redemptive plan, completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions by connecting His sacrificial love to those who have yet to hear the gospel. [06:26]
• 2. The story of Epaphroditus illustrates that our sacrifices are the means by which we present Christ's afflictions to the world, fulfilling the divine strategy for missions. [04:02]
• 3. The call to missions is a call to suffer, but this is not a burden; it is a privilege, as our momentary afflictions work for us an eternal weight of glory. [08:38]
• 4. Our willingness to endure hardship for the gospel can be a powerful testimony to the reality of Christ's love, as seen in the story of the Indian evangelist with bloody feet. [11:20]
• 5. There is no such thing as a closed country when we are willing to suffer for Christ, as demonstrated by the legacy of missionaries like Jim Elliott and Nate Saint. [19:29]
  ** [19:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:09] - Suffering as Gain
• [00:49] - Rejoicing in Sufferings
• [01:24] - Completing Christ's Afflictions
• [02:05] - Greek Text Insights
• [02:53] - Epaphroditus' Example
• [04:28] - Sacrificial Offering of Love
• [06:06] - Connection Through Suffering
• [07:27] - Paradigm of Suffering
• [08:25] - Suffering as Part of the Great Commission
• [10:21] - Story of the Indian Evangelist
• [12:35] - Modern Martyrs
• [14:11] - Revelation's Call to Suffer
• [17:15] - Legacy of Jim Elliott and Nate Saint
• [19:29] - Divine Intervention in Suffering

1. What does Paul mean when he says he rejoices in his sufferings in Colossians 1:24? How does this relate to the idea of completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions? [00:49]
2. How does the story of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:30 illustrate the concept of completing what is lacking in service? What was missing in the Philippians' service to Paul? [04:02]
3. In Revelation 6:11, what is the significance of the martyrs being told to rest until the number of their fellow servants is complete? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about suffering? [14:35]

1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" in the context of missions and suffering? What role does personal suffering play in this interpretation? [07:27]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between suffering and the Great Commission? How is suffering portrayed as a necessary part of spreading the gospel? [08:06]
3. How does the story of the Indian evangelist with bloody feet serve as a metaphor for the sermon’s message about suffering and testimony? What does this story reveal about the power of personal sacrifice? [11:20]

1. Reflect on a time when you faced suffering or hardship. How did it impact your faith and your ability to share the gospel with others? How might you view such experiences differently after hearing this sermon? [08:38]
2. The sermon suggests that suffering is a privilege rather than a burden. How can you shift your perspective to see your own challenges as opportunities to participate in God's redemptive plan? [08:57]
3. Consider the legacy of missionaries like Jim Elliott and Nate Saint. What steps can you take to live with the same resolve and commitment to the gospel in your own life? [19:29]
4. How can you actively participate in missions, whether locally or globally, knowing that it may involve personal sacrifice or suffering? What practical steps can you take to prepare for this? [15:28]
5. The sermon emphasizes that there is no such thing as a closed country when we are willing to suffer for Christ. How can you apply this mindset to areas in your life where you feel resistance or closed doors? [16:06]
6. How can you support those who are currently suffering for their faith, either through prayer, financial support, or other means? What specific actions can you take this week to make a difference? [16:22]
7. Reflect on the idea that our sufferings serve a greater purpose in God's plan. How can you use your current circumstances to connect others to the sacrificial love of Christ? [06:26]