Our Cross: The Path of Suffering – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

In all this, you greatly rejoice, though In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had now for a little while you may have had now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven These have come so that the proven These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith, of greater genuineness of your faith, of greater genuineness of your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even worth than gold, which perishes even worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, though refined by fire, though refined by fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor may result in praise, glory, and honor may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. when Jesus Christ is revealed. when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love Though you have not seen him, you love Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him him, and even though you do not see him him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled now, you believe in him and are filled now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. with an inexpressible and glorious joy. with an inexpressible and glorious joy. For you're receiving the end result of For you're receiving the end result of For you're receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. your faith, the salvation of your souls. your faith, the salvation of your souls. Who is going to harm you if you're eager Who is going to harm you if you're eager Who is going to harm you if you're eager to do good? But even if you should to do good? But even if you should to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are suffer for what is right, you are suffer for what is right, you are blessed. blessed. blessed. Do not fear their threats. Do not be Do not fear their threats. Do not be Do not fear their threats. Do not be frightened. frightened. frightened. But in your hearts, revere Christ as But in your hearts, revere Christ as But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Lord. Lord. Always be prepared an answer to everyone Always be prepared an answer to everyone Always be prepared an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the who asks you to give the reason for the who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. hope that you have. hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, But do this with gentleness and respect, But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that keeping a clear conscience, so that keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your those who speak maliciously against your those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed good behavior in Christ may be ashamed good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

of their slander. of their slander. For it is better, if it is God's will, For it is better, if it is God's will, For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing to suffer for doing good than for doing to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. evil. evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, For Christ also suffered once for sins, For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to the righteous for the unrighteous, to the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. bring you to God. bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but He was put to death in the body, but He was put to death in the body, but made alive in the spirit. The word of made alive in the spirit. The word of made alive in the spirit. The word of the Lord. >> Now, each week we're looking at how >> Now, each week we're looking at how Christians grow Christians grow Christians grow into Christ-likeness. Each week we're into Christ-likeness. Each week we're into Christ-likeness. Each week we're looking at some passage from first or looking at some passage from first or looking at some passage from first or second Peter second Peter second Peter that we'll be talking that gives us the that we'll be talking that gives us the that we'll be talking that gives us the various conditions, the context, the various conditions, the context, the various conditions, the context, the instruments, the things through which we instruments, the things through which we instruments, the things through which we grow grow grow into Christ-likeness. into Christ-likeness. into Christ-likeness. And tonight we look at the one that's And tonight we look at the one that's And tonight we look at the one that's probably the main theme of 1 Peter, probably the main theme of 1 Peter, probably the main theme of 1 Peter, um one that is definitely one of the one um one that is definitely one of the one um one that is definitely one of the one of the main ways the Bible says that we of the main ways the Bible says that we of the main ways the Bible says that we grow into Christ-likeness. grow into Christ-likeness. grow into Christ-likeness. And that's through difficulty, through And that's through difficulty, through And that's through difficulty, through suffering, through suffering, through suffering, through troubles and trials.

troubles and trials. troubles and trials. So, let's plunge right in and notice So, let's plunge right in and notice So, let's plunge right in and notice that these two passages, one from that these two passages, one from that these two passages, one from chapter 1 and one from chapter 3. The chapter 1 and one from chapter 3. The chapter 1 and one from chapter 3. The reason we can go all we can we we reason we can go all we can we we reason we can go all we can we we 1 Peter is probably more about suffering 1 Peter is probably more about suffering 1 Peter is probably more about suffering than any other one theme. So, we've got than any other one theme. So, we've got than any other one theme. So, we've got things that he says all through it. Uh things that he says all through it. Uh things that he says all through it. Uh let's notice that he says that suffering let's notice that he says that suffering let's notice that he says that suffering is inevitable. Let's look Let's see what is inevitable. Let's look Let's see what is inevitable. Let's look Let's see what we can learn about the inevitability of we can learn about the inevitability of we can learn about the inevitability of suffering, suffering, suffering, the good potential of suffering, the good potential of suffering, the good potential of suffering, and the disciplines we would have to and the disciplines we would have to and the disciplines we would have to practice in suffering if it's going to practice in suffering if it's going to practice in suffering if it's going to have a good outcome. have a good outcome. have a good outcome. The inevitability of suffering, The inevitability of suffering, The inevitability of suffering, the uh the uh the uh good potential of suffering, and the good potential of suffering, and the good potential of suffering, and the disciplines of suffering. Okay? disciplines of suffering. Okay? disciplines of suffering. Okay? First, brief but important point. First, brief but important point. First, brief but important point. Suffering is not just possible in this Suffering is not just possible in this Suffering is not just possible in this world, it's inevitable. So, 1 6, In all world, it's inevitable. So, 1 6, In all world, it's inevitable. So, 1 6, In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now this, you greatly rejoice, though now this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you have had to for a little while you have had to for a little while you have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. You suffer grief in all kinds of trials. You suffer grief in all kinds of trials. You have had to suffer. Have had kind of a have had to suffer. Have had kind of a have had to suffer. Have had kind of a an awkward an awkward an awkward English construction, but it's getting English construction, but it's getting English construction, but it's getting across a simple Greek word that says, across a simple Greek word that says, across a simple Greek word that says, "Right now it's necessary that you "Right now it's necessary that you "Right now it's necessary that you suffer."

suffer." suffer." Suffering is is not just possible, it's Suffering is is not just possible, it's Suffering is is not just possible, it's necessary, meaning it's inevitable. It's necessary, meaning it's inevitable. It's necessary, meaning it's inevitable. It's going to happen. going to happen. going to happen. Because we live in a broken world. Because we live in a broken world. Because we live in a broken world. And no matter how hard you try, and New And no matter how hard you try, and New And no matter how hard you try, and New Yorkers know Yorkers know Yorkers know of all the people in the world, New of all the people in the world, New of all the people in the world, New Yorkers are the ones who say, "If I get Yorkers are the ones who say, "If I get Yorkers are the ones who say, "If I get everything right, if I hire the everything right, if I hire the everything right, if I hire the consultants, if I'm really careful, if consultants, if I'm really careful, if consultants, if I'm really careful, if I'm really diligent, I can have a a good I'm really diligent, I can have a a good I'm really diligent, I can have a a good life." No matter how hard you try to life." No matter how hard you try to life." No matter how hard you try to manage and create a really good life, manage and create a really good life, manage and create a really good life, something will always come in and ruin something will always come in and ruin something will always come in and ruin it. I don't care how wealthy you are, how I don't care how wealthy you are, how smart you are, I don't care how smart you are, I don't care how smart you are, I don't care how expert you are, expert you are, expert you are, bereavement, bereavement, bereavement, loved ones dying, loved ones dying, loved ones dying, serious illnesses serious illnesses serious illnesses coming into your life, coming into your life, coming into your life, relational betrayals, people stabbing relational betrayals, people stabbing relational betrayals, people stabbing you in the back, people breaking things you in the back, people breaking things you in the back, people breaking things off, off, off, betrayal relational betrayals, and and betrayal relational betrayals, and and betrayal relational betrayals, and and financial reversals or financial financial reversals or financial financial reversals or financial disasters. I don't care who you are, I disasters. I don't care who you are, I disasters. I don't care who you are, I don't care how powerful you are, you don't care how powerful you are, you don't care how powerful you are, you can't stop those things from happening.

