WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.940 All right, we're going to dive back into our sermon series, Life on Mission, The Ultimate Walk with Christ. 00:00:07.060 --> 00:00:09.700 This is the third and final installment in that series. 00:00:10.439 --> 00:00:15.660 And I would love for you to take your Bibles and start to begin to turn to Philippians chapter 1. 00:00:16.640 --> 00:00:18.160 Philippians chapter 1. 00:00:18.339 --> 00:00:21.859 Two weeks ago, we talked about a call to minister. 00:00:22.719 --> 00:00:23.820 A call to minister. 00:00:24.440 --> 00:00:26.519 Talked about preaching and praying. 00:00:26.519 --> 00:00:33.219 These are two of the essential ways that we are all called to be ministers of the gospel. 00:00:33.399 --> 00:00:35.519 We preach the gospel to people. 00:00:35.640 --> 00:00:37.500 That doesn't mean you have to be up here on stage. 00:00:37.700 --> 00:00:46.379 But you can preach the gospel to all kinds of people in your life by just speaking the name of Jesus, sharing your personal testimony, etc. 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:48.219 So we preach the gospel. 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:49.859 We're all called to minister in that way. 00:00:49.960 --> 00:00:53.100 We're also called to pray for the lost around us. 00:00:53.100 --> 00:00:58.800 To pray for those without Christ, that he would reveal himself to them, draw them to himself. 00:00:59.420 --> 00:01:03.179 And so we are called to the ministry of praying and preaching. 00:01:03.900 --> 00:01:12.700 And then our takeaway that week was, am I willing to go on mission for God by preaching the gospel and praying for the lost around me? 00:01:12.780 --> 00:01:15.480 Last Sunday, we talked about a call to partner. 00:01:15.980 --> 00:01:18.240 A call to minister and then a call to partner. 00:01:18.239 --> 00:01:24.119 And specifically, we're talking about partnering with the church by serving. 00:01:25.060 --> 00:01:26.659 Partnering by serving. 00:01:27.280 --> 00:01:30.019 And so we talked about different ways to do that. 00:01:30.179 --> 00:01:37.599 But my next step could be an increased partnership with God and his church. 00:01:37.719 --> 00:01:39.519 So what is my next step? 00:01:39.579 --> 00:01:44.099 To go on mission for God by partnering with his church. 00:01:44.099 --> 00:01:52.859 So a call to minister, a call to partner through giving and serving, and then a call to suffer. 00:01:53.419 --> 00:01:55.000 So that's what we're talking about today. 00:01:55.659 --> 00:02:01.340 I know all of you woke up this morning and said, I really hope he preaches on suffering this morning. 00:02:02.079 --> 00:02:03.619 It's just that kind of day, right? 00:02:04.039 --> 00:02:05.739 No, probably not too many of us. 00:02:05.840 --> 00:02:10.840 But that is a very real part of walking with Jesus. 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:14.159 Jesus, Jesus certainly suffered on this earth. 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:18.860 And if we are called to follow in his steps, there is unavoidable suffering. 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:26.400 And oftentimes, we're going to see today, we can benefit from the suffering that God allows to happen in our life. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:29.939 So before we dive into it, hopefully most of you are in Philippians 1, 00:02:30.520 --> 00:02:38.099 I want to talk to you for just a moment about some of the places our minds go when we think of suffering. 00:02:38.099 --> 00:02:38.579 Okay? 00:02:41.579 --> 00:02:44.759 How many of you have had a surgery in the last year? 00:02:46.299 --> 00:02:48.340 I know not all of you are raising your hand right now. 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:51.560 How many of you have a surgery coming up? 00:02:52.259 --> 00:02:53.840 I know there's quite a few. 00:02:55.240 --> 00:03:01.439 How many of you have had just some real health struggles over the last few years? 00:03:01.560 --> 00:03:01.819 Anybody? 00:03:03.240 --> 00:03:06.979 I know not all of you are raising your hand because I know what some of your struggles have been. 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:07.579 That's okay. 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:08.679 That's all right. 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:11.199 Sometimes we just don't want to go back there in our minds, right? 00:03:11.619 --> 00:03:14.379 Well, surgeries are a real thing. 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:17.079 Oftentimes, that is the thing that you try to avoid. 00:03:17.179 --> 00:03:18.620 And sometimes, you just can't. 00:03:19.039 --> 00:03:20.879 And I thank God for medical science. 00:03:20.979 --> 00:03:25.379 I thank God that it's helped many, many over history of its development and all that. 00:03:25.639 --> 00:03:27.620 But man, it's still scary, isn't it? 00:03:27.859 --> 00:03:30.399 Sometimes going under surgery, it's like the last thing. 00:03:30.459 --> 00:03:31.959 You don't want to do it if you don't have to. 00:03:31.960 --> 00:03:33.879 But sometimes, you just have to do it. 00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:35.700 And sometimes, it can fix the problem. 00:03:35.840 --> 00:03:37.680 Sometimes, it isn't as successful. 00:03:38.180 --> 00:03:40.379 So, there's a lot of apprehension. 00:03:40.540 --> 00:03:44.500 There's a lot of fear surrounding these medical procedures. 00:03:45.939 --> 00:03:51.400 So, instead of going that route with it, let me just share a few things with you that you 00:03:51.400 --> 00:03:53.900 don't want to hear while in surgery. 00:03:53.900 --> 00:03:53.939 Ready? 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:00.920 Ready or not, here it comes. 00:04:01.800 --> 00:04:02.939 Better save that. 00:04:03.140 --> 00:04:04.560 We're going to need it for the autopsy. 00:04:06.939 --> 00:04:08.159 Wow, that got dark fast. 00:04:08.280 --> 00:04:08.560 All right. 00:04:09.860 --> 00:04:11.080 Someone called the janitor. 00:04:11.200 --> 00:04:12.000 We're going to need a mop. 00:04:13.140 --> 00:04:13.900 Goodness gracious. 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:16.660 If you're here in surgery, wait a minute. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:18.879 If this is his spleen, then what's that? 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:22.660 Say, can I request a different doctor? 00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:23.300 Is it too late? 00:04:24.779 --> 00:04:28.219 Hey, has anyone ever survived 500 milliliters of this stuff before? 00:04:29.599 --> 00:04:33.359 And then the number one thing you don't want to hear in surgery, oops. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:35.839 Okay. 00:04:36.959 --> 00:04:39.939 We're not talking about this kind of suffering per se. 00:04:40.179 --> 00:04:44.199 Maybe this could be an area of suffering that you have to go through in your life. 00:04:44.659 --> 00:04:47.079 It's more common than we would like to admit. 00:04:47.620 --> 00:04:50.339 These kinds of health problems and surgeries, that kind of thing. 00:04:50.339 --> 00:04:55.119 But there are lots of other ways that we are called to suffer. 00:04:55.239 --> 00:04:57.279 So let's look at Philippians chapter 1. 00:04:57.719 --> 00:04:59.719 And if you're able to join us in standing, would you? 00:04:59.799 --> 00:05:02.439 We're just going to read these two verses. 00:05:02.699 --> 00:05:06.879 So if you're able to join us, please stand together out of honor of the word of God. 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:10.699 So let's read Philippians chapter 1 and verse 29. 00:05:12.699 --> 00:05:19.560 You have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ. 00:05:20.100 --> 00:05:21.839 Pause there for just a second. 00:05:21.839 --> 00:05:27.899 That's not the part that we struggle with as much. 00:05:28.019 --> 00:05:32.299 Now, it's hard to always trust God when we're going through struggles and sufferings. 00:05:33.939 --> 00:05:37.039 But most of us in this room would probably say, 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:41.239 Yeah, hey man, I have put my trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins. 00:05:41.439 --> 00:05:44.599 I believe that God is good and powerful and loves me. 00:05:44.679 --> 00:05:46.679 And he died on the cross and he rose from the dead. 00:05:46.919 --> 00:05:48.179 We believe the gospel. 00:05:48.180 --> 00:05:49.759 We trust him for that, right? 00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:53.120 So it says in verse 29 here, 00:05:53.259 --> 00:05:55.939 You've been given the privilege of trusting in Christ. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:06:02.879 But not only that, also the privilege of suffering for him. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:07.420 Kind of a weird way to put that, right? 00:06:08.220 --> 00:06:09.800 The privilege of suffering? 00:06:10.819 --> 00:06:13.800 Did you mean like persecution, not privilege? 00:06:13.800 --> 00:06:18.259 Did you mean like the unfortunate fact that we have to suffer? 00:06:18.620 --> 00:06:23.160 No, he called it a privilege of suffering for Christ. 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:24.160 Verse 30. 00:06:24.920 --> 00:06:27.560 We are in this struggle together. 00:06:28.379 --> 00:06:29.660 Man, I love those words. 00:06:30.759 --> 00:06:32.860 You have seen my struggle in the past. 00:06:33.340 --> 00:06:37.080 And you know that I am still in the midst of it. 00:06:37.079 --> 00:06:41.839 How many of you would say, I feel like I'm in the midst of it right now? 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:43.800 Like I'm just, yeah, right? 