Even Suffering Can’t Slow Down the Gospel
While we often think that suffering will serve as a blockade towards spiritual growth, it is often the vehicle. Realize that God may want to use that which you want to remove.
Author
Travis Agnew
Lead Pastor
Suffering
Even Suffering Can’t Slow Down the Gospel
While we often think that suffering will serve as a blockade towards spiritual growth, it is often the vehicle. Realize that God may want to use that which you want to remove.
Travis Agnew
Lead Pastor
The Surprising Nature of Suffering (1:12-13)
- Paul experienced numerous physical and emotional difficulties (1:12; cf. 2 Cor. 11).
- Our suffering often places us with unexpected opportunities among unsuspected people (1:13).
- Use your hardships as a platform for ministry rather than a blockade.
The Surprising Reactions to Suffering (1:14-18)
- Your perseverance can give courage to others who are facing similar hardships (1:14).
- Trials often reveal if those around us are supportive servants or bitter believers (1:15-17).
- Supportive Servants are those who supplement ministry when others are immobilized (1:16).
- Bitter Believers are those whose jealousy leads them to take advantage of another’s suffering (1:17).
- Stop filtering every trouble by how it affects you but rather how it promotes the gospel (1:18).
God can renew what you want to remove
- What suffering do you wish that God would remove from your life right now?
- If your circumstances don’t change, how could you see God using them for spreading the gospel?