can't stop those things from happening. can't stop those things from happening. They will happen. They will happen. They will happen. You'll be moving right along in life, You'll be moving right along in life, You'll be moving right along in life, feeling pretty sufficient, feeling pretty sufficient, feeling pretty sufficient, self-sufficient, suddenly you'll be out self-sufficient, suddenly you'll be out self-sufficient, suddenly you'll be out of your depth. You'll be going along in of your depth. You'll be going along in of your depth. You'll be going along in life, you feel kind of in control, life, you feel kind of in control, life, you feel kind of in control, suddenly you realize that you never were suddenly you realize that you never were suddenly you realize that you never were in control. in control. in control. That no matter how hard you try, That no matter how hard you try, That no matter how hard you try, suffering's inevitable. Now, why suffering's inevitable. Now, why suffering's inevitable. Now, why we push this we push this we push this here, uh Peter in verse 12 of chapter 4, here, uh Peter in verse 12 of chapter 4, here, uh Peter in verse 12 of chapter 4, in this book, 1 Peter chapter 4 verse in this book, 1 Peter chapter 4 verse in this book, 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 12, he says, "Don't be surprised when 12, he says, "Don't be surprised when 12, he says, "Don't be surprised when suffering comes on you suffering comes on you suffering comes on you as if something strange is happening to as if something strange is happening to as if something strange is happening to you, hm?" you, hm?" you, hm?" Don't be surprised if suffering comes Don't be surprised if suffering comes Don't be surprised if suffering comes upon you as if something strange is upon you as if something strange is upon you as if something strange is happening to you. Why does he say that? happening to you. Why does he say that? happening to you. Why does he say that? He says that because He says that because He says that because if we are surprised, if we're not ready if we are surprised, if we're not ready if we are surprised, if we're not ready for tragedy, for tragedy, for tragedy, if we don't expect it, if we don't expect it, if we don't expect it, you're not ready for life. you're not ready for life. you're not ready for life. Now, Americans are particularly bad at Now, Americans are particularly bad at Now, Americans are particularly bad at this. this. this. Dr. Paul Brand, who was a a well-known Dr. Paul Brand, who was a a well-known Dr. Paul Brand, who was a a well-known surgeon, who's British surgeon, spent surgeon, who's British surgeon, spent surgeon, who's British surgeon, spent half of his career in India, half of his half of his career in India, half of his half of his career in India, half of his career in America. This is what he said career in America. This is what he said career in America. This is what he said about Americans. He said, "In the United about Americans. He said, "In the United about Americans. He said, "In the United States, States, States, patients live at a greater comfort level patients live at a greater comfort level patients live at a greater comfort level than anywhere else, than anywhere else, than anywhere else, but it seems that Americans are far less but it seems that Americans are far less but it seems that Americans are far less equipped to handle suffering and far equipped to handle suffering and far equipped to handle suffering and far more traumatized by it.

more traumatized by it. more traumatized by it. He's been all around the world. He's been all around the world. He's been all around the world. Americans are the Americans are the Americans are the are shocked shocked that they're are shocked shocked that they're are shocked shocked that they're suffering. It's not supposed to happen. suffering. It's not supposed to happen. suffering. It's not supposed to happen. Uh Uh Uh I did all the right things. I pushed all I did all the right things. I pushed all I did all the right things. I pushed all the right buttons. You know, we live in the right buttons. You know, we live in the right buttons. You know, we live in a technological society. I did a technological society. I did a technological society. I did everything right. everything right. everything right. They're shocked. They're shocked. They're shocked. We're the most likely people in the We're the most likely people in the We're the most likely people in the world to be surprised at suffering. world to be surprised at suffering. world to be surprised at suffering. And I my experience is very often 2/3 of And I my experience is very often 2/3 of And I my experience is very often 2/3 of the pain we're experiencing when we the pain we're experiencing when we the pain we're experiencing when we suffer is the shock that we're suffer is the shock that we're suffer is the shock that we're suffering. suffering. suffering. You can eliminate 2/3 of your pain if You can eliminate 2/3 of your pain if You can eliminate 2/3 of your pain if you just had been ready. See, look at think See, look at think until you're not surprised. Look at God. until you're not surprised. Look at God. until you're not surprised. Look at God. If you have an infinite God, a God of If you have an infinite God, a God of If you have an infinite God, a God of infinite majesty and wisdom, infinite majesty and wisdom, infinite majesty and wisdom, would it make sense that everything he would it make sense that everything he would it make sense that everything he lets happen in your life would make lets happen in your life would make lets happen in your life would make sense? Would all of his ways make sense? sense? Would all of his ways make sense? sense? Would all of his ways make sense? Look at parents with little children. Look at parents with little children. Look at parents with little children. Do all the things the parents do to the Do all the things the parents do to the Do all the things the parents do to the little children make sense to the little little children make sense to the little little children make sense to the little children? children? children? The Are the little children always The Are the little children always The Are the little children always saying, "Oh, I understand the reason for saying, "Oh, I understand the reason for saying, "Oh, I understand the reason for this rule, Father."

this rule, Father." this rule, Father." I get it. I realize that someday, if I I get it. I realize that someday, if I I get it. I realize that someday, if I don't do this now, I won't have the don't do this now, I won't have the don't do this now, I won't have the self-control to go to school. No, they self-control to go to school. No, they self-control to go to school. No, they just scream. just scream. just scream. Because they can't understand. Why won't Because they can't understand. Why won't Because they can't understand. Why won't you let me do this? And why are you you let me do this? And why are you you let me do this? And why are you making me do that? Now, the difference making me do that? Now, the difference making me do that? Now, the difference between a little child and a between a little child and a between a little child and a parent parent parent is considerably less than the difference is considerably less than the difference is considerably less than the difference between you and God. And so, you're between you and God. And so, you're between you and God. And so, you're telling me telling me telling me if you would really have an infinitely if you would really have an infinitely if you would really have an infinitely wise God, a beginningless eternal God, wise God, a beginningless eternal God, wise God, a beginningless eternal God, does it make sense that everything he does it make sense that everything he does it make sense that everything he allows to happen in your life is going allows to happen in your life is going allows to happen in your life is going to make sense to you? No. And And look to make sense to you? No. And And look to make sense to you? No. And And look at Jesus. Don't just look at God. Look at Jesus. Don't just look at God. Look at Jesus. Don't just look at God. Look at Jesus in particular. at Jesus in particular. at Jesus in particular. Here you have an absolutely perfect Here you have an absolutely perfect Here you have an absolutely perfect person person person who suffered terribly in order to bring who suffered terribly in order to bring who suffered terribly in order to bring about a greater good. about a greater good. about a greater good. And he suffered without complaining And he suffered without complaining And he suffered without complaining in order to bring about a greater good. in order to bring about a greater good. in order to bring about a greater good. Do you think you're better than he is? He didn't It didn't He didn't complain. He didn't It didn't He didn't complain. See, if you think about God, if you See, if you think about God, if you See, if you think about God, if you think about Jesus, you won't be think about Jesus, you won't be think about Jesus, you won't be surprised. Think about life, you won't surprised. Think about life, you won't surprised. Think about life, you won't be surprised. Be ready be surprised. Be ready be surprised. Be ready for the inevitability of suffering.

