April 7, 2024

Elephant in the Church

Welcome to the BRAND NEW SERIES!
Reveal the theme of the week: Suffering.
Reflection on my personal experience with suffering through the suicide of my dad, leading me into ministry.
We must see suffering from a different perspective: as an opportunity for growth and fulfillment of purpose.
Exploring the hard questions that suffering often brings, including why God allows suffering in the world.

Welcome > Suffering is REAL
Introduce the story of Ananias and Paul from Acts 9:15-16.
Why God chose to show Paul suffering over other possible motivators?
The role of suffering as a tool for expanding faith.
Go back to Jesus’s words to Peter in Matthew 16:18 about building His church.
Paul’s words in Romans 5:3-4 about glorying in suffering.
“(15) But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (16) I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” – Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)
“(18) And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
“(3) Not only so, but we glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; (4) perseverance, character, and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

Sanctification > The state of proper function > We are sanctified when we are being used for the purpose God designed us.
Suffering oftentimes leads us to things we don’t normally do > praying more, attending church more, asking for help more.
God’s promise in Romans 8:28-29 is to work all things for our good and molding us to the image of His Son.
“(28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (29) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” – Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

We are refined in suffering the same way metal is refined in fire > Mark 9:49.
The book of Acts is a powerful illustration of how suffering can become a powerful vehicle of God’s power.
CHECKMATE PAINTING ILLUSTRATION > CHESS PIECE
God is not done with you. You have one more move to make.
“(49) Everyone will be salted with fire.” – Mark 9:49 (NIV)
“(10) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

Recap the significance of suffering: It Expands Faith, Sanctifies Us, and is Not Our End.
We must embrace suffering as part of our spiritual journey, knowing that suffering can lead to growth, sanctification, and a closer relationship with God.
Response > Prayer > Close