A Reason for Suffering (Traditional Service)

As we finish up the series Grace and Grit: A Series on Suffering, it is time that we prepare ourselves for when suffering comes. While we have focused a lot on the grace we have received and the grit that we continuing to build as Christians, we also need to suffer with a reason. If you and I cannot express to people why we endure suffering, then why should we suffer at all? This is why Peter is telling the believers in his letter and why he is telling us today that we are to “always be prepared to make defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you.” Do you have your reason? Are you ready to give a defense for you might one day suffer, even unto death? The reason we suffer is because Christ suffered for us and we have been given a physical promise of salvation in the waters of baptism. We can know for sure that we do suffer for a reason, and that reason is Christ.

Scriptures

o Psalm 66:8-20 – Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

o 1 Peter 3:13-22 – Always be prepared to make defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you…

o Matthew 10:24-39 – Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.