for the inevitability of suffering. for the inevitability of suffering. Number one. Number two. The second thing Number one. Number two. The second thing Number one. Number two. The second thing we learn here though we learn here though we learn here though is the good potential of suffering. Now, is the good potential of suffering. Now, is the good potential of suffering. Now, that sounds strange, but Peter in verse that sounds strange, but Peter in verse that sounds strange, but Peter in verse seven seven seven uses a really interesting illustration. uses a really interesting illustration. uses a really interesting illustration. He uses a metaphor that tells us, and He uses a metaphor that tells us, and He uses a metaphor that tells us, and we're just going to confine ourselves to we're just going to confine ourselves to we're just going to confine ourselves to it. There's a whole lot of other things it. There's a whole lot of other things it. There's a whole lot of other things the Bible says about suffering, but the Bible says about suffering, but the Bible says about suffering, but we're going to stick with what he says we're going to stick with what he says we're going to stick with what he says about suffering in verse seven. He says, about suffering in verse seven. He says, about suffering in verse seven. He says, "These have come, these trials and "These have come, these trials and "These have come, these trials and troubles, have come so that the proven troubles, have come so that the proven troubles, have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith of greater genuineness of your faith of greater genuineness of your faith of greater worth than gold, worth than gold, worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by which perishes even though refined by which perishes even though refined by fire, may result in praise, glory, and fire, may result in praise, glory, and fire, may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." Now, he's likening your faith's your faith's relationship to suffering relationship to suffering relationship to suffering to gold's relationship to fire. to gold's relationship to fire. to gold's relationship to fire. Now, a goldsmith puts gold through the Now, a goldsmith puts gold through the Now, a goldsmith puts gold through the fire. fire. fire. Why? Why? Why? You The gold goes through the fire You The gold goes through the fire You The gold goes through the fire because all gold has impurities in it. I because all gold has impurities in it. I because all gold has impurities in it. I mean, when you bring it out of the mean, when you bring it out of the mean, when you bring it out of the ground, it's never pure. ground, it's never pure. ground, it's never pure. And when you put gold through the fire, And when you put gold through the fire, And when you put gold through the fire, the fire cannot destroy the gold. It can the fire cannot destroy the gold. It can the fire cannot destroy the gold. It can melt it, it can, you know, soften it, melt it, it can, you know, soften it, melt it, it can, you know, soften it, but it can't destroy the gold. But but it can't destroy the gold. But but it can't destroy the gold. But there's impurities in the gold. Non-gold there's impurities in the gold. Non-gold there's impurities in the gold. Non-gold things in the gold.

things in the gold. things in the gold. And so, what happens to the What the And so, what happens to the What the And so, what happens to the What the fire does is it burns some of those off, fire does is it burns some of those off, fire does is it burns some of those off, but in many cases it separates the but in many cases it separates the but in many cases it separates the impurities from the gold. They become impurities from the gold. They become impurities from the gold. They become visible, and the goldsmith can just visible, and the goldsmith can just visible, and the goldsmith can just skim them off. skim them off. skim them off. In other words, the fire makes In other words, the fire makes In other words, the fire makes uh creates a separation, shows you the uh creates a separation, shows you the uh creates a separation, shows you the impurities in the gold so they can be impurities in the gold so they can be impurities in the gold so they can be taken out, and then when it's all done, taken out, and then when it's all done, taken out, and then when it's all done, the gold comes out of the fire more pure the gold comes out of the fire more pure the gold comes out of the fire more pure than ever. Now, Peter quickly points out than ever. Now, Peter quickly points out than ever. Now, Peter quickly points out that as valuable as gold is, it's part that as valuable as gold is, it's part that as valuable as gold is, it's part of this world and everything in this of this world and everything in this of this world and everything in this world is not eternal, it's going to go world is not eternal, it's going to go world is not eternal, it's going to go away. But faith is eternal and here's away. But faith is eternal and here's away. But faith is eternal and here's what he says. what he says. what he says. Though he says Though he says Though he says he says when you put your faith through he says when you put your faith through he says when you put your faith through the fire, it results in praise, glory the fire, it results in praise, glory the fire, it results in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Now what does that mean? Now what does that mean? Now what does that mean? There are impurities in your faith. There are impurities in your faith. There are impurities in your faith. You're Christian? You're Christian? You're Christian? You say, "I believe in God, I believe in You say, "I believe in God, I believe in You say, "I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I believe in his salvation, I Jesus, I believe in his salvation, I Jesus, I believe in his salvation, I believe in his love." But there's believe in his love." But there's believe in his love." But there's enormous impurities in your faith and enormous impurities in your faith and enormous impurities in your faith and you could make the case if I had time I you could make the case if I had time I you could make the case if I had time I would make the case would make the case would make the case that most of your problems come from the that most of your problems come from the that most of your problems come from the fact that there's impurities in your fact that there's impurities in your fact that there's impurities in your faith that though you believe in God, faith that though you believe in God, faith that though you believe in God, you actually have stronger trust in you actually have stronger trust in you actually have stronger trust in other things besides God mixed in.

other things besides God mixed in. other things besides God mixed in. Let me give you an example. Not a Let me give you an example. Not a Let me give you an example. Not a perfect example, but a good example. perfect example, but a good example. perfect example, but a good example. Uh some years ago I listened to a man of Uh some years ago I listened to a man of Uh some years ago I listened to a man of actually in in the year 2009 I heard a actually in in the year 2009 I heard a actually in in the year 2009 I heard a man give a testimony to a to a man give a testimony to a to a man give a testimony to a to a conference. conference. conference. Uh testimony of his conversion 4 years Uh testimony of his conversion 4 years Uh testimony of his conversion 4 years before that. So in 2009 I heard a man before that. So in 2009 I heard a man before that. So in 2009 I heard a man uh give a testimony about a conversion uh give a testimony about a conversion uh give a testimony about a conversion that happened in 2005. Now here's how that happened in 2005. Now here's how that happened in 2005. Now here's how the story went basically. the story went basically. the story went basically. This is a man who said he was a a pretty This is a man who said he was a a pretty This is a man who said he was a a pretty well well well well-off and uh successful um fund well-off and uh successful um fund well-off and uh successful um fund manager. manager. manager. But he was having some trouble. But he was having some trouble. But he was having some trouble. He was having some trouble. He was He was having some trouble. He was He was having some trouble. He was having a pretty bad year and he really having a pretty bad year and he really having a pretty bad year and he really he was really upset. he was really upset. he was really upset. And some of his Christian friends came And some of his Christian friends came And some of his Christian friends came to him and talked about Jesus and he to him and talked about Jesus and he to him and talked about Jesus and he says, "Well, I don't have any faith. I says, "Well, I don't have any faith. I says, "Well, I don't have any faith. I wish I had your faith. I don't have any wish I had your faith. I don't have any wish I had your faith. I don't have any faith." And here's kind of what they faith." And here's kind of what they faith." And here's kind of what they said. said. said. They said, "What are you talking to me They said, "What are you talking to me They said, "What are you talking to me talk to me about you don't have any talk to me about you don't have any talk to me about you don't have any faith? faith? faith? What's your meaning in life? How do you feel safe in the world?