00:06:43.919 --> 00:06:44.819 Thank you for being honest. 00:06:45.000 --> 00:06:46.039 I'm going through it. 00:06:47.579 --> 00:06:48.979 Everything is not perfect. 00:06:49.339 --> 00:06:54.399 If I could script this out, there'd be a lot of things that I would not include that I'm going through right now. 00:06:55.180 --> 00:06:56.360 I'm in the midst of it. 00:06:57.159 --> 00:06:57.979 Let's pray together. 00:06:57.980 --> 00:07:03.259 Father, there are people in this room that are in the midst of it. 00:07:03.340 --> 00:07:06.160 Some of us, we don't even want to think about it right now. 00:07:07.140 --> 00:07:08.460 Kind of want a little escape. 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:12.700 But God, you are bringing us through something. 00:07:13.900 --> 00:07:16.740 And if it's not right now, maybe somebody just came out of a storm. 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:18.640 Maybe somebody's about to go into one. 00:07:18.980 --> 00:07:23.220 Whatever it is, God, suffering is a very real part of our life. 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:24.660 But you have called us to this. 00:07:25.460 --> 00:07:26.379 It's a privilege. 00:07:26.379 --> 00:07:34.500 I pray that you would show us how we can stay on mission for you, even in the midst of suffering. 00:07:35.159 --> 00:07:36.659 It's in Jesus' name we pray. 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:37.180 Amen. 00:07:37.439 --> 00:07:38.399 You can be seated, church. 00:07:39.360 --> 00:07:44.980 We finish this up by saying, we have been given the privilege of suffering. 00:07:45.860 --> 00:07:47.899 And we are in this together. 00:07:48.980 --> 00:07:53.180 John 16, 33 ties in beautifully with this passage in Philippians 1. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:59.400 John writes, I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. 00:07:59.560 --> 00:08:03.160 You will have suffering in this world. 00:08:03.300 --> 00:08:05.519 He didn't say you may have suffering. 00:08:06.519 --> 00:08:09.379 He didn't say there's a possibility of it. 00:08:09.540 --> 00:08:10.939 He said it will come. 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:12.379 It's a fact of life. 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:15.319 So you will have suffering in this world. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:17.319 But be courageous. 00:08:17.879 --> 00:08:18.920 Have courage. 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:20.159 Don't fear. 00:08:20.599 --> 00:08:21.259 Don't quit. 00:08:21.459 --> 00:08:22.259 Don't give up. 00:08:22.540 --> 00:08:23.379 Be courageous. 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:24.040 Why? 00:08:24.379 --> 00:08:28.079 Because I have conquered the world. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:39.039 And as John wrote those words from Jesus himself all those years ago, they are still as alive and relevant for you and me as they have ever been. 00:08:39.039 --> 00:08:41.120 So we're going to suffer. 00:08:42.059 --> 00:08:43.519 But Jesus says, don't worry. 00:08:43.839 --> 00:08:48.120 Whatever opposition is coming up against you, I've already conquered it. 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:50.039 It may not be pleasant. 00:08:50.939 --> 00:08:53.699 It will not be pleasant at times. 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:56.480 But don't give up. 00:08:56.740 --> 00:08:59.799 Be courageous because I have conquered the world. 00:08:59.799 --> 00:09:07.939 So there's a couple of thoughts about suffering that I want to leave with you this Sunday as we conclude our series on being on mission for God. 00:09:08.059 --> 00:09:10.679 Number one, suffer for the right reason. 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:13.299 Suffer for the right reason. 00:09:13.579 --> 00:09:18.939 A lot of times, you and I suffer because of our own mess ups. 00:09:19.539 --> 00:09:19.799 Right? 00:09:20.299 --> 00:09:21.099 I mean, that's true. 00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:22.740 We don't want to think about it. 00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:25.240 We don't really want to talk about it or admit to it sometimes. 00:09:25.579 --> 00:09:27.339 Sometimes we try to blame other things. 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:38.259 But if you really got us down to a truthful, transparent moment, we would probably admit, yeah, I might have had something to do with what I'm going through right now. 00:09:38.800 --> 00:09:43.600 You could probably trace a lot of it back to me and this bad decision I made. 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:45.519 I listened to the wrong voices. 00:09:46.160 --> 00:09:48.220 Whatever it is, my discernment wasn't there. 00:09:48.500 --> 00:09:50.320 My emotions got the better of me. 00:09:50.600 --> 00:09:51.860 My anger took over. 00:09:52.060 --> 00:09:53.340 I responded in this way. 00:09:53.440 --> 00:09:54.740 And now I'm suffering. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:10:00.000 Now, I know there's no husbands and wives in the room that would have anything to do with that. 00:10:00.180 --> 00:10:00.299 Right? 00:10:01.159 --> 00:10:08.299 Like you ever said something you regret and then for a season your relationship maybe wasn't perfect there between you. 00:10:09.620 --> 00:10:11.139 Y'all don't look at me like I'm crazy. 00:10:11.360 --> 00:10:12.539 I know I'm not the only one. 00:10:12.720 --> 00:10:12.919 Okay? 00:10:13.980 --> 00:10:18.259 Sometimes, sometimes we say something that maybe we don't even mean. 00:10:18.360 --> 00:10:20.320 But in the heat of the moment, you pop off. 00:10:20.580 --> 00:10:22.620 And then you got to pay the price for it for a little bit. 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:22.899 Right? 00:10:22.899 --> 00:10:24.500 It's just part of it. 00:10:25.159 --> 00:10:29.100 We're not all the most forgiving people instantly all the time. 00:10:29.860 --> 00:10:33.379 So sometimes we can suffer for the wrong reasons. 00:10:34.720 --> 00:10:38.639 Good thing about God is God is forgiving all the time. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:41.860 All the time. 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:49.799 God is always ready, even when we suffer for the wrong reasons, to pick us back up and say, hey, I love you anyway. 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:52.939 They might not in this moment, but I still do. 00:10:54.059 --> 00:10:55.620 I'm going to carry you through this. 00:10:55.840 --> 00:11:02.259 We're going to get back because I've got some suffering for the right reasons that you're going to have to go through. 00:11:02.259 --> 00:11:05.419 And I'm going to help you through this one, and I'll help you through that one, too. 00:11:05.740 --> 00:11:14.240 So if we suffer for the right reasons, we can count it a privilege, an honor to be suffering for God. 00:11:14.279 --> 00:11:17.519 If we suffer for the wrong reasons, then we need to learn from those. 00:11:18.080 --> 00:11:25.879 And by the power of God's Spirit living within us, not make those same mistakes that led us into that unnecessary suffering. 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:29.879 But there is some necessary suffering that God has planned for us. 00:11:29.919 --> 00:11:31.460 So let's dive into that a little bit. 00:11:31.879 --> 00:11:32.960 1 Peter 2. 00:11:33.399 --> 00:11:35.279 1 Peter 2 in verse 19. 00:11:35.379 --> 00:11:38.320 I've got it on the screen, so you don't have to turn there unless you'd like to. 00:11:38.659 --> 00:11:41.799 1 Peter 2 in verse 19, the contemporary English version, says, 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:48.399 God will bless you even if others treat you unfairly for being loyal to him. 00:11:49.139 --> 00:11:54.539 Sometimes people treat us unfairly, and it has nothing to do with the fact that we're a child of God. 00:11:54.539 --> 00:11:56.639 Unless it actually does. 00:11:57.360 --> 00:12:01.819 Sometimes people don't necessarily target you just because you're a Christian. 00:12:02.319 --> 00:12:08.099 But because you're a Christian, God allows you to go through things 00:12:08.099 --> 00:12:15.679 because he is shaping you to be the person that he called you to be, to be his child. 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:19.759 He is conforming us into his image. 00:12:19.759 --> 00:12:23.839 You know how unlike his image we are right now? 00:12:24.539 --> 00:12:26.579 We are created in his image. 00:12:27.360 --> 00:12:37.179 But centuries and centuries and centuries of sin on this earth have distorted the image of God in us. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:41.719 So God has to almost start over again. 00:12:41.819 --> 00:12:44.360 That's why they call salvation a new birth. 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:51.519 And then little by little he's growing us back to look like him again. 00:12:52.820 --> 00:12:55.259 That's a lifelong process. 00:12:57.460 --> 00:13:04.980 Just because you've been a Christian for a long time doesn't mean that you've been conforming to his image that whole time. 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:09.279 There may have been seasons when you kind of went the other way. 00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:17.840 There may have been seasons when you got distracted by your own desires, your own goals, your own priorities. 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:21.480 You started moving back away from the image of God. 00:13:22.659 --> 00:13:28.120 So God is taking us through struggles to conform us to his image. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:32.740 So he will keep blessing us regardless of how other people treat us. 