SESSION 4

AUGUST 8, 2021

“THE PURPOSE AND POWER OF GODLY SUFFERING”

(Pain associated with identifying with and obeying Jesus)

è Godly suffering is inevitable and powerful (Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12; Philippians 3:10)

è Not all suffering is righteous suffering (self-inflicted; fallen world; enemy)

è The faces of Suffering for Christ’s sake

• Frontal Attacks: Anger, control, shame-based attacks; rejection

• Multifaceted suffering (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9)

• Subtle Attacks: “Angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14; John 8:44)

• When you discover you are a “target” when enemy uses “disguises”

• Internal persecution: Flesh vs. Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 17)

è Redemptive Suffering: Suffering for the benefit of another. Pain caused by another’s actions, words, absence, but endured in such a way as to bring long-term resolution.

• 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Love Suffers Long”

• 2 Corinthians 1:4 – Our received comfort can be used to minister.

è Godly Suffering’s Rewards

• Endurance (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5)

• Eternal reward (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18)

• Greater intimacy with the Lord (Philippians 3:10)

• Ultimate Victory! (Romans 8:17, 18; 2 Timothy 2:12) If we suffer with Him, we shall also Reign with Him!