How do you feel safe in the world? What's the source of your self-image and What's the source of your self-image and What's the source of your self-image and self-worth? self-worth? self-worth? It's your money. It's your success. It's your money. It's your success. It's your money. It's your success. These are These are essentially the These are These are essentially the These are These are essentially the basis for your security, the basis for basis for your security, the basis for basis for your security, the basis for your significance. These is the This is your significance. These is the This is your significance. These is the This is the thing This is That's what you the thing This is That's what you the thing This is That's what you believe in. Your faith You've lots of believe in. Your faith You've lots of believe in. Your faith You've lots of faith, and you put all your faith for faith, and you put all your faith for faith, and you put all your faith for your salvation, your salvation, your salvation, for your meaning in life, for your for your meaning in life, for your for your meaning in life, for your happiness, for your joy, for your happiness, for your joy, for your happiness, for your joy, for your self-worth. You put it all in being a self-worth. You put it all in being a self-worth. You put it all in being a successful and wealthy businessman. successful and wealthy businessman. successful and wealthy businessman. And now troubles are happening. You're And now troubles are happening. You're And now troubles are happening. You're having a bad year. And now can you see having a bad year. And now can you see having a bad year. And now can you see that as long as your faith is in in that as long as your faith is in in that as long as your faith is in in stuff like that, that can never save stuff like that, that can never save stuff like that, that can never save you? And it shook him up. And it shook him up. Because actually what had happened was Because actually what had happened was Because actually what had happened was that he had not realized to the degree that he had not realized to the degree that he had not realized to the degree to which he didn't just He didn't just to which he didn't just He didn't just to which he didn't just He didn't just enjoy being a businessman. He had faith enjoy being a businessman. He had faith enjoy being a businessman. He had faith in that. He had put his all the trust of in that. He had put his all the trust of in that. He had put his all the trust of his heart in that. His meaning in life his heart in that. His meaning in life his heart in that. His meaning in life was that. His salvation was that. And he was that. His salvation was that. And he was that. His salvation was that. And he realized that. Why? Because in a sense realized that. Why? Because in a sense realized that. Why? Because in a sense he was going through a furnace.

he was going through a furnace. he was going through a furnace. And he began to realize here's something And he began to realize here's something And he began to realize here's something that's really too important to me and that's really too important to me and that's really too important to me and I'm very fragile. And during that time I'm very fragile. And during that time I'm very fragile. And during that time he thought about Christianity and he he thought about Christianity and he he thought about Christianity and he looked at all the evidence for it and he looked at all the evidence for it and he looked at all the evidence for it and he became a Christian. became a Christian. became a Christian. Now in the year 2009, you remember what Now in the year 2009, you remember what Now in the year 2009, you remember what 2009 was like? Those of you in the 2009 was like? Those of you in the 2009 was like? Those of you in the financial world, it was a pretty bad financial world, it was a pretty bad financial world, it was a pretty bad year, 2008, 2009. In 2009 he gave a year, 2008, 2009. In 2009 he gave a year, 2008, 2009. In 2009 he gave a testimony about his conversion 4 years testimony about his conversion 4 years testimony about his conversion 4 years earlier earlier earlier to a group of people, many of whom were to a group of people, many of whom were to a group of people, many of whom were businessmen, businesswomen. And this is businessmen, businesswomen. And this is businessmen, businesswomen. And this is what he said. He says, "I want to give you this He says, "I want to give you this testimony this year because 4 years testimony this year because 4 years testimony this year because 4 years later I am in a field that we used to later I am in a field that we used to later I am in a field that we used to call wealth management. Right now it's call wealth management. Right now it's call wealth management. Right now it's more like just surviving. more like just surviving. more like just surviving. I have lost an enormous amount of money I have lost an enormous amount of money I have lost an enormous amount of money this year. And here's what I want you to know. And here's what I want you to know. I have never been happier in my life. I have never been happier in my life. I have never been happier in my life. If the Great Recession had happened 4 If the Great Recession had happened 4 If the Great Recession had happened 4 years ago when my faith was in my money years ago when my faith was in my money years ago when my faith was in my money and my performance, I know where the and my performance, I know where the and my performance, I know where the vodka bottle is and I just would have vodka bottle is and I just would have vodka bottle is and I just would have driven myself right into the ground.

driven myself right into the ground. driven myself right into the ground. Now, here's what happened to him. Now, here's what happened to him. Now, here's what happened to him. Because Because Because of suffering trouble in 2005, of suffering trouble in 2005, of suffering trouble in 2005, he could see what he was really basing he could see what he was really basing he could see what he was really basing his hope on and it was based on his hope on and it was based on his hope on and it was based on something that would never hold him up something that would never hold him up something that would never hold him up in all circumstances. in all circumstances. in all circumstances. And he came to trust in Jesus Christ. And he came to trust in Jesus Christ. And he came to trust in Jesus Christ. And that's why later on, when the real And that's why later on, when the real And that's why later on, when the real test came, test came, test came, he knows that he probably would have he knows that he probably would have he knows that he probably would have either driven himself to drink or maybe either driven himself to drink or maybe either driven himself to drink or maybe killed himself. But he says, here's what killed himself. But he says, here's what killed himself. But he says, here's what he said, you could have heard a pin drop he said, you could have heard a pin drop he said, you could have heard a pin drop in that room. in that room. in that room. He says, I have lost an enormous amount He says, I have lost an enormous amount He says, I have lost an enormous amount of money this year and here's what I of money this year and here's what I of money this year and here's what I want you to know, I've never been want you to know, I've never been want you to know, I've never been happier in my life. happier in my life. happier in my life. Now, how could somebody lose all that Now, how could somebody lose all that Now, how could somebody lose all that money and be happy? money and be happy? money and be happy? His faith had been purified. His faith had been purified. His faith had been purified. It In other words, it he It In other words, it he It In other words, it he he his faith had been purified. he his faith had been purified. he his faith had been purified. And that's why it results in praise, And that's why it results in praise, And that's why it results in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is to glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is to glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is to be revealed. Look at verse 8. Though you be revealed. Look at verse 8. Though you be revealed. Look at verse 8. Though you have not seen him, you love him and have not seen him, you love him and have not seen him, you love him and though you do not see him now, you though you do not see him now, you though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an believe in him and are filled with an believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

inexpressible and glorious joy. inexpressible and glorious joy. The old King James version says, you The old King James version says, you The old King James version says, you rejoice in him with joy unspeakable and rejoice in him with joy unspeakable and rejoice in him with joy unspeakable and full of glory. full of glory. full of glory. Joy unspeakable and full of glory. Now, Joy unspeakable and full of glory. Now, Joy unspeakable and full of glory. Now, are you anxious? Are you unhappy? are you anxious? Are you unhappy? are you anxious? Are you unhappy? Do you freak out becau- because of Do you freak out becau- because of Do you freak out becau- because of criticism? Have you had a career criticism? Have you had a career criticism? Have you had a career reversal and you just don't know what reversal and you just don't know what reversal and you just don't know what you're going to do? And you're just at you're going to do? And you're just at you're going to do? And you're just at the end of your rope. the end of your rope. the end of your rope. Here's the reason why. Here's the reason why. Here's the reason why. You may believe in God, you may believe You may believe in God, you may believe You may believe in God, you may believe in Jesus Christ, but your faith is in Jesus Christ, but your faith is in Jesus Christ, but your faith is impure. It's It's his love is not that impure. It's It's his love is not that impure. It's It's his love is not that tangible. You've invested your heart too tangible. You've invested your heart too tangible. You've invested your heart too much in other things. Good things. much in other things. Good things. much in other things. Good things. There's nothing wrong with a career. There's nothing wrong with a career. There's nothing wrong with a career. Nothing wrong with a romantic Nothing wrong with a romantic Nothing wrong with a romantic relationship. Nothing wrong with family. relationship. Nothing wrong with family. relationship. Nothing wrong with family. But when you invest your heart in those But when you invest your heart in those But when you invest your heart in those things so much that they become the real things so much that they become the real things so much that they become the real thing you're trusting, thing you're trusting, thing you're trusting, then you're anxious or your then you're anxious or your then you're anxious or your your head gets big when things go well. your head gets big when things go well. your head gets big when things go well. You hate yourself when things don't go You hate yourself when things don't go You hate yourself when things don't go well. You're up and you're down. well. You're up and you're down. well. You're up and you're down. But when you go through suffering, see, But when you go through suffering, see, But when you go through suffering, see, suffering always shows you these things suffering always shows you these things suffering always shows you these things that are too important to you. Shows you that are too important to you. Shows you that are too important to you. Shows you the things that you really trust.