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:34.720 Let's look at verse 20, 1 Peter 2. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:39.779 You don't gain anything by being punished for some wrong that you have done. 00:13:41.019 --> 00:13:42.879 That's what we were talking about just a moment ago. 00:13:43.960 --> 00:13:45.360 Unnecessary suffering, right? 00:13:45.779 --> 00:13:47.580 Suffering that we brought on ourselves. 00:13:48.519 --> 00:13:53.180 God did not prompt us to go out and do that sin that caused that suffering. 00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:55.080 Say, man, I've been going through it. 00:13:55.080 --> 00:13:59.960 I was going 150 miles an hour down Omega Street and the cops didn't like that. 00:14:00.000 --> 00:14:01.240 They pulled me over and gave me a ticket. 00:14:02.280 --> 00:14:05.820 God's really taking me through a season of struggle right now. 00:14:05.940 --> 00:14:09.120 No, you, your lead foot took you through a season of struggle. 00:14:10.900 --> 00:14:20.140 But that kind of suffering we don't gain anything from except the understanding of, hey, I shouldn't have done that. 00:14:20.420 --> 00:14:22.460 Maybe I won't do that next time, right? 00:14:22.460 --> 00:14:31.360 Verse 20, but God will bless you if you have to suffer for doing something good. 00:14:31.580 --> 00:14:33.940 So that is a reality of life. 00:14:34.200 --> 00:14:41.320 Sometimes when we're following Jesus and we're trying to obey him and live in accordance to the voice of his Holy Spirit 00:14:41.320 --> 00:14:45.300 and what we read in the scriptures, then we still suffer. 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:51.100 God says that kind of suffering will bring blessings to us. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:57.460 Verse 21, after all, God, look at this, everybody, if you can, look up at the screens. 00:14:57.960 --> 00:15:01.420 God chose you to suffer. 00:15:03.320 --> 00:15:05.279 That is a wild truth. 00:15:06.700 --> 00:15:08.440 God chose us to suffer. 00:15:08.440 --> 00:15:13.680 It's not really the attribute of God that we think about the most. 00:15:14.500 --> 00:15:16.420 We think about how loving he is. 00:15:16.480 --> 00:15:17.700 We think about his blessings. 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:21.180 I don't know how many of us pray for that. 00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:24.200 God, help me to suffer for you today. 00:15:25.280 --> 00:15:27.500 It's usually, God, fix this. 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:28.860 Solve that. 00:15:29.420 --> 00:15:30.380 Give me that. 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:34.080 Don't let me be sad. 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:36.240 Don't let me go through hurt. 00:15:36.639 --> 00:15:39.299 Don't let me have any trouble in my life. 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:42.700 Those are often the nature of our prayers. 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:51.220 But the fact that sometimes we're missing is God actually chose us intentionally to suffer. 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:53.899 He marked us for suffering. 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:55.220 Why is that? 00:15:55.220 --> 00:16:00.019 I mean, y'all can give a little feedback if you want to. 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:01.800 Anybody have a thought here? 00:16:02.759 --> 00:16:07.240 Why would God choose his children to go through suffering? 00:16:08.580 --> 00:16:09.360 Because what? 00:16:10.560 --> 00:16:11.940 To grow us? 00:16:13.440 --> 00:16:15.040 Because maybe we learn. 00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:16.420 Christ, that was money. 00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:19.040 Because you learn in suffering? 00:16:19.879 --> 00:16:20.980 It's so true, isn't it? 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:29.600 Because sometimes when everything's great, maybe we don't learn the lessons that we do when everything's not great. 00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:34.639 And we have to lean completely on our Father. 00:16:36.940 --> 00:16:40.940 Is this life all going to go better for us if we lean completely on our Father? 00:16:41.539 --> 00:16:42.000 Absolutely. 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:47.600 But are we going to naturally lean on our Father if everything's just awesome all the time? 00:16:47.960 --> 00:16:48.220 No. 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:54.300 It's that suffering that drives us, forces us into his arms. 00:16:55.200 --> 00:17:01.240 And then he knows that he can take us places once we're there that we could never otherwise go. 00:17:01.660 --> 00:17:07.279 So God chose us to suffer because we're following in the footsteps of Jesus. 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.480 And he suffered, didn't he? 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:12.339 He set an example by suffering for you. 00:17:13.339 --> 00:17:15.860 Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:18.359 He never suffered unnecessarily. 00:17:18.679 --> 00:17:21.279 He never suffered because of something he did wrong. 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:25.699 Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. 00:17:26.339 --> 00:17:28.579 Y'all, we could preach a whole sermon right there, couldn't we? 00:17:29.099 --> 00:17:32.019 Because when we get abused, we always try to get even. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:34.119 Usually that is our natural instinct. 00:17:34.559 --> 00:17:35.619 Jesus didn't do that. 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:39.699 And when he suffered, he made no threats. 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:42.740 You're going to do that to me? 00:17:43.360 --> 00:17:44.600 You better watch it. 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:46.480 Boy, you got something coming. 00:17:47.620 --> 00:17:49.299 No, you got something coming. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:54.220 God wants to keep you away from that mindset. 00:17:54.400 --> 00:17:59.380 He wants to get you out of that mindset and be like Jesus was. 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:01.740 When he suffered, he made no threats. 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:04.900 Instead, he had faith in God. 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:07.059 That's the mindset God's trying to lead us into. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:13.319 Through this suffering, he's trying to make us more like Jesus who had ultimate faith in his father. 00:18:13.880 --> 00:18:15.859 And we need to get there as well. 00:18:16.200 --> 00:18:17.900 And suffering can help lead us there. 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:20.559 God always judges fairly. 00:18:20.759 --> 00:18:21.339 God knows. 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:22.400 God knows, all right? 00:18:22.880 --> 00:18:25.039 He's never going to be convinced by the wrong voices. 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:28.900 He's never going to be convinced by the people who are telling a lie about you. 00:18:28.900 --> 00:18:30.540 God always knows. 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.900 God always judges fairly. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:33.480 He may allow you to suffer. 00:18:33.840 --> 00:18:41.940 But it's always to build your faith in God to get you to a place that will glorify him and bring goodness to you. 00:18:42.800 --> 00:18:44.560 Now, let's go over one chapter. 00:18:45.420 --> 00:18:48.280 We're going to spend just a few minutes on these verses. 00:18:48.560 --> 00:18:54.460 So would you flip over to 1 Peter chapter 3 and verse 13. 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:59.960 1 Peter 3 and verse 13. 00:19:00.819 --> 00:19:03.360 So 1 Peter 2 sets it up a little bit. 00:19:04.680 --> 00:19:09.380 You don't gain anything by being punished for doing the wrong that you've done. 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:12.600 But God will bless you if you have to suffer for doing good. 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:14.340 God chose you to suffer. 00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:16.840 To follow in the footsteps of Jesus. 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:19.340 He set the example by suffering for you. 00:19:20.140 --> 00:19:22.200 Although he was abused, never tried to get even. 00:19:22.340 --> 00:19:23.140 He suffered. 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.079 He made no threats. 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:25.500 He had faith in God. 00:19:25.859 --> 00:19:29.399 Now the next chapter, 1 Peter 3 and verse 13. 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:35.119 Submit to every human authority because of the Lord. 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:39.339 Whether to the emperor as the supreme authority. 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:41.779 Just substitute human government. 00:19:42.279 --> 00:19:44.799 Don't get caught up on the fact that we don't have an emperor in America. 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:45.379 Okay? 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:47.059 Human government there. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:52.679 Submit to the human authorities over you as the supreme authority on this earth. 00:19:52.679 --> 00:19:58.200 Or to governors as those sent out by God to punish those who do what is evil. 00:19:58.200 --> 00:20:00.480 To praise those who do what is good. 