Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:35-40, John 16:33, Romans 8:18

Summary:

This sermon, centered on Hebrews 11:35-40, delves into the reality of suffering as an inherent part of the Christian life, both due to persecution for faith and the general brokenness of a fallen world. The speaker builds on previous discussions of Hebrews 11, where faith and hope were explored as a certain expectation in God’s promises, fulfilled through Christ’s sacrifice, independent of human merit. Using the analogy of a rescue ring, the sermon emphasizes that while God’s faithfulness ensures salvation, choosing to place faith in Him often entails signing up for a life that may include persecution.

The sermon highlights the brutal experiences of believers in Hebrews 11, who faced torture, stoning, and being sawn in two, yet remained steadfast, hoping for a better resurrection. The speaker references contemporary persecution, such as the recent killing of evangelical preachers in Colombia, to underscore that suffering for faith persists today. Drawing from the Stockdale Paradox, the sermon contrasts fleeting, wishful hope with resilient faith that endures suffering by trusting in God’s greater purpose, even when promises remain unfulfilled in this life.

Addressing the philosophical challenge of why a good, all-powerful God allows evil, the speaker presents a logical defense: the existence of evil presupposes a moral law, which requires an objective moral lawgiver—God. This argument counters subjective morality, using examples like child sacrifice and historical atrocities to assert that objective moral standards are necessary to define good and evil. However, the sermon acknowledges that logical answers alone are insufficient for those in pain, emphasizing the need for a lived experience of God’s presence.

The concept of “antifragility” is introduced, likening spiritual growth through suffering to physical strengthening through exercise or trees growing stronger under wind pressure. The speaker cites James 1:2-4, encouraging believers to view trials as opportunities for growth, and John 16:33, where Jesus promises His presence amid tribulation. The name Emmanuel—“God with us”—is central, illustrating that God does not remove suffering but enters into it with believers, offering comfort through the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.

The sermon concludes with a call to prioritize an intimate relationship with God, allowing suffering to draw believers closer to Him rather than push them away. Romans 8:18 reminds us that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory awaiting us. By embracing trials with faith, believers are refined toward perfection, as Hebrews 11:40 suggests, in a journey shared with the faithful who have gone before.

Key Points:

• Faith in God’s promises, fulfilled through Christ, equips believers to face persecution and suffering (Hebrews 11:35-40).
• The Stockdale Paradox illustrates that enduring suffering with resilient faith, not wishful hope, leads to spiritual strength.
• The existence of evil implies an objective moral law, pointing to God as the moral lawgiver, countering subjective morality.
• Suffering, like exercise or trees under pressure, fosters antifragility, strengthening believers for God’s purposes (James 1:2-4).
• Emmanuel, “God with us,” enters our suffering, offering the Holy Spirit’s comfort to endure trials (John 16:33).
• Believers are called to cultivate a relationship with God, allowing suffering to deepen faith and draw them closer to Him (Romans 8:18).