the things that you really trust. the things that you really trust. Just like fire separates the impurities Just like fire separates the impurities Just like fire separates the impurities from the gold. And when you see that, from the gold. And when you see that, from the gold. And when you see that, you can do two things. One is you can you can do two things. One is you can you can do two things. One is you can either say, "God, you're not enough for either say, "God, you're not enough for either say, "God, you're not enough for me. me. me. I believe in God, but I've got to have I believe in God, but I've got to have I believe in God, but I've got to have this or I'm going to this or I'm going to this or I'm going to melt down." melt down." melt down." Double entendre there. Double entendre there. Double entendre there. Or you could say Or you could say Or you could say what Jacob said what Jacob said what Jacob said when wrestling with God in Genesis 32. when wrestling with God in Genesis 32. when wrestling with God in Genesis 32. Remember he was wrestling with God at Remember he was wrestling with God at Remember he was wrestling with God at night and the sun was coming up and he night and the sun was coming up and he night and the sun was coming up and he said to God, he said, said to God, he said, said to God, he said, "I will not let you go till you bless "I will not let you go till you bless "I will not let you go till you bless me." me." me." And see, when you're in the fire and you And see, when you're in the fire and you And see, when you're in the fire and you come to see come to see come to see that many things that that many things that that many things that are too important to you, are too important to you, are too important to you, your wealth is going away, your health your wealth is going away, your health your wealth is going away, your health is going away, your beauty is going is going away, your beauty is going is going away, your beauty is going away, your love is some love is going away, your love is some love is going away, your love is some love is going away, you need to turn and say, "Lord, I away, you need to turn and say, "Lord, I away, you need to turn and say, "Lord, I want you to be my real wealth. I want you to be my real wealth. I want you to be my real wealth. I health. I want you to be my real health. I want you to be my real health. I want you to be my real beauty." And I don't know how long it's going to And I don't know how long it's going to take, but I'm not going to let you go take, but I'm not going to let you go take, but I'm not going to let you go until you strengthen my faith, till I until you strengthen my faith, till I until you strengthen my faith, till I feel the tangible love, feel the tangible love, feel the tangible love, till you become more real to me, till you become more real to me, till you become more real to me, so that that so that my faith will be so that that so that my faith will be so that that so that my faith will be purified and as a result I'll be able to purified and as a result I'll be able to purified and as a result I'll be able to handle life.

If the things of this world are your If the things of this world are your greatest joy, suffering can only destroy greatest joy, suffering can only destroy greatest joy, suffering can only destroy that. that. that. But if the things of this world But if the things of this world But if the things of this world are not your greatest joy, but God are not your greatest joy, but God are not your greatest joy, but God himself is, himself is, himself is, then suffering just drives you like a then suffering just drives you like a then suffering just drives you like a nail more into his love. nail more into his love. nail more into his love. That's the potential of suffering. That's the potential of suffering. That's the potential of suffering. To make you into something great, to To make you into something great, to To make you into something great, to turn you to pure gold. Now, lastly, turn you to pure gold. Now, lastly, turn you to pure gold. Now, lastly, then what do you have to do when the then what do you have to do when the then what do you have to do when the suffering comes? Three things that the suffering comes? Three things that the suffering comes? Three things that the text talks about. Three things. Here's text talks about. Three things. Here's text talks about. Three things. Here's the first thing. These are the the first thing. These are the the first thing. These are the disciplines. These are the things that disciplines. These are the things that disciplines. These are the things that you've got to do when the suffering you've got to do when the suffering you've got to do when the suffering hits, hits, hits, otherwise, instead of becoming more pure otherwise, instead of becoming more pure otherwise, instead of becoming more pure and more and more and more wonderful and great and instead of your wonderful and great and instead of your wonderful and great and instead of your your faith your faith your faith being purified and you turning into being purified and you turning into being purified and you turning into something gorgeous and gold, you might something gorgeous and gold, you might something gorgeous and gold, you might say, say, say, um instead, you know, you could become um instead, you know, you could become um instead, you know, you could become more bitter, you could become more hard. more bitter, you could become more hard. more bitter, you could become more hard. What do you have to do? Here's three What do you have to do? Here's three What do you have to do? Here's three things. Number one, things. Number one, things. Number one, don't be stoic, cry. Don't be stoic, cry.

Don't be stoic, cry. Where do I get that? Verse six, the very Where do I get that? Verse six, the very Where do I get that? Verse six, the very first verse, first verse, first verse, it says, "In all this you greatly it says, "In all this you greatly it says, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while rejoice, though now for a little while rejoice, though now for a little while you have may have had to suffer grief in you have may have had to suffer grief in you have may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." all kinds of trials." all kinds of trials." That goes by too quickly. Look That goes by too quickly. Look That goes by too quickly. Look carefully. It says, "You have had to carefully. It says, "You have had to carefully. It says, "You have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." suffer grief in all kinds of trials." suffer grief in all kinds of trials." The trials are the circumstances. The The trials are the circumstances. The The trials are the circumstances. The trials are what goes wrong, the trials are what goes wrong, the trials are what goes wrong, the disappointments. disappointments. disappointments. The the thing the bad things that happen The the thing the bad things that happen The the thing the bad things that happen to you, but it's not just that you to you, but it's not just that you to you, but it's not just that you experience experience experience trials, it says, "You suffer grief in trials, it says, "You suffer grief in trials, it says, "You suffer grief in those trials." And that word suffer those trials." And that word suffer those trials." And that word suffer grief is a word that means agonizing grief is a word that means agonizing grief is a word that means agonizing pain. pain. pain. It's not just that Christians go through It's not just that Christians go through It's not just that Christians go through bad circumstances, but those bad bad circumstances, but those bad bad circumstances, but those bad circumstances make them hurt. circumstances make them hurt. circumstances make them hurt. They cry out. They cry out. They cry out. Christianity is not stoicism. You will Christianity is not stoicism. You will Christianity is not stoicism. You will know that if you go into the book of know that if you go into the book of know that if you go into the book of Psalms Psalms Psalms or you go to the book of Job. or you go to the book of Job. or you go to the book of Job. All through the book of Job, Job is All through the book of Job, Job is All through the book of Job, Job is screaming and crying out. He's cursing screaming and crying out. He's cursing screaming and crying out. He's cursing the day he was born. the day he was born. the day he was born. At one point he says, "God, I wish you At one point he says, "God, I wish you At one point he says, "God, I wish you would appear before me cuz I got some would appear before me cuz I got some would appear before me cuz I got some questions for you."