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:02.100 They don't always do their jobs well. 00:20:02.100 --> 00:20:05.519 But that's what God has allowed them to have those positions to do. 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:07.019 Verse 15. 00:20:07.180 --> 00:20:14.420 For it is God's will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:18.240 Submit as free people. 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:22.859 Not using your freedom as a cover up for evil. 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:25.620 But as God's slaves. 00:20:26.620 --> 00:20:27.900 Honor everyone. 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:29.599 Love the brothers and sisters. 00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:30.940 Fear God. 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.180 Honor the emperor. 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:33.059 The human government. 00:20:33.660 --> 00:20:34.720 Household slaves. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:37.720 Submit to your masters with all reverence. 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:40.680 Not only to the good and gentle ones. 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:42.860 But also to the cruel. 00:20:44.420 --> 00:20:46.940 So he reminded us in chapter 2. 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:49.819 Of why we're suffering. 00:20:50.079 --> 00:20:51.100 Put it in context. 00:20:51.259 --> 00:20:52.019 What it's about. 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:54.279 God is allowing this to happen. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:56.000 To build your faith in him. 00:20:56.160 --> 00:20:57.600 To draw you to himself. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:59.319 And then in chapter 3. 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:00.880 He gets real practical with it. 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:04.600 He gets down to the actual nitty gritty of what you're supposed to do. 00:21:04.600 --> 00:21:05.960 How you're supposed to act. 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:09.519 You're supposed to respond to those in authority over you. 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:12.000 Whether they treat you fairly or not. 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:14.220 You respond to them with honor. 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:15.600 With respect. 00:21:16.079 --> 00:21:17.160 With obedience. 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:20.299 As long as it doesn't compromise your faith in God. 00:21:20.340 --> 00:21:24.880 And they're asking you to do something contrary to what God has clearly said he wants us to do. 00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:26.799 Cause harm to others. 00:21:26.860 --> 00:21:27.220 Etc. 00:21:27.880 --> 00:21:28.860 We don't do that. 00:21:29.600 --> 00:21:32.480 But when we honor God. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:36.299 We do that in these situations. 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:38.039 By honoring those. 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:39.559 Above us. 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:42.099 Whether or not they're treating us fairly. 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:46.380 So that nasty jerk boss on the job. 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:48.620 That you just. 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:52.500 Rubs you the wrong way. 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:54.240 You just want to tell him off. 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.279 And storm out the door. 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:57.399 You don't do that. 00:21:57.399 --> 00:21:59.539 Not just because you value your paycheck. 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:03.500 But because you value your God. 00:22:04.379 --> 00:22:09.579 You understand that God is bringing you through this struggle. 00:22:10.139 --> 00:22:10.899 This suffering. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:13.599 And so you even get to the point. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:15.859 Of valuing the suffering. 00:22:15.859 --> 00:22:19.439 Do you value the suffering. 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:21.879 Enough. 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:25.759 To keep your Christian testimony. 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:28.419 In the midst of suffering. 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:32.379 That's how we stay on mission. 00:22:33.719 --> 00:22:35.899 That's how we glorify God. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:38.219 Y'all it's awesome. 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:40.439 Two weeks ago we talked about preaching the gospel. 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:45.000 That is the most obvious part of being on mission for God. 00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:46.400 God's given us a mission. 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:48.180 To carry the gospel. 00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:49.339 The good news of Jesus. 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:51.319 Out to those who need to hear it. 00:22:51.700 --> 00:22:53.319 That's the most obvious way. 00:22:53.480 --> 00:22:55.539 That we can go out and be on mission. 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:57.579 But the fact of life is. 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:59.220 It's not always easy. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.859 To stay with that mission. 00:23:01.119 --> 00:23:01.359 Why? 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.700 Because we get distracted. 00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:04.440 Because storms come along. 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:06.599 Because problems arise. 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.039 Because we mess up. 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:09.299 Because somebody hurts us. 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:10.259 Somebody harms us. 00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:12.839 And then our minds are no longer on the mission. 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:14.000 We're not thinking about. 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:15.200 Who needs to hear the gospel. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:17.140 We're just thinking about surviving. 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:18.039 In that moment. 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:20.519 But God says. 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:22.299 That if you can get to the place. 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:23.160 By his spirit. 00:23:23.480 --> 00:23:25.000 Of keeping it in perspective. 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:27.220 Thanking him for the suffering. 00:23:28.819 --> 00:23:30.440 Saying God teach me. 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:31.640 Through this suffering. 00:23:32.140 --> 00:23:33.819 And I'm still going to praise you. 00:23:34.339 --> 00:23:36.119 We talked about Job several weeks ago. 00:23:36.200 --> 00:23:37.319 In contrast with Jonah. 00:23:37.539 --> 00:23:39.059 And how little Jonah suffered. 00:23:39.400 --> 00:23:41.160 And how dramatic he was. 00:23:41.160 --> 00:23:42.560 About how horrible life was. 00:23:42.560 --> 00:23:45.100 But how greatly Job suffered. 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:48.100 And how he never lost his faith. 00:23:48.200 --> 00:23:48.940 In the process. 00:23:49.080 --> 00:23:49.580 He said. 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:49.960 God. 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.259 Sometimes you give. 00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.860 Sometimes you take away. 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:54.620 But regardless of what you do. 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:56.279 Blessed be your name. 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:57.900 I will praise you forever. 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.759 When we do that. 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:02.480 The lost world around us. 00:24:02.560 --> 00:24:03.120 Is confused. 00:24:04.080 --> 00:24:05.500 The people in our lives. 00:24:05.560 --> 00:24:05.820 Are like. 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:06.160 Wow. 00:24:06.160 --> 00:24:07.300 How in the world. 00:24:08.220 --> 00:24:09.160 Does this guy. 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:09.840 Or this girl. 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:11.980 Keep it in perspective. 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:13.900 How do they seem to be. 00:24:15.640 --> 00:24:16.120 Unaffected. 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.700 In their spirit. 00:24:18.320 --> 00:24:19.840 Doesn't mean we won't cry tears. 00:24:20.519 --> 00:24:22.120 Doesn't mean we won't have sorrow. 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:25.480 But they never seem to lose their faith. 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:25.960 We net. 00:24:26.040 --> 00:24:27.880 They never seem to lose their joy. 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:30.259 They never seem to lose their trust. 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.720 In their God. 