August 7, 1988
Suffering is real, and it is painful. We can do our best to avoid it, but suffering’s certainty in this life is a reality we cannot avoid. Given that reality, how should we think biblically about suffering? In this sermon, Alistair Begg, with a pastor’s heart and gentle care, encourages us to live with perseverance and faith and to consider God’s purposes in our suffering.
12Beloved, do not be surprised at zthe fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice ainsofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad bwhen his glory is revealed. 14cIf you are insulted dfor the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory2 and of God rests upon you. 15But elet none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or fas a meddler. 16Yet eif anyone suffers as a gChristian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God din that name. 17For it is time for judgment hto begin at the household of God; and iif it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who jdo not obey the gospel of God? 18And
k“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”3
19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will lentrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Copyright © 2024, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.