Sermon Title: Glory In Suffering Scriptural Reference: Job 1:8, 2:7, 20:15 The suffering and pain of a believer is temporal because at the end God will glorify Himself in the life of the believer. Always remember that everything that has a beginning also has an end. No condition is permanent so your suffering, pain, difficulties, challenges and trials will certainly come to end. We need to understand that the suffering and pain of a believer are aimed at building faith, endurance, humility, compassion and character in the believers life. We must therefore not give up when we encounter suffering and pain because God is aware and He will deliver us. Understand and know that it is in suffering, pain and agony that we experience the power and glory of God. Jobs Sufferings And Afflictions 1. Itchy sores - Job 2:7-8 2. Insomnia (sleeplessness) - Job 2:7-8 3. Halitosis - bad breath Job 19:17 4. Weight loss - Job 19:20 5. Chills and fever - Job 21:6 6. Diarrhea - Job 30:27 7. Blackening of his skin - Job 30:30 8. He was neglected, rejected and found solace/refuge only at the refuse dump - Job 19:13-20 Jobs Response To His Afflictions As An Example For Us - Job 1:20-22 1. Remind yourself of the day of your birth when you were born naked and owned nothing. Know that we came into this world with nothing and that all we have acquired has been by the grace and mercy of God. 2. Remember also that at your death you wont be buried with your acquisitions. This should help you be humble and treat people with honour and respect. 3. Always worship God irrespective of your pain, suffering and trials. Gods Testimony And Approval Of Job - Job 1:8 1. Job was blameless (holy) 2. He was an upright person (man of integrity) 3. He was an example to other people 4. He shunned evil 5. He feared (respected, revered, honoured) God Qualities Of The Person Who Fears God 1. One who respects the indwelling of God in his heart irrespective of the lack of Gods physical presence. 2. One who respects God and honours Gods word. He does not argue or find loop holes in God s word. He does not give excuses for obeying God. 3. A person who accepts the total counsel of God for his/her life irrespective of how painful, frustrating and difficult it is. Job accepted all his predicaments and continued to worship and serve God. He was never angry with God. 4. One who honours Gods faith in him/her. The main reason why we go through suffering and struggles is for God to gain glory and preeminence over the devil. Examples of Present Day Job Experiences 1. Beautiful, pretty girl who is poor 2. Clever and intelligent person struggling to continue his/her education 3. Great business ideas but no capital to set yourself up 4. Aging woman but no husband 5. Great spouse but married to an ungrateful spouse 6. Hard working person but no one appreciates the hard work 7. Good parent but has ungrateful children 8. Hard working but cannot enjoy the fruits of your labour because of lifes challenges. How Job Encouraged Himself 1. Job encouraged himself by his faith in the word of God - Job 19:25 2. Job encouraged himself by comparing himself with a tree that buds and sprouts after it has been cut or pruned. There is hope for everyone going through difficulties, trials, sufferings and seemingly unending pain as long as you are alive. Just keep connecting to God and at the appointed time God will restore and lift you up again. Job 14:7-12
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 05:29:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015