Loss of something (p/p/p) we think is necessary for our happiness.
  
19  For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
20  For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently?  But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21  For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22  "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23  who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

I. God’s Purpose is for Sons to be Glorified

 Titus 3:7 justified by his grace, we should be made heirs…hope of eternal life
For it is fitting…in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Heb 2:10 

Reversing the effects of the Fall  (Justification; Sanctification; Glorification) {See Heb 2:1 sermon  “Pay Attention”}
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 for 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
1Pt 5:10 God of all grace, who called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect…

II. The Pioneer of our Salvation is Jesus

Lk 24:26  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? Rev 3:21  To him that overcomes will I grant to sit…
Mt 16:24  Jesus to his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Jn 12:26 where I am…servant

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 consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us
Phil 1:29  For to 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
1Pt 4:13 rejoice, as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; when his glory shall be revealed…exceedingly glad 14  If you are criticized/shamed  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 he learned 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;
2Cor 4:8  We are troubled on every side…perplexed, but not in despair 9 Persecuted…cast down, but not destroyed10 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. 1Cor 15:51 die daily
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)  1Pt 5:10 God of all grace, called us to glory…suffered a while, make you perfect…
Heb 12:10 He disciplines for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11  no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 strengthen 13  straight.14  Pursue peace with all…
Js 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.
Js 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
1Pt 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.
Rm 5:3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience/perseverance 4 character…hope

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 hostility of sinners against himself, lest you become wearied and faint in your minds.