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:34.740 Now that's something different. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:35.339 Than what. 00:24:36.100 --> 00:24:36.839 They might have. 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.440 That's how we stay. 00:24:39.579 --> 00:24:40.220 On mission. 00:24:40.819 --> 00:24:41.559 In the storms. 00:24:42.279 --> 00:24:43.140 We remember. 00:24:43.380 --> 00:24:44.579 That God is allowing this. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:45.700 And it's for. 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:46.900 A great. 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:47.920 Great purpose. 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.200 Oswald Chambers. 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:52.299 We quoted him last week. 00:24:52.380 --> 00:24:52.779 He wrote. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.600 The book. 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:54.259 My utmost. 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.039 For his highest. 00:24:55.140 --> 00:24:55.759 One of the great. 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.839 Theology books. 00:24:57.100 --> 00:24:58.339 In all of church history. 00:24:58.799 --> 00:24:59.980 No healthy Christian. 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.700 Ever chooses suffering. 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.220 He chooses. 00:25:03.579 --> 00:25:04.200 God's will. 00:25:05.140 --> 00:25:06.279 Just like Jesus did. 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.420 Whether it means suffering. 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.259 Or not. 00:25:11.100 --> 00:25:12.460 None of you got up and said. 00:25:12.680 --> 00:25:14.440 Man I hope God allows me to suffer today. 00:25:15.680 --> 00:25:16.339 I didn't. 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.559 I knew what I was preaching on. 00:25:17.600 --> 00:25:18.259 And I still didn't. 00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:18.880 Do that. 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:21.039 But I say. 00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:22.920 God let your will be done in my life. 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:24.559 Let your will be done in my family's life. 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:26.240 Let your will be done with my finances. 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:27.779 Let my will be done. 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:29.000 Let your will be done. 00:25:29.000 --> 00:25:29.480 Not mine. 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:30.779 With my retirement. 00:25:30.779 --> 00:25:31.980 Let your will be done. 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:33.420 In the school year this year. 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:35.259 Let your will be done with my friendships. 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:37.660 Let your will be done in your church. 00:25:39.399 --> 00:25:40.960 Let your will be done. 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.639 Whether it involves suffering. 00:25:43.079 --> 00:25:43.619 Or not. 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:45.339 I will follow you. 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.500 I won't be perfect. 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.359 I'll mess up. 00:25:48.599 --> 00:25:51.200 But I will keep following you. 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:53.420 Matthew chapter 5 and verse 10. 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:57.640 Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. 00:25:58.039 --> 00:26:00.900 The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 00:26:01.400 --> 00:26:01.759 Wow. 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:03.799 The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.259 Why? 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:06.740 Because they are following Jesus. 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:10.680 That is the hardest way to follow Jesus. 00:26:11.000 --> 00:26:13.140 How many of you would say by uplifted hand. 00:26:13.400 --> 00:26:15.740 I do my best to be a Jesus follower. 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:17.200 Say I am a Jesus follower. 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:18.940 I'm going to make you raise your hand one way or the other. 00:26:18.940 --> 00:26:19.279 All right. 00:26:19.340 --> 00:26:20.320 I'm just going to make you do it. 00:26:20.519 --> 00:26:21.500 Got to wake you up a little bit. 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:21.759 All right. 00:26:24.600 --> 00:26:26.100 You say I'm a Jesus follower. 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:26.740 That's great. 00:26:26.840 --> 00:26:30.900 Well most of the time what that means for you is I'm going to try to read my Bible. 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:32.640 I'm going to try to spend time in prayer. 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:34.160 Maybe I'm going to pray before my meals. 00:26:34.340 --> 00:26:35.420 Before I go to bed. 00:26:35.620 --> 00:26:37.900 I'm going to try to be in church when I can on Sundays. 00:26:38.360 --> 00:26:40.220 I'm going to try to you know. 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:42.820 Try to keep a Christian testimony in the world around me. 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:45.480 Try not to be a hateful you know arrogant son of a gun. 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:49.180 And so I'm going to try to be a Jesus follower in that way. 00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:57.099 What we don't think about is so much of what Jesus the life that Jesus walked on this earth was filled with suffering. 00:26:58.220 --> 00:27:00.599 So if you're going to be a Jesus follower. 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:05.660 Then you're actually going to have to walk with him through the suffering. 00:27:05.819 --> 00:27:09.900 So that's why it says the kingdom of heaven belongs to those. 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:13.480 Because those are the ones who truly follow Jesus. 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:16.780 That's what I'm trying to be. 00:27:18.280 --> 00:27:26.519 That's what we must all with the Holy Spirit of God learn to be his followers even through the suffering. 00:27:27.040 --> 00:27:28.980 There's a privilege in suffering. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:31.840 We read about that in Philippians 1. 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:36.360 God is taking me to the next level in my walk with him. 00:27:36.640 --> 00:27:37.960 Man we can rejoice in that. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:41.720 Even in the midst of extreme loss we can say wow. 00:27:41.880 --> 00:27:44.059 God I hate this right now. 00:27:44.620 --> 00:27:46.539 I would have never asked for this. 00:27:46.620 --> 00:27:48.200 I would have never planned for this. 00:27:48.600 --> 00:27:49.519 But I know. 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:52.620 That you haven't suddenly changed. 00:27:53.319 --> 00:27:55.059 I know that you haven't suddenly. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:57.539 Turned against me. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:28:00.640 So I know this is for my good. 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:02.740 And I know this is for your glory. 00:28:02.740 --> 00:28:06.359 And even through the tears. 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:09.180 There's a little glimmer of hope. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:12.279 That you are taking me up. 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:14.140 You're leveling up. 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:17.019 Life is not like a video game. 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:18.880 But you know when you level up in a video game. 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:20.400 You're going to the next level. 00:28:21.339 --> 00:28:23.160 That's what God's doing with us. 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:24.779 When he takes us through suffering. 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:27.359 He's taking us up to the next level. 00:28:27.599 --> 00:28:28.859 He's growing us up. 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:30.819 A little closer to him. 00:28:31.240 --> 00:28:32.500 He's maturing us. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:35.619 He's taking us to the next level. 00:28:35.819 --> 00:28:36.599 In our walk with him. 00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:37.659 And the second part of that. 00:28:38.059 --> 00:28:39.859 God is taking us through this. 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:43.460 So I can use it to help someone else. 00:28:43.879 --> 00:28:44.980 Scripture teaches us. 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:48.079 That the comfort that we receive from God. 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:49.599 In these moments of suffering. 00:28:49.819 --> 00:28:52.119 It's there so that then we can turn around. 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:53.980 And give that same comfort to somebody else. 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:57.140 Jesus said. 00:28:57.140 --> 00:28:58.920 I give you my comfort. 00:28:59.860 --> 00:29:02.539 So that then you can use that comfort. 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:04.380 To comfort someone else. 