April 28, 2024

Following Jesus in Suffering

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Psalm 93:1-5
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Example
    • How might Paul reply?
    • How might such a person respond to Paul's deprivation in chapter 11?
  • Considering a Christianity that is robust, strong and true
    • Unlike any other religion
    • That meets the most intense persecution and does not give up
    • That suffers terribly but remains loyal to the Lord
    • That gives thanks to God in the midst of such suffering
  • A series of questions and responses

Why did you suffer so much?

Because I preached the truth

  • Examples
    • They hated me because they hated this message
    • The Greeks though it was foolish and also hated this message
  • This is my suffering (v23b)
    • Beaten
    • Imprisoned
    • Close to death on many occasions
    • Lashings (on 5 occasions)
    • Stoned
  • He knew intense persecution - because of the message he preached
  • What is your Christianity?
    • Do you suffer for your witness?
    • Do you preach truth?
    • We need to be wise and bold

Because I am following my Lord/Master

  • We follow our Master - we walk in His footsteps
  • We identify in His shame and suffering
  • Are we prepared to follow Jesus into suffering?
    • Not 'health and wealth'
  • Paul is challenging these false ministers (v23)
    • Example of Training Course

Because He is Worthy

  • I met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus
    • Paul was so overwhelmed by the love of God to him
    • He bursts out in praise - 2 Cor 1:3
    • Not just a compulsion to follow Him

Because I love my fellow man

  • He is not going to stop
  • He is willing to be accursed and damned [if such a thing was possible] for his own people - Romans 9-10
    • He always preached first in the Synagogue
    • He felt a debtor to the Gentiles - Rom 1:14, Acts 9:15-16
  • What is your burden for the lost?
    • Do you love them enough to be persecuted and mis-understood?
    • Are you willing to suffer?

What is the hardest thing you have to bear?

  • Many deprevivations
    • Lashings ...
    • Shipwrecks ...
    • Perils ...
    • Walking/long days ...
    • Lack of food and shelter ...
  • None of the above
    • The hardest thing is the state of the Churches
    • Converts weak in the faith (v29)
      • Stumbling in sin
      • Being led into bondage
  • Paul might ask us how much we love the Church of Jesus Christ?
    • How concerned are we for the name of God?
    • How concerned are we for the glory of God?

What keeps you going?

  • A secret - when he is weak, then he is strong (2 Cor 12:10)
  • Contentment - Phil 4:11
  • That nothing can separate him from the love of God - Rom 8:35-39
  • Paul will only boast in his weakness so God will have all the glory

What are these words about boasting?

  • These words are not the norm (v17)
    • I have been forced into this situation
    • I need to expose these men who are boasting - by using irony
  • I am not a fool (v16)
    • You put up with foolish men - I will be foolish
    • You put up with so much - bondage and even physical attacks
    • He lists his 'credentials'
    • He was prepared for such humiliation
  • He was not lying (v31)
  • He would not boast in his success but in his weakness

Closing Remarks

  • Wealth and health - a false Christianity
    • Only brings disillusionment
    • Only brings empty promises
  • Jesus Christ was a warrior who conquered through suffering
    • We are to follow in His footsteps
    • If we suffer with Him we will be glorified with Him
    • He has overcome the world