Joys of Suffering

Jason Hunter Joys of Suffering / James 1:1-4   Book of James has 59 Instructions written to Jewish Christians that were dispersed and persecuted.   Christian Joy is Insane Example – Paul & Silas – in jail – singing hymns and praising God – They had joy in the midst of suffering! Philippians 1:27-30 Do you want the Joy of Jesus??? Hebrews 12:2 - looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Christians can have joy no matter what they face.  Jesus understands us when we hurt.   Christian joy comes from the heart of a servant.  Jesus is Lord.  James, a bond-servant of God. I am His slave.  Do to me as you will. Beware of the pride of expectation - I expect, I deserve, I demand  Jesus, I need you to __________ for me, but we should be praying Jesus I Need You! Philippians 2:5-8 - 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Jesus is our example how to live in this world. I Peter 3:17 - For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. Jesus taught discipline – in our culture we see it as punishment, but in the Bible it is seen as education – training. Jesus learned to obey through suffering.   Christian joy comes from a refining process. Establish Faith Testing/Develops endurance – serve Jesus – stick with Him no matter what Endurance grows into maturity Be encouraged Acts 15:21-22-Acts 14 – Encourage to continue in faith through many tribulations Discipleship – student in Christ – God uses our difficulties to make us like Jesus.   Christian joy comes from the final product. The joy of today comes from reality of tomorrow. Romans 5:3  Rejoice in suffering  James 1:12  1 Crown of Life  Peter 1:6-7 End game Remembering how good Heaven will be will help us deal with the troubles we face.  Jesus is Lord