The Grace of Suffering

The Grace of Suffering
1 Peter 2:19-25
 
Have you ever heard someone claim, “No good deed goes unpunished”? Some people in the world, and even some Christians, hold the idea that if someone suffers for doing good, then why do good at all? Peter answered that question for us. Simply, God gives us special grace when we suffer for his sake. Peter gave us tips to remember during times of suffering for Christ and a good conscience toward God.
 

• To be ensured during suffering: Remember not to confuse suffering for the cause of Christ with suffering because of your own sin. Although God also gives grace and mercy in those sinful situations, the special grace about which Peter wrote comes only through suffering for Christ.

 

• To endure through suffering: Remember, despite of our present suffering, better days are coming. Even if suffering ends in death, better days are coming. (Romans 8:17-18)

 

• To enjoy in the midst of suffering: Remember the sweet fellowship in suffering. This fellowship should not to be confused with misery loves company. God gives a sweet grace in the midst of suffering for Christ: fellowship with Him and fellowship with other suffering believers. This fellowship is a true fellowship. (Philippians 3:8-10)

 

• To engage others with the Gospel: Remember that no matter how much suffering we endure for the glory of God, our suffering will never match that of Christ’s suffering. Consider these comparisons:
  • Jesus suffered through the rejection of the very people He came to save, and we’ve suffered the rejection of friends and loved ones.
  • Jesus suffered through physical anguish, beatings, lashings, and the crucifixion. Many Christians have suffered physically, too. Peter was crucified upside down. Paul was stoned multiple times, whipped multiple times and endured physical suffering.
  • Christ experienced one suffering that we will never experience, but because of this suffering, we can have fellowship with him. What kind of suffering did Jesus experience, which we don’t have to experience? He suffered the wrath of God as the sin of the world, your sin and my sin, was laid upon Him. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Praise God, we will never know that suffering as Christians. Plus, if you are lost, you do not have to know that suffering either. Jesus can save you from suffering the wrath of God due to sin. How? Turn to Jesus! Submit your life to him. He will forgive you and save you!

 
As Christians, we can fellowship with Him in our time of suffering, whatever it may be. We can rest assured that God is with us when we suffer for his sake. “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
 
 
Prayer Requests
Revival
Magee Family (Daniel’s son, Toot, passed away.)
**Update** As of tomorrow, The Grove will have no active cases of COVID.
Re-opening
Lori, Levi, and me
 
 
Announcements
June Literature
Wednesday Youth Zoom
Feed My Sheep
Mark 12:31 Challenge

I love and miss you! I look forward to seeing you at Drive-in Church on Sunday! I am praying this current safer-at-home order will not last much longer, so we can start reopening our church. Please pray with me to that end!

Serving Him by Serving You,
Pastor Scott