questions for you." questions for you." And you know, all through there he's And you know, all through there he's And you know, all through there he's crying out and he's being angry and he's crying out and he's being angry and he's crying out and he's being angry and he's and he's in tremendous pain. Some of the and he's in tremendous pain. Some of the and he's in tremendous pain. Some of the things he talks about things he talks about things he talks about Some of the expressions of pain in Job Some of the expressions of pain in Job Some of the expressions of pain in Job are just are just are just unbelievably painful just to just to unbelievably painful just to just to unbelievably painful just to just to read them. And at the end of the book, read them. And at the end of the book, read them. And at the end of the book, you know what God does? He vindicates you know what God does? He vindicates you know what God does? He vindicates Job. He says, "Job, you have been Job. He says, "Job, you have been Job. He says, "Job, you have been faithful to me because he always prayed. faithful to me because he always prayed. faithful to me because he always prayed. He did all He cried out in prayer. He He did all He cried out in prayer. He He did all He cried out in prayer. He didn't walk away from God. didn't walk away from God. didn't walk away from God. But you see, But you see, But you see, when you get to the end of the book of when you get to the end of the book of when you get to the end of the book of Job, you realize that boy, this isn't Job, you realize that boy, this isn't Job, you realize that boy, this isn't something I'm aware of because we have a something I'm aware of because we have a something I'm aware of because we have a tendency to say that if you rejoice Look tendency to say that if you rejoice Look tendency to say that if you rejoice Look carefully at verse six. Two present carefully at verse six. Two present carefully at verse six. Two present tenses. We tend to say, "Well, if you If tenses. We tend to say, "Well, if you If tenses. We tend to say, "Well, if you If you rejoice in being a Christian because you rejoice in being a Christian because you rejoice in being a Christian because it's referring back to verses 1 to 5, to it's referring back to verses 1 to 5, to it's referring back to verses 1 to 5, to being born again to a living hope, to being born again to a living hope, to being born again to a living hope, to having the resurrection as our hope in having the resurrection as our hope in having the resurrection as our hope in the future." It says, "You rejoice in the future." It says, "You rejoice in the future." It says, "You rejoice in these things you have in Christ, and yet these things you have in Christ, and yet these things you have in Christ, and yet you are suffering grief." There's two you are suffering grief." There's two you are suffering grief." There's two present tenses there. present tenses there. present tenses there. There's a tendency for us to say, "If There's a tendency for us to say, "If There's a tendency for us to say, "If you're a Christian, well, what does it you're a Christian, well, what does it you're a Christian, well, what does it mean to handle suffering as a Christian? mean to handle suffering as a Christian? mean to handle suffering as a Christian? I just rejoice in the Lord. I just I just rejoice in the Lord. I just I just rejoice in the Lord. I just rejoice in the Lord. See, I'm okay. I'm rejoice in the Lord. See, I'm okay. I'm rejoice in the Lord. See, I'm okay. I'm okay." No, that's the way Stoics used to okay." No, that's the way Stoics used to okay." No, that's the way Stoics used to do it. The Greek Stoics said, "Here's do it. The Greek Stoics said, "Here's do it. The Greek Stoics said, "Here's how you handle pain.

how you handle pain. how you handle pain. Don't let it get to you. Keep a stiff Don't let it get to you. Keep a stiff Don't let it get to you. Keep a stiff upper lip. Don't let it make you cry." upper lip. Don't let it make you cry." upper lip. Don't let it make you cry." That's not the Bible's way. That's not That's not the Bible's way. That's not That's not the Bible's way. That's not the Christian way. That's not the the Christian way. That's not the the Christian way. That's not the healthy way. healthy way. healthy way. You go look through the book of Psalms. You go look through the book of Psalms. You go look through the book of Psalms. You go look through the book of Job, and You go look through the book of Job, and You go look through the book of Job, and you see the you see the you see the the painful cries of the sufferers the painful cries of the sufferers the painful cries of the sufferers resounding through the Bible, even from resounding through the Bible, even from resounding through the Bible, even from the cross. the cross. the cross. You don't see Jesus Christ You don't see Jesus Christ You don't see Jesus Christ keeping a stiff upper lip on the cross. keeping a stiff upper lip on the cross. keeping a stiff upper lip on the cross. So, here's what you have to understand. So, here's what you have to understand. So, here's what you have to understand. I've had many people say, "Oh, when you I've had many people say, "Oh, when you I've had many people say, "Oh, when you talk about how God is with you and and talk about how God is with you and and talk about how God is with you and and suffering, you know, can turn you into suffering, you know, can turn you into suffering, you know, can turn you into something good. I don't understand that something good. I don't understand that something good. I don't understand that because all I know is when I've been because all I know is when I've been because all I know is when I've been through suffering, it's just hurt. It's through suffering, it's just hurt. It's through suffering, it's just hurt. It's been terrible." What do you think It's been terrible." What do you think It's been terrible." What do you think It's not either/or here. not either/or here. not either/or here. It's extraordinarily important for you It's extraordinarily important for you It's extraordinarily important for you to understand. To be faithful to God, to to understand. To be faithful to God, to to understand. To be faithful to God, to have your faith purified, to hold on to have your faith purified, to hold on to have your faith purified, to hold on to God and say, "I will not let you go till God and say, "I will not let you go till God and say, "I will not let you go till you bless me. I want to know you better you bless me. I want to know you better you bless me. I want to know you better through this. I want to I want to I want through this. I want to I want to I want through this. I want to I want to I want to sense your reality in a way that I to sense your reality in a way that I to sense your reality in a way that I haven't before. I want to sense your haven't before. I want to sense your haven't before. I want to sense your love in a way that that goes along with love in a way that that goes along with love in a way that that goes along with agonizing pain. Go look at the book of agonizing pain. Go look at the book of agonizing pain. Go look at the book of Job. He never stopped praying.

Job. He never stopped praying. Job. He never stopped praying. He never walked away from God, but he He never walked away from God, but he He never walked away from God, but he was utterly honest about his crying was utterly honest about his crying was utterly honest about his crying and his suffering and his pain. So, and his suffering and his pain. So, and his suffering and his pain. So, first of all, first of all, first of all, don't be stoic, cry, but second of all, don't be stoic, cry, but second of all, don't be stoic, cry, but second of all, keep a keep a clear conscience and obey. keep a keep a clear conscience and obey. keep a keep a clear conscience and obey. Keep a clear conscience and obey. Keep a clear conscience and obey. Keep a clear conscience and obey. Look here in verse Look here in verse Look here in verse 15, or pardon me, verse 16 in the second 15, or pardon me, verse 16 in the second 15, or pardon me, verse 16 in the second part the second chap- the second part the second chap- the second part the second chap- the second paragraph. This is from chapter three. paragraph. This is from chapter three. paragraph. This is from chapter three. It says do It says keep a clear It says do It says keep a clear It says do It says keep a clear conscience so that those who speak conscience so that those who speak conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior maliciously against your good behavior maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their in Christ may be ashamed of their in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Now, what's what's being talked slander. Now, what's what's being talked slander. Now, what's what's being talked about here is a particular kind of about here is a particular kind of about here is a particular kind of suffering. suffering. suffering. In chapter three, Peter's talking about In chapter three, Peter's talking about In chapter three, Peter's talking about suffering persecution, suffering suffering persecution, suffering suffering persecution, suffering persecution for being a Christian. persecution for being a Christian. persecution for being a Christian. Christians are being persecuted for Christians are being persecuted for Christians are being persecuted for their faith. Now, that's one kind of their faith. Now, that's one kind of their faith. Now, that's one kind of suffering. It's not the only kind of suffering. It's not the only kind of suffering. It's not the only kind of suffering. And even though this keep suffering. And even though this keep suffering. And even though this keep your conscience clear is being applied your conscience clear is being applied your conscience clear is being applied to this particular kind of suffering, to this particular kind of suffering, to this particular kind of suffering, say, "Look, if say, "Look, if say, "Look, if if people wrong you, don't lash out, if people wrong you, don't lash out, if people wrong you, don't lash out, don't be violent, don't be cruel, don't be violent, don't be cruel, don't be violent, don't be cruel, keep your conscience clear, obey God, keep your conscience clear, obey God, keep your conscience clear, obey God, love your neighbor.