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:08.240 So God is taking you through the struggle. 00:29:08.799 --> 00:29:10.180 To equip you. 00:29:10.660 --> 00:29:12.440 To help someone else through the struggle. 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:16.099 Because God has created us for himself. 00:29:16.660 --> 00:29:18.099 But he uses us. 00:29:18.759 --> 00:29:20.039 To draw others. 00:29:20.519 --> 00:29:20.920 To him. 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:25.279 When we focus completely on ourselves. 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:26.460 During times of struggle. 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:30.759 It's really hard to move past the struggle. 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:34.000 We just stay there. 00:29:35.620 --> 00:29:37.820 We get all wrapped up in our own minds. 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:42.140 And it's really hard to ever move on. 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:44.180 But when. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:47.020 We look through Jesus' eyes. 00:29:47.820 --> 00:29:48.980 And we think God. 00:29:49.100 --> 00:29:50.320 How can you use this. 00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:53.140 To help someone else through me. 00:29:54.340 --> 00:29:56.140 That helps us get past. 00:29:56.820 --> 00:29:58.520 The worst of the storm. 00:30:00.180 --> 00:30:02.420 So we suffer for the right reasons. 00:30:03.560 --> 00:30:04.980 And then in 2 Timothy. 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.700 Chapter 3. 00:30:06.820 --> 00:30:08.480 We suffer for the right reasons. 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:10.900 And we count it a privilege. 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:11.680 To suffer. 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.839 For Jesus. 00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:14.099 2 Timothy chapter 3. 00:30:14.160 --> 00:30:15.220 Would you turn over there real quick? 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.740 For sake of time. 00:30:16.819 --> 00:30:17.579 I'll go ahead and read. 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:19.000 2 Timothy 3. 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:19.900 And verse 10. 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:24.360 Just these three verses. 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.440 2 Timothy 3. 00:30:25.559 --> 00:30:26.120 Verse 10. 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:29.660 Paul is writing. 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:32.079 To his son in the faith. 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:32.559 Timothy. 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:34.579 He says. 00:30:34.579 --> 00:30:37.079 You have followed my teaching. 00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:39.139 My conduct. 00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:40.599 Purpose. 00:30:40.839 --> 00:30:41.240 Faith. 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:42.099 Patience. 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:42.679 Love. 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:43.480 And endurance. 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:45.980 Along with. 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.819 The persecutions. 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.359 And sufferings. 00:30:50.119 --> 00:30:51.059 That came to me. 00:30:51.179 --> 00:30:51.799 In Antioch. 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:52.379 Iconium. 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:52.859 Lystra. 00:30:53.339 --> 00:30:54.339 All these places. 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.000 That Paul. 00:30:55.619 --> 00:30:57.099 Was just beat up. 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.240 For preaching the gospel of Jesus. 00:31:00.159 --> 00:31:02.500 Whether it was at the hands of Roman soldiers. 00:31:02.559 --> 00:31:04.220 Or the Jewish. 00:31:04.559 --> 00:31:05.559 Religious leaders. 00:31:07.419 --> 00:31:08.879 Demon possessed people. 00:31:09.139 --> 00:31:10.899 Who were fighting back against him. 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:12.619 Snake bites. 00:31:12.940 --> 00:31:13.519 Storms. 00:31:13.559 --> 00:31:14.159 Shipwrecks. 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:15.460 All kinds of things. 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:16.700 That Paul suffered. 00:31:17.099 --> 00:31:18.980 In his missionary journeys. 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:19.759 For Jesus. 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:21.559 He said. 00:31:21.639 --> 00:31:21.919 Timothy. 00:31:22.099 --> 00:31:22.960 You followed along. 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:23.980 In all the good stuff. 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.819 And you followed along. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:26.559 In the struggle. 00:31:26.659 --> 00:31:27.440 The persecutions. 00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:28.220 The sufferings. 00:31:28.899 --> 00:31:29.639 But then he says. 00:31:29.700 --> 00:31:30.500 At the end of verse 11. 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:32.119 The persecutions I endured. 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:32.179 The Lord. 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:34.259 The Lord rescued me. 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:35.559 From them all. 00:31:37.319 --> 00:31:38.339 That's the secret. 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.519 For a Christian. 00:31:40.139 --> 00:31:41.039 About suffering. 00:31:42.199 --> 00:31:42.639 God. 00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:43.439 Will. 00:31:43.899 --> 00:31:44.439 Deliver you. 00:31:46.199 --> 00:31:47.639 It may not always be. 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.719 According to the time. 00:31:48.839 --> 00:31:49.299 That you hope. 00:31:49.699 --> 00:31:50.179 It will be. 00:31:51.239 --> 00:31:51.959 The suffering. 00:31:52.119 --> 00:31:53.339 May not be as brief. 00:31:53.479 --> 00:31:54.439 Usually it never is. 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:56.199 As we would want it to be. 00:31:56.659 --> 00:31:57.159 The suffering. 00:31:57.359 --> 00:31:57.799 May not be. 00:31:57.979 --> 00:31:58.619 In the way. 00:31:59.039 --> 00:32:00.199 That the deliverance. 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:00.660 May not be. 00:32:00.660 --> 00:32:01.200 In the way. 00:32:01.200 --> 00:32:01.860 That you would hope. 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:02.299 It would be. 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:04.220 But it will always. 00:32:04.420 --> 00:32:04.680 Be. 00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:05.600 The best. 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:08.120 God will deliver us. 00:32:08.380 --> 00:32:09.160 Just like he did. 00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:10.160 For Paul. 00:32:10.400 --> 00:32:11.559 God rescued them. 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.200 Him. 00:32:12.319 --> 00:32:12.819 From them all. 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:13.860 In verse 12. 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:14.319 In fact. 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:15.680 All who want to live. 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.620 A godly life. 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.640 In Christ Jesus. 00:32:18.100 --> 00:32:18.480 Will. 00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:19.080 Be. 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:19.960 Persecuted. 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:21.460 You will suffer. 00:32:21.779 --> 00:32:22.880 If you want to live. 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.720 A godly life. 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:25.180 Then you will suffer. 00:32:25.299 --> 00:32:25.480 Now. 00:32:25.700 --> 00:32:26.440 That might drive. 00:32:26.480 --> 00:32:27.180 Some of you away. 00:32:27.680 --> 00:32:28.600 And I understand it. 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.740 Say man. 00:32:29.879 --> 00:32:31.019 I'm not going to go all in. 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:31.899 On this godly life. 00:32:31.939 --> 00:32:32.899 Because I don't want to suffer. 00:32:34.119 --> 00:32:34.480 Now. 00:32:34.579 --> 00:32:35.399 I can clue you in. 00:32:35.459 --> 00:32:36.480 That you're still going to suffer. 00:32:36.639 --> 00:32:37.539 It's just going to be. 00:32:38.439 --> 00:32:39.199 Without God. 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:40.319 Backing you up. 00:32:40.679 --> 00:32:41.959 It's going to be without God. 00:32:42.019 --> 00:32:42.959 Providing the meaning. 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:43.639 And the value. 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.919 And the lesson to that. 00:32:45.379 --> 00:32:46.379 You're just going to create. 00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:47.019 Your own suffering. 00:32:47.139 --> 00:32:47.559 For yourself. 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:49.899 This life is filled with suffering. 00:32:50.599 --> 00:32:52.099 But those who live. 00:32:52.339 --> 00:32:53.419 The godly life. 00:32:53.419 --> 00:32:54.799 Of following Jesus. 00:32:55.299 --> 00:32:56.519 They will suffer. 00:32:56.939 --> 00:32:58.199 But there will be meaning to it. 00:32:58.599 --> 00:32:59.319 There will be hope. 00:32:59.579 --> 00:33:00.079 Behind it. 00:33:00.319 --> 00:33:00.539 Okay. 