Luke 22:47-53

1. We should learn that the worse and most wicked acts may be done under a show of love for Christ.
2. We should learn that it is much easier to fight a little for Christ than to endure hardship and go to prison and death for his sake.
3. We should learn that the time during which evil is permitted to triumph is fixed and limited by God.

"To injure the cause of religion under any circumstances is a great sin, but to injure it while we pretend to show kindness is the blackest of crimes!"

"To suffer patiently for Christ is far more difficult than to work actively. To sit still and endure calmly is much harder than to stir about and take part in the battle."

"Let us take comfort in these words of our Lord in looking forward to our own future lives. If we are followers of Christ, then we shall have our hour of trial, and it may be a long hour too. But we may rest assured that the darkness shall not last one moment longer than God sees fit for us. In His good time, it shall vanish away. At evening time, there shall be light."

Questions:

1. Ryle speaks about grace being the true motive that enables us to endure for Christ, and that patient suffering is the grand test of that grace. Are we easily motivated by excitement, emulation, a party spirit, or the love of praise? Or are we motivated by the love of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a desire to please Him?
2. Ryle speaks of God's sovereignty over the affairs of man, and even over our trials. He even takes note that whatever trials are allowed by God, they are always followed by light, just like the blue sky after a storm. Do we trust that, whatever happens to us, God has allowed it and will allow it for not a second longer than He ordains for it? Do we not find comfort in this truth?