love your neighbor. love your neighbor. When you're reviled, revile not again. When you're reviled, revile not again. When you're reviled, revile not again. In that way, In that way, In that way, it'll be harder for that person. You it'll be harder for that person. You it'll be harder for that person. You won't give ammunition to your enemy. But won't give ammunition to your enemy. But won't give ammunition to your enemy. But see, this is a principle that fits for see, this is a principle that fits for see, this is a principle that fits for all suffering. all suffering. all suffering. When suffering comes, When suffering comes, When suffering comes, it's so easy to get into self-pity. it's so easy to get into self-pity. it's so easy to get into self-pity. Years ago I talked to a man who had had Years ago I talked to a man who had had Years ago I talked to a man who had had a terrible a terrible a terrible financial loss and his his career had financial loss and his his career had financial loss and his his career had been ruined. And because he was just in been ruined. And because he was just in been ruined. And because he was just in such pain, he had an affair. He was married, but he had an affair He was married, but he had an affair with another woman. You know why? with another woman. You know why? with another woman. You know why? Self-pity. He sat there and he said, Self-pity. He sat there and he said, Self-pity. He sat there and he said, "With all I've been through, I deserve "With all I've been through, I deserve "With all I've been through, I deserve this." Now, when you go through suffering, that Now, when you go through suffering, that is one of the most powerful impulses. is one of the most powerful impulses. is one of the most powerful impulses. The self-pity can destroy you because The self-pity can destroy you because The self-pity can destroy you because you're going through trouble, terrible you're going through trouble, terrible you're going through trouble, terrible trouble. You see a lot of other people trouble. You see a lot of other people trouble. You see a lot of other people around you, they're not having the same around you, they're not having the same around you, they're not having the same kind of trouble, and you start to say, kind of trouble, and you start to say, kind of trouble, and you start to say, "I deserve this." And you start to do "I deserve this." And you start to do "I deserve this." And you start to do things that are wrong, things you things that are wrong, things you things that are wrong, things you shouldn't do shouldn't do shouldn't do as a way of sort of numbing the pain, or as a way of sort of numbing the pain, or as a way of sort of numbing the pain, or it's just a way of consoling yourself.

it's just a way of consoling yourself. it's just a way of consoling yourself. But, of course, But, of course, But, of course, once his wife found out about it and his once his wife found out about it and his once his wife found out about it and his marriage fell apart as well as his marriage fell apart as well as his marriage fell apart as well as his career falling apart, he had double career falling apart, he had double career falling apart, he had double trouble. trouble. trouble. It's far worse. Keep your conscience It's far worse. Keep your conscience It's far worse. Keep your conscience clear. clear. clear. Don't give the enemy ammunition. Don't give the enemy ammunition. Don't give the enemy ammunition. And that doesn't mean don't have an And that doesn't mean don't have an And that doesn't mean don't have an affair. affair. affair. When suffering comes, keep praying like When suffering comes, keep praying like When suffering comes, keep praying like Job. Keep reading the Bible. Keep coming Job. Keep reading the Bible. Keep coming Job. Keep reading the Bible. Keep coming to church. to church. to church. Don't stop doing the things that you're Don't stop doing the things that you're Don't stop doing the things that you're supposed to do as a Christian. supposed to do as a Christian. supposed to do as a Christian. So, on the one hand, So, on the one hand, So, on the one hand, cry. cry. cry. Don't be a stoic. On the other hand, Don't be a stoic. On the other hand, Don't be a stoic. On the other hand, obey. Keep your conscience clear. And obey. Keep your conscience clear. And obey. Keep your conscience clear. And lastly, of course, lastly, of course, lastly, of course, you look at Jesus. you look at Jesus. you look at Jesus. Verse 18, "For Christ also suffered once Verse 18, "For Christ also suffered once Verse 18, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the for sins, the righteous for the for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." unrighteous, to bring you to God." unrighteous, to bring you to God." Jesus Christ suffered. Now, here's what Jesus Christ suffered. Now, here's what Jesus Christ suffered. Now, here's what this means. this means. this means. We've been talking about a furnace, We've been talking about a furnace, We've been talking about a furnace, right? right? right? You know, in the book of You know, in the book of You know, in the book of Daniel, chapter 3, Daniel, chapter 3, Daniel, chapter 3, there's a story about three young Jewish there's a story about three young Jewish there's a story about three young Jewish men in Babylon, men in Babylon, men in Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And uh it's commanded that they bow down And uh it's commanded that they bow down And uh it's commanded that they bow down to a great idol. They won't bow down, to a great idol. They won't bow down, to a great idol. They won't bow down, and so the king of Babylon, in fury, has and so the king of Babylon, in fury, has and so the king of Babylon, in fury, has them bound them bound them bound and thrown into a furnace so hot and thrown into a furnace so hot and thrown into a furnace so hot that the soldiers who are throwing them that the soldiers who are throwing them that the soldiers who are throwing them in all perish from the heat. in all perish from the heat. in all perish from the heat. So, the king goes up to a high place to So, the king goes up to a high place to So, the king goes up to a high place to look down into the furnace to look at, look down into the furnace to look at, look down into the furnace to look at, you know, watch these men that he's so you know, watch these men that he's so you know, watch these men that he's so mad at writhing in pain, and he's mad at writhing in pain, and he's mad at writhing in pain, and he's shocked shocked shocked what he sees. And he turns to his what he sees. And he turns to his what he sees. And he turns to his counselors and he says, "Didn't we throw counselors and he says, "Didn't we throw counselors and he says, "Didn't we throw three men into the fire bound?" "Yes, O three men into the fire bound?" "Yes, O three men into the fire bound?" "Yes, O king," king," king," they say. they say. they say. He says, I see He says, I see He says, I see four men four men four men walking around unbound. walking around unbound. walking around unbound. And the fourth one looks like a son of And the fourth one looks like a son of And the fourth one looks like a son of the gods. the gods. the gods. Now, in the Old Testament, there's this Now, in the Old Testament, there's this Now, in the Old Testament, there's this figure called the angel of the Lord, not figure called the angel of the Lord, not figure called the angel of the Lord, not an angel of the Lord, the angel of the an angel of the Lord, the angel of the an angel of the Lord, the angel of the Lord. Lord. Lord. And the angel of the Lord, whenever he And the angel of the Lord, whenever he And the angel of the Lord, whenever he shows up, speaks shows up, speaks shows up, speaks as God as God as God and seems to embody God.