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.439 So now. 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:03.439 We realize that we must suffer. 00:33:03.439 --> 00:33:04.379 For the right reasons. 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:05.699 And then the good news is. 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:06.619 We get to suffer. 00:33:07.139 --> 00:33:07.539 Together. 00:33:07.799 --> 00:33:08.619 We're not on our own. 00:33:08.859 --> 00:33:09.019 Okay. 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:09.679 So number two. 00:33:09.919 --> 00:33:11.019 We suffer together. 00:33:11.019 --> 00:33:12.240 Back in Philippians 1. 00:33:12.379 --> 00:33:13.259 In verse 30. 00:33:13.459 --> 00:33:15.019 This one's from the New Living Translation. 00:33:15.139 --> 00:33:16.259 I like how it says this. 00:33:16.599 --> 00:33:18.139 We are in this struggle. 00:33:18.539 --> 00:33:19.059 Together. 00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.779 You have seen my struggle. 00:33:20.779 --> 00:33:21.359 In the past. 00:33:21.480 --> 00:33:22.059 And you know. 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:23.039 That I'm still. 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:24.359 In the midst of it. 00:33:24.359 --> 00:33:26.959 We are in this struggle. 00:33:27.179 --> 00:33:27.659 Together. 00:33:28.339 --> 00:33:31.219 You and I don't have to face these storms alone. 00:33:31.379 --> 00:33:33.259 And if you are a member of this church. 00:33:33.319 --> 00:33:35.259 Or you've been regularly attending this church. 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:36.799 Or maybe you're a guest with us. 00:33:36.839 --> 00:33:37.379 It's your first. 00:33:37.459 --> 00:33:37.659 Second. 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:38.439 Third time here. 00:33:39.719 --> 00:33:42.139 We can still suffer together. 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:44.339 We can still struggle together. 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:46.479 We are not meant. 00:33:46.839 --> 00:33:48.619 To walk this road alone. 00:33:48.619 --> 00:33:50.739 If you are walking this road alone. 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:54.099 Know that that's not how we want to do it. 00:33:54.419 --> 00:33:55.859 We want to do it with you. 00:33:57.459 --> 00:33:59.679 You've got to share with us what's going on. 00:34:00.819 --> 00:34:01.479 Side note. 00:34:01.619 --> 00:34:03.119 If you've got a surgery coming up. 00:34:03.159 --> 00:34:04.599 Or you're going through a tough time. 00:34:04.819 --> 00:34:06.299 Would you let me know about it? 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:09.519 My email is pastor at fbchenrietta.org. 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.579 That's not hard to remember. 00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:13.880 Pastor at fbchenrietta.org. 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:14.679 Shoot me an email. 00:34:14.900 --> 00:34:16.099 Catch me after the service. 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:18.860 Come talk to Joy during the week. 00:34:18.940 --> 00:34:19.460 Set an appointment. 00:34:19.579 --> 00:34:20.299 We can sit down. 00:34:20.839 --> 00:34:22.779 Let us know what is going on. 00:34:22.940 --> 00:34:25.299 We have a whole prayer chain going on throughout the week. 00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:26.719 People all throughout this church. 00:34:26.920 --> 00:34:27.659 And this community. 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:29.380 Are praying about the requests. 00:34:29.480 --> 00:34:30.900 That get submitted every week. 00:34:31.099 --> 00:34:32.460 So if you have something going on. 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:33.339 Whether it's health related. 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.940 Or something completely other than that. 00:34:35.500 --> 00:34:36.480 Please share it. 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:38.679 So we can bear the burden with you. 00:34:39.119 --> 00:34:40.159 We're all suffering. 00:34:40.279 --> 00:34:40.940 We're all struggling. 00:34:41.079 --> 00:34:42.380 We're all bearing these burdens. 00:34:42.699 --> 00:34:44.639 But we're doing it together. 00:34:44.639 --> 00:34:46.559 It's the only way. 00:34:47.480 --> 00:34:50.519 To really get through suffering in a healthy way. 00:34:50.879 --> 00:34:51.500 Is together. 00:34:51.980 --> 00:34:54.639 Stanford University did this study. 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:58.299 And it's going to be a little bit hard to see on the screen. 00:34:58.400 --> 00:34:59.759 Because of how small the writing is. 00:34:59.839 --> 00:35:02.239 But this was based on what we saw during COVID. 00:35:02.339 --> 00:35:04.859 What we learned during COVID-19 and the pandemic. 00:35:05.539 --> 00:35:10.960 Social isolation leads to effects over neuropsychiatric disorders. 00:35:10.960 --> 00:35:13.440 Like eating disorders. 00:35:13.720 --> 00:35:14.240 Depression. 00:35:14.800 --> 00:35:15.820 Learning disabilities. 00:35:17.119 --> 00:35:19.500 Becoming on the autism spectrum. 00:35:19.760 --> 00:35:20.920 Bipolar disorders. 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:21.760 Anxiety. 00:35:21.920 --> 00:35:22.440 Dementia. 00:35:22.599 --> 00:35:23.380 Schizophrenia. 00:35:23.880 --> 00:35:24.880 You can actually. 00:35:25.039 --> 00:35:27.559 Maybe you weren't born with some of these problems. 00:35:27.800 --> 00:35:29.820 Or had them for a long time. 00:35:29.920 --> 00:35:30.840 But isolation. 00:35:31.699 --> 00:35:34.539 Can help develop these in you. 00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:40.079 It's a wild truth about how we are physically created by God. 00:35:40.079 --> 00:35:43.159 To be in community with one another. 00:35:43.420 --> 00:35:48.699 Next Sunday starts a brand new sermon series on Christian community. 00:35:50.139 --> 00:35:51.659 I've been talking about it for a while. 00:35:51.659 --> 00:35:52.960 We're launching dGroups. 00:35:53.139 --> 00:35:53.940 Discipleship groups. 00:35:54.099 --> 00:35:55.259 On September 8th. 00:35:55.259 --> 00:35:56.319 The week of September 8th. 00:35:56.359 --> 00:35:58.179 We'll have different nights of the week. 00:35:58.579 --> 00:35:59.960 Sometimes up here at the church. 00:36:00.099 --> 00:36:01.379 Sometimes in someone's house. 00:36:01.559 --> 00:36:03.399 We'll have these community groups. 00:36:03.420 --> 00:36:04.679 Or discipleship groups. 00:36:05.079 --> 00:36:07.159 Gathering together from within our church. 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:09.599 And even someone from outside our church. 00:36:09.599 --> 00:36:10.779 Could be invited to come. 00:36:11.259 --> 00:36:14.679 That could be a great way to start connecting with what God is doing here at our church. 00:36:15.239 --> 00:36:17.599 Because we value Christian community. 00:36:18.079 --> 00:36:18.359 Why? 00:36:18.460 --> 00:36:19.659 Because God values it. 00:36:19.659 --> 00:36:21.219 He designed us that way. 00:36:21.219 --> 00:36:24.639 We are not meant to go through things alone. 00:36:25.939 --> 00:36:35.799 So even our biological makeup teaches us that if we have to suffer, and we do, then let's suffer together. 00:36:36.739 --> 00:36:38.239 Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10. 00:36:39.079 --> 00:36:39.959 This was Paul's goal. 00:36:40.439 --> 00:36:42.459 Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul said, 00:36:42.899 --> 00:36:44.579 My goal is to know God. 00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:45.299 To know Jesus. 00:36:45.859 --> 00:36:48.019 And the power of his resurrection. 00:36:48.699 --> 00:36:50.359 Man, we love that resurrection, don't we? 00:36:50.360 --> 00:36:52.340 We love to talk about Easter Sunday. 00:36:53.220 --> 00:36:56.039 What did Jesus go through right before the resurrection? 00:36:59.079 --> 00:37:00.640 Yeah, the crucifixion. 00:37:02.559 --> 00:37:16.180 I mean, you can't exaggerate the amount of suffering that he endured right before he exhibited the greatest display of God's power that we've ever seen in raising Jesus from the dead. 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:18.940 We love the power of his resurrection. 00:37:18.940 --> 00:37:19.179 We love the power of his resurrection. 00:37:19.179 --> 00:37:24.679 But before we can get there, we've got to know the fellowship of his sufferings. 00:37:24.679 --> 00:37:27.759 I love that word fellowship. 00:37:27.759 --> 00:37:31.259 We could call them fellowship groups if we wanted to. 00:37:32.500 --> 00:37:33.679 Community groups. 00:37:34.199 --> 00:37:37.579 Maybe you've been to a church where they had life groups doing life together. 00:37:38.059 --> 00:37:40.259 Whatever it is, there is a bond. 00:37:40.819 --> 00:37:45.699 There is a fellowship there that we can enjoy as Jesus followers. 00:37:45.699 --> 00:37:50.119 But often the nature of that fellowship includes suffering. 00:37:50.919 --> 00:37:53.599 So it's the fellowship of Jesus suffering. 00:37:54.639 --> 00:37:58.460 Being made, being conformed to his death. 00:37:58.799 --> 00:37:59.719 So that's what it's about. 00:38:00.819 --> 00:38:01.819 Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 00:38:01.879 --> 00:38:04.939 How many of y'all have seen an advertisement for that movie that's coming out, Bonhoeffer? 00:38:04.940 --> 00:38:14.159 It's on, it's the same ones that put out some of the other movies we've gone to see, Sound of Freedom and different things. 00:38:14.300 --> 00:38:17.159 Their same studio, I think, is releasing this, Bonhoeffer. 