Suffering – 2 Timothy 3:12 – audio

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Introduction

• How many remember when you were baptized into Christ, when all of your sins were washed away?
• Was it not a time of rejoicing and happiness?
• Just as it was when Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:38-39.
• It was said of him “… and he went on his way rejoicing.” – Acts 8:39
• And truly the time of one’s conversion is great occasion because “… old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
• And then one day you come to Bible study excited, until you learn about what is written on the board:

•  “SUFFERING”

All Christians Will Experience and Endure Suffering

• The express will of God says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
• Suffering for Christ, is like taking all the necessary classes, doing all the readings, reports, and tests to get your degree.
• When we are partakers in Jesus sufferings, we’re also partaker in His blessings – 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-16
• Our sufferings in the Lord will be an everlasting blessing, if we endure to the end – James 5:10-11
• There is a great reward in heaven for those who will suffer for the name of Christ – Matthew 5:10-12

Conclusion

• Consider what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
• Therefore, let all of us be encouraged and not be afraid to suffer for Jesus that you might have life.

Hear    Believe    Repent    Confess    Baptism    Live    Faithfully to Death

(Invitation – Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ 8-22-2012 by bro. Harry D. Anderson, Jr.)