and seems to embody God. and seems to embody God. And most scholars of the Hebrew And most scholars of the Hebrew And most scholars of the Hebrew scriptures, most Christian scholars and scriptures, most Christian scholars and scriptures, most Christian scholars and theologians understand that this angel theologians understand that this angel theologians understand that this angel of the Lord person that keeps showing up of the Lord person that keeps showing up of the Lord person that keeps showing up in the Old Testament is a is Jesus in the Old Testament is a is Jesus in the Old Testament is a is Jesus Christ himself in a pre-incarnate form. Christ himself in a pre-incarnate form. Christ himself in a pre-incarnate form. And here's what happened. And here's what happened. And here's what happened. Those three young men were thrown in all Those three young men were thrown in all Those three young men were thrown in all bound, but what happened in the fire? bound, but what happened in the fire? bound, but what happened in the fire? All All All that got burned off was their shackles, that got burned off was their shackles, that got burned off was their shackles, was their bound or their bonds. was their bound or their bonds. was their bound or their bonds. What a perfect image. What a perfect image. What a perfect image. When you're thrown into When you're thrown into When you're thrown into suffering suffering suffering and you walk with it look walk through and you walk with it look walk through and you walk with it look walk through it looking at Jesus. it looking at Jesus. it looking at Jesus. Leaning on him, relying on him, Leaning on him, relying on him, Leaning on him, relying on him, all that the fire is going to do all that the fire is going to do all that the fire is going to do is free you. is free you. is free you. The from the things that bought bound The from the things that bought bound The from the things that bought bound you, from the things that you were too you, from the things that you were too you, from the things that you were too invested in, the things that that invested in, the things that that invested in, the things that that controlled you. controlled you. controlled you. Because through suffering, you put your Because through suffering, you put your Because through suffering, you put your heart just so completely in Jesus and heart just so completely in Jesus and heart just so completely in Jesus and there's nothing then that can stop you, there's nothing then that can stop you, there's nothing then that can stop you, nothing then that can get you down. You nothing then that can get you down. You nothing then that can get you down. You say, well, what does that mean? How do I say, well, what does that mean? How do I say, well, what does that mean? How do I look to Jesus? Here's how.

look to Jesus? Here's how. look to Jesus? Here's how. If you look at Jesus Christ going to the If you look at Jesus Christ going to the If you look at Jesus Christ going to the cross, see, cross, see, cross, see, for Christ also suffered to bring you to for Christ also suffered to bring you to for Christ also suffered to bring you to God. He suffered the just for the un to God. He suffered the just for the un to God. He suffered the just for the un to the just for the you know, just for the the just for the you know, just for the the just for the you know, just for the unjust. unjust. unjust. He suffered when he went to the cross. He suffered when he went to the cross. He suffered when he went to the cross. Ah. Ah. Ah. He went into the ultimate furnace. He went into the ultimate furnace. He went into the ultimate furnace. And when you see him going the ultimate And when you see him going the ultimate And when you see him going the ultimate furnace for you, furnace for you, furnace for you, then you can sense him being in your then you can sense him being in your then you can sense him being in your furnaces with you. When you see what he furnaces with you. When you see what he furnaces with you. When you see what he did for you, then you know he's near. did for you, then you know he's near. did for you, then you know he's near. Aristotle, Aristotle, Aristotle, the philosopher, of course, the philosopher, of course, the philosopher, of course, at one point said, "It's impossible for at one point said, "It's impossible for at one point said, "It's impossible for there to be a friendship between a god there to be a friendship between a god there to be a friendship between a god and a human being." You know why? They and a human being." You know why? They and a human being." You know why? They don't have enough in common. Well, speak for yourself, Aristotle. Well, speak for yourself, Aristotle. Because Christians know that in Jesus Because Christians know that in Jesus Because Christians know that in Jesus Christ, God took on human likeness. Christ, God took on human likeness. Christ, God took on human likeness. And Christianity is the only religion And Christianity is the only religion And Christianity is the only religion that says God has suffered. that says God has suffered. that says God has suffered. That God knows what it's like to be That God knows what it's like to be That God knows what it's like to be betrayed. He knows what it's like to be betrayed. He knows what it's like to be betrayed. He knows what it's like to be tortured. He knows what it's like to tortured. He knows what it's like to tortured. He knows what it's like to die. He even knows what it's like to be die. He even knows what it's like to be die. He even knows what it's like to be lost. On the cross, Jesus says, "My God, lost. On the cross, Jesus says, "My God, lost. On the cross, Jesus says, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Somehow, Somehow, Somehow, the Lord got to know what it's like even the Lord got to know what it's like even the Lord got to know what it's like even to be lost. to be lost. to be lost. Oh my goodness, we can be his friend. He Oh my goodness, we can be his friend. He Oh my goodness, we can be his friend. He can be with us can be with us can be with us in suffering because he knows what it's in suffering because he knows what it's in suffering because he knows what it's like. like. like. Because he was tempted in every way, as Because he was tempted in every way, as Because he was tempted in every way, as we are, says the book of Hebrews, we can we are, says the book of Hebrews, we can we are, says the book of Hebrews, we can turn to him. turn to him. turn to him. Joni Eareckson Tada wrote this, Joni Eareckson Tada wrote this, Joni Eareckson Tada wrote this, "Jesus is worth trusting, period, end of "Jesus is worth trusting, period, end of "Jesus is worth trusting, period, end of argument. After all, when they hang you argument. After all, when they hang you argument. After all, when they hang you on a cross like meat on a hook, on a cross like meat on a hook, on a cross like meat on a hook, you have the final word on suffering." you have the final word on suffering." you have the final word on suffering." Trust in Jesus as you're going through Trust in Jesus as you're going through Trust in Jesus as you're going through the fires of your own suffering, and the fires of your own suffering, and the fires of your own suffering, and it'll turn you to gold. Let us pray. it'll turn you to gold. Let us pray. it'll turn you to gold. Let us pray. Our Father, we thank you for giving us Our Father, we thank you for giving us Our Father, we thank you for giving us uh uh uh some insight here into how the furnaces some insight here into how the furnaces some insight here into how the furnaces of our of our lives can actually turn us of our of our lives can actually turn us of our of our lives can actually turn us into something great and good. And we into something great and good. And we into something great and good. And we ask that you would ask that you would ask that you would help us to know these disciplines and to help us to know these disciplines and to help us to know these disciplines and to uh be faithful to you at the same time, uh be faithful to you at the same time, uh be faithful to you at the same time, being honest about our pain and being honest about our pain and being honest about our pain and suffering, and to look to Jesus suffering, and to look to Jesus suffering, and to look to Jesus who who who went into the furnace for us. So, now we went into the furnace for us. So, now we went into the furnace for us. So, now we know he's in the furnace with us. And we know he's in the furnace with us. And we know he's in the furnace with us. And we ask that you grant that we would ask that you grant that we would ask that you grant that we would practice these things and become more practice these things and become more practice these things and become more and more like your son in whose name we and more like your son in whose name we and more like your son in whose name we pray.

pray. pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Thank you for listening today. >> Thank you for listening today. >> Thank you for listening today. Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing God change lives through the increasing reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube gospelinlife.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. thanks for your gift. thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous Thank you again for your generous Thank you again for your generous support because support because support because the gospel really does change the gospel really does change the gospel really does change everything.