00:38:17.200 --> 00:38:18.400 I'm not sure who the creators were. 00:38:18.619 --> 00:38:28.200 But that's going to bring familiarity to this German theologian who God used greatly through his work in Germany and through his writings that followed. 00:38:28.800 --> 00:38:33.539 So there's going to, y'all are going to maybe, some of you who see that are going to know who I'm talking about when I quote Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 00:38:33.539 --> 00:38:34.219 But that's all right. 00:38:34.699 --> 00:38:36.480 He said this about suffering. 00:38:36.579 --> 00:38:40.800 This was a guy who suffered a lot for Jesus back in World War II Germany. 00:38:41.139 --> 00:38:47.940 He said the deep meaning of the cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on earth that is not born by God. 00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:50.019 Look at that again, would you? 00:38:50.420 --> 00:38:58.420 The deep meaning of the cross of Christ is that there is no suffering on this earth that has not already been born by Jesus. 00:38:58.420 --> 00:39:07.420 That's why the Bible tells us that Jesus suffered in all areas, was tempted in all areas like we were, but he never sinned. 00:39:07.480 --> 00:39:13.619 He went through all the same struggles that you and I go through, but he did it without sin. 00:39:13.619 --> 00:39:28.799 So when we picture Jesus hanging on the cross and we understand the suffering he endured, we realize that there's nothing that we can suffer that he can't help us through. 00:39:28.800 --> 00:39:32.200 There's a meaning behind it. 00:39:32.600 --> 00:39:33.940 There's a purpose to it. 00:39:34.940 --> 00:39:38.300 There's a way to stay on mission for God in it. 00:39:40.260 --> 00:39:41.560 And we get to do it together. 00:39:42.200 --> 00:39:43.800 So how do we stay on mission? 00:39:44.380 --> 00:39:46.860 How do we stay on mission in the middle of suffering? 00:39:47.220 --> 00:39:48.440 We run to Jesus. 00:39:48.680 --> 00:39:50.680 That is the greatest testimony of all. 00:39:51.120 --> 00:39:53.580 Who do you turn to when the going gets rough? 00:39:53.579 --> 00:39:55.259 Do you turn to alcohol? 00:39:56.299 --> 00:39:57.659 Do you turn to pornography? 00:39:57.920 --> 00:40:01.219 Do you turn to friends who can't really help you through? 00:40:02.219 --> 00:40:03.799 Do you turn to yourself? 00:40:05.659 --> 00:40:06.940 You turn to Jesus. 00:40:07.159 --> 00:40:07.759 You turn to Jesus. 00:40:07.880 --> 00:40:08.599 You run to Jesus. 00:40:08.900 --> 00:40:12.559 That's the testimony that says, God is real for me. 00:40:13.340 --> 00:40:14.759 It's not just a talk I talk. 00:40:15.719 --> 00:40:18.420 It's not just something I talk about when everything's okay. 00:40:19.219 --> 00:40:21.500 When it's not okay, he's the one I turn to. 00:40:21.500 --> 00:40:25.960 So that's the testimony that we leave for those around us. 00:40:26.340 --> 00:40:27.539 We run to Jesus. 00:40:27.659 --> 00:40:28.400 So how do we do that? 00:40:28.619 --> 00:40:29.780 We cry out to him in prayer. 00:40:30.659 --> 00:40:36.659 Prayer is the most powerful thing that a Christian can do is talk to his father. 00:40:37.619 --> 00:40:41.360 When we ignore God and the Holy Spirit walking with us, 00:40:41.860 --> 00:40:46.460 we are not tapped in to the power within us. 00:40:46.920 --> 00:40:48.460 We cry out to him in prayer. 00:40:48.460 --> 00:40:53.159 He always hears and he'll always answer according to his will. 00:40:54.079 --> 00:40:55.679 And then we remember his nature. 00:40:56.320 --> 00:40:58.380 We remember his nature revealed in his word. 00:40:58.940 --> 00:41:04.860 Block out the lies from Satan that try to convince you of something you know is not true. 00:41:05.559 --> 00:41:07.019 See, God doesn't really love you. 00:41:07.260 --> 00:41:08.599 God doesn't really value you. 00:41:09.280 --> 00:41:10.900 Your church doesn't really love you. 00:41:10.900 --> 00:41:14.980 The fellowship of Christ doesn't really value you. 00:41:15.079 --> 00:41:16.519 They don't really care about you. 00:41:17.320 --> 00:41:19.480 You know certain things to be true. 00:41:19.660 --> 00:41:21.360 Remember God's nature. 00:41:21.880 --> 00:41:26.740 Don't doubt in the dark what you know is true about God in the light. 00:41:27.740 --> 00:41:32.519 Don't doubt in the dark times what you know is true in the light. 00:41:32.519 --> 00:41:35.860 And then we claim his promises found in his word. 00:41:36.280 --> 00:41:38.099 That's why it's important to dive into the scriptures. 00:41:38.400 --> 00:41:40.699 Even when things aren't the worst. 00:41:40.820 --> 00:41:43.559 Even when you're not necessarily going through the hardest times. 00:41:43.699 --> 00:41:46.619 We still go to those scriptures and we learn his promises. 00:41:46.980 --> 00:41:49.219 And we hide them deep in our hearts. 00:41:49.340 --> 00:41:55.519 So in those moments that are hardest, God brings them out. 00:41:55.519 --> 00:41:58.780 Remember my promises that I will always be with you. 00:41:58.940 --> 00:42:00.159 I will never forsake you. 00:42:00.320 --> 00:42:03.039 Remember that I will see you through every storm. 00:42:03.239 --> 00:42:04.900 You will come out on the other side. 00:42:05.219 --> 00:42:06.300 Joy comes in the morning. 00:42:06.559 --> 00:42:08.719 There's all kinds of promises in God's word. 00:42:08.719 --> 00:42:11.860 We claim those in those hardest moments. 00:42:11.980 --> 00:42:14.940 And then we run toward the fellowship of his church. 00:42:15.019 --> 00:42:20.559 I can't tell you how many times I've seen people pull back from church when the going gets rough. 00:42:21.099 --> 00:42:23.900 Say, man, I just need some time to pull back. 00:42:23.900 --> 00:42:27.380 Like, that's one of the unhealthiest things you can do. 00:42:29.420 --> 00:42:31.760 Maybe you need to change how you're in community. 00:42:33.099 --> 00:42:37.119 Maybe you don't hang out as much in the lobby yucking it up and messing around with everybody. 00:42:37.220 --> 00:42:39.720 Because that's just not the moment you're in. 00:42:40.200 --> 00:42:43.180 But maybe you need to go to another brother or sister in Christ and say, 00:42:43.260 --> 00:42:44.880 Hey, would you just pray for me right now? 00:42:45.380 --> 00:42:46.400 I'm going through it. 00:42:47.240 --> 00:42:50.220 Can't share all the details with you right now, but I just need some prayer. 00:42:50.219 --> 00:42:56.119 Maybe you talk to those in your Sunday school class or those in your dGroup when we launch those. 00:42:57.639 --> 00:43:03.099 And you run toward the fellowship of his suffering, which is this church. 00:43:03.599 --> 00:43:05.639 We're all suffering together. 00:43:06.239 --> 00:43:13.699 So our takeaway this morning is when God calls me to suffer for him, will I run toward him or away from him? 00:43:13.699 --> 00:43:15.939 It's a question I want to leave you with. 00:43:16.079 --> 00:43:20.059 I hope it sticks in your mind and I hope God brings it back up in those moments. 00:43:20.480 --> 00:43:27.799 When I am called by God and led into a moment of suffering, will I run toward him or will I run away from him? 00:43:28.039 --> 00:43:29.439 Will I run toward his church? 00:43:29.699 --> 00:43:30.399 Will I run away? 00:43:30.799 --> 00:43:35.139 Will I run toward his spirit leading me or will I run away? 00:43:35.299 --> 00:43:39.339 Will I run toward the truth or will I get distracted by a lie? 00:43:39.340 --> 00:43:43.980 When God calls me to suffer, will I run toward him or away from him? 00:43:44.460 --> 00:43:45.960 I want to leave you with this this morning. 00:43:46.579 --> 00:43:49.240 Would you bow your heads with me for a time of prayer? 00:43:52.380 --> 00:43:56.500 There's a song by a Christian singer named Charity Gale. 00:43:57.320 --> 00:43:58.980 It's called We Need a Miracle. 00:43:59.740 --> 00:44:03.420 In times of suffering, we need a miracle. 00:44:03.420 --> 00:44:09.780 We're going to play this song in just a moment, but before we do, I want to share these words. 00:44:10.980 --> 00:44:12.860 In the waiting, you get the glory. 00:44:14.200 --> 00:44:16.680 In the healing, God, you get the glory. 00:44:17.440 --> 00:44:20.700 In the breaking, you get the glory. 00:44:21.460 --> 00:44:24.220 And in the breakthrough, you get the glory. 00:44:24.720 --> 00:44:31.099 I love the stages that are so real and so many of you have lived those stages of life. 00:44:31.099 --> 00:44:33.880 Sometimes we're waiting. 00:44:34.639 --> 00:44:35.920 Sometimes we're healing. 00:44:36.900 --> 00:44:38.920 Sometimes God's breaking us. 00:44:39.639 --> 00:44:41.000 Boy, that's not the fun part. 00:44:42.500 --> 00:44:44.639 But there is always breakthrough. 00:44:45.500 --> 00:44:47.779 God will lead us to breakthrough. 00:44:48.659 --> 00:44:51.699 And in every one of those stages, he gets the glory. 00:44:52.739 --> 00:44:57.559 In the waiting, God, we glorify you while I'm waiting for what you're going to do. 00:44:57.559 --> 00:45:02.239 God, I've been through it, and you're healing me now, but you get the glory for this healing. 00:45:02.659 --> 00:45:04.559 God, I know you're breaking me. 00:45:05.460 --> 00:45:06.159 And it's hard. 00:45:06.259 --> 00:45:07.179 It's not fun. 00:45:07.440 --> 00:45:10.159 But you get the glory in the breaking. 00:45:10.460 --> 00:45:14.579 And whenever the light shines in and the joy comes and the morning comes, 00:45:15.179 --> 00:45:16.840 God, I know I didn't do this. 00:45:17.340 --> 00:45:19.259 You get the glory for the breakthrough. 00:45:19.659 --> 00:45:20.880 Matt, would you play that song? 00:45:20.880 --> 00:45:26.280 Would you all just listen and let this song wash over your spirits? 00:45:26.700 --> 00:45:31.500 Let the Holy Spirit commune with you right now as Charity sings this. 00:45:31.500 --> 00:46:01.480 Let's pray.