For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom[are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
I. God’s Purpose is for Sons to be Glorified
Reversing the effects of the Fall (Justification; Sanctification; Glorification) {See Heb 2:1 sermon “Pay Attention”} Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 1Pt 1:3 Blessed be God…caused us to be born again to a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 in you greatly rejoice, though for a season, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith…might be found to result in praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10 Of which salvation the prophets…sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 13 gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be 1Pe 5:10 God of all grace, who called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect
II. The Pioneer of our Salvation is Jesus
Lu 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Re 3:21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Mt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
III. The Path to Perfection is Suffering “Suffering is a vaccine against short-sightedness of the soul.” -BC 1990
A. Suffering for the Savior (His Reputation/Glory and our reward) Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, BUT co-heirs with Christ; if so be that we co-suffer with him, that we may be also co-glorified together. 18 I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Php 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Mt 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ac 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom 1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with 14 If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
B. Suffering for the Saints (Ministry) Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 2Co 4:8 We are troubled on every side…perplexed, but not in despair; :9 Persecuted…cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 2Tim 2:2 things you heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he 2Tim 4:5 Always be steadfast, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
C. Suffering for Sainthood (Character/Holiness) 1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. Heb 12:10 they chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Jas 1:3 the trying of your faith works patience. 4 let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Jn 12:25 He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 1Pe 2:19 For this is praiseworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Jas 1:12 Blessed the man that endures temptation: when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him
D. Suffering for Stupidity 1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. Ps 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept your word. Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; 4 And patience, experience…
Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
1. Do most people view the Christian life as Pollyanna bliss or self-denying perseverance? Why? What’s the implication of each view? 2. What kind of suffering (in #III.) do most NT/Modern Christians experience? If you’re not suffering are you being perfected? 3. What resources does one draw upon in persevering for an objective in the natural realm (e.g. work)? How differ in spiritual realm? 4. What is our natural attitude toward suffering? What should our response be? How can we change? What resources are available? 5. How can one be joyful, peaceful, contented, and rejoicing in the midst of suffering? What mindset do you need? Heb 12:3 consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. |