Kay Arthur Video:
Kay Arthur Video 7: Why Suffering? How Do You Handle It?
Philippians 1:29 - For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
Η if you are God’s child, suffering has to come to you
➢ Reasons for suffering
➢ Realities of suffering
➢ Response in suffering
➢ Results of suffering
Paul had one ambition – that Christ be exalted in his body
Philippians 1:19-20,27a - 19For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. … 27Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, …
“worthy” – to have the same weight
⇒ your life should measure up to all that the gospel says and all that the gospel proclaims and all that the gospel works in a man’s life – so that our conduct should be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:27b-28a - 27… so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, …
– the gospel will always have opposition
Philippians 1:28b-30 - 28… which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
what conflict did they see in Paul?
– when he first went to deliver the gospel to Philippi he ended up in jail
Philippians 1:29 - For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
⇒ you can not have Jesus Christ without suffering
➢ Reasons for suffering
1. A Gift of Sharing in Christ’s Affliction
Romans 8:15-17 - 15For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs-- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
you are going to suffer with Him so that you might be glorified with Him
– His affliction is still going on in the person of you
Philippians 3:10 - that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
fellowship - koinonia – to share in common (two guys in the same boat)
it is a gospel of affliction, of suffering ⇒ together we join Jesus Christ and share in His affliction
Colossians 1:24 - I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,
why are things lacking in Christ’s afflictions?
the kingdom of God is still a spiritual kingdom
– Christ has not come back down to earth yet to establish His rule where He will rule with a rod of iron ⇒ His kingdom at this point is not of this world
our citizenship is not here –
Philippians 3:20 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
– who is going to deliver us from the wrath which is to come
⇒ we are aliens, strangers, pilgrims living in a world environment that has and recognizes another prince rather than Prince Jesus – Satan
Ephesians 2:2 - in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
there are only two classes of people
– those who believe in Jesus Christ and those who do not believe in Jesus Christ
▪ those who believe in Christ have a master ⇒ God
▪ those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have a slave master ⇒ Satan
Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
– this Satanic hierarchy is bent on destroying the children of God, bent on keeping the gospel from going forward
⇒ as you suffer you are filling up in your body the afflictions of Jesus Christ
Acts 5:27-33 - 27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" 29But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him." 33When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
– the council is the Sanhedrin
Acts 5:34-39 - 34Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-- lest you even be found to fight against God."
⇒ know that anytime that you start to suffer for righteousness, for holiness, for godliness, for the sake of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, those people are not fighting you
– they are fighting against God
the reason they are attacking you is because they can’t see God – but they see God in you
Acts 5:40-41 - 40And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
they were filling up the afflictions of Jesus Christ
2. Suffering Purifies the Believer
⇒ it’s going to make you more like Jesus
I Peter 1:6-7a - 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, …
the reality of your faith is more precious than gold
I Peter 1:7b - … though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
⇒ suffering proves your faith
Philippians 1:28 - and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
when suffering comes your way and it does not destroy your faith, but it causes you to stand – it shows you the reality of your faith
Psalm 12:6 - The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
when silver is refined it is purified in the fire seven times – every time the temperature is hotter
⇒ the silversmith knows when it is totally purified because when he looks in the silver he sees a perfect image of himself
James 1:2-4 - 2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
endure – hupomone – to abide under
⇒ when you start to suffer don’t run away!
Romans 5:3-5a - 3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Now hope does not disappoint, …
suffering purifies us and suffering proves to us that we belong to Jesus Christ
– because it refines us
Exalt
Hope
⎛ ⎝
Proven Tribulation
Character
∑ ⎜
Perseverance
you’ll doubt your salvation when you are not walking the way God says walk
3. Suffering Testifies to the Reality of Your Faith
II Corinthians 4:1a - Therefore, since we have this ministry,
– the ministry of the new covenant
II Corinthians 4:1b-3 - 1… as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
this ministry is your responsibility – you have turned from a life that is opposed to Jesus Christ
⇒ your very lifestyle speaks of the reality of Jesus Christ
II Corinthians 4:7-12 - 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- 10always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12So then death is working in us, but life in you.
suffering also testifies to the reality of your faith to those that are watching
death works in you – but life and salvation come to others
Philippians 1:28 - and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
what makes you endure? – if you love someone you’ll do anything for them
➢ Realities of suffering
1. That Suffering Will Never Be More Than You Can Bear
I Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
there is a way of escape
⇒ in the midst of the trial His grace is sufficient for you
2. The Lord Will Never Abandon You in the Midst of That Suffering
Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Greek – “I will never never never leave you nor never forsake you”
Hebrews 13:6 - So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
II Timothy 4:16-17 - 16At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 17But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Acts 9:15-16 - 15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
⇒ you may suffer, but the Lord will never abandon you
3. Your Life Cannot Be Taken Without God’s Permission
the greatest fear that man has is the fear of death
Hebrews 2:14-15 - 14Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
⇒ you do not need to be afraid because no man can take your life from you
[Matthew 10:16-42]
Matthew 10:16,26,28,31 - 16"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. … 26Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. … 28And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. … 31Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Revelation 1:18 - "I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
Jesus has in His hands the keys to hell and to death
Deuteronomy 32:39 - 'Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.'
you are God’s possession
– therefore the enemy cannot take away your life without God’s permission
I Samuel 2:6-8 - 6"The LORD kills and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and brings up. 7The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and lifts up. 8He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and He has set the world upon them."
Revelation 2:10 - "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
for us death is not the cessation of life – it is the beginning of all that life is meant to be
➢ Response in suffering
1. Response toward God
I Peter 4:12-13 - 12Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
I Thessalonians 5:18 - in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Ephesians 5:20 - giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
⇒ rejoice toward God!
2. Response toward the person causing the suffering
Philippians 1:28 - and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
I Peter 3:14-15 - 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
when they are persecuting you, you are not to be terrified
– you are to respond to them with gentleness and reverence
I Peter 3:16 - having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
God deals with His enemies in love
Matthew 5:44-45a - 44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; …"
Romans 12:14-21 - 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
⇒ love your enemies
3. Response toward believers
Philippians 2:1 - Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
you are to be of one mind and one heart, united in spirit
– the enemy wants to separate you from the fold
➢ Results of suffering
▪ God is glorified
▪ you are purified
▪ others are justified
because they see that you are not terrified
– to them it is an evidence of the fact that they are lost
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