Facing Hardship, Christian Suffering Pt 2

Last session we discussed suffering in regards to unplanned pregnancy. In efforts to avoid consequences, some people will turn to abortion as a way to avoid loss of income, acceptance, facing the sin of others, and to keep opportunities open. Individuals who are contemplating abortion need to feel we understand their hardship before we earn the privilege to affectively speak righteousness into their lives. This may require us to make sacrifices of our own.

It is imperative that we approach this topic with a three prong approach (truth, grace, mercy) so as to be even-handed in our words. It is by holding onto the truth, mercy and grace offered to us in Jesus that we are able to come alongside those who seek abortion and persuade them otherwise. And for those who have experienced abortion, it is important to remember our own capacity to sin and that fear drives people to do things they otherwise would not do.

Comfort can be an obstacle to godliness. If we know doing the right thing can be hard, we must commit ourselves to righteousness no matter the cost. By understanding the dynamics around how fear can propel us toward idolatry, we begin to grasp the magnitude of the battle at hand. We must all learn to face hardship with the mind of Christ.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

1. What would happen to soldiers in war if some decided "others are in it, I can excuse myself?"

2. Who is the soldier in this verse? Who is the one who enlists?

3. What do soldiers do when their commander shouts "charge!"

4. What is the spiritual battle occurring right now?

5. Who are the parties involved? Is there neutral ground? Mt 12:30 When you evaluate your life, how is it consistent with what Jesus teaches about sides?

6. What does God's army advancing look like, internally and externally? Lk 17:21, Jn 15:16, Gal 5:22-23

7. What are our marching orders? Mt 28:18-20

8. The verse above, 2Ti23-4, uses military language for our spiritual journey. The enemy attacks us in our walk with God, our worship of God, and our work for God. Name a way the enemy attacks you personally in each of these areas.

9. How can you war against the enemy? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 2:15

**Add this list to your Bible at 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Weapons of Warfare: Word of God, delegated power and authority, light, prayer, fasting, praise, keys to the Kingdom, Name of Jesus, Blood of Jesus

2 Thessalonians 1:4-8 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. What evidence proves God's coming judgement is good?

2. What should our response be to those who persecute us? Romans 12:17-21, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Matthew 5:44

Read a story from VOM, When Faith Is Forbidden, Day 20 We All Know (9 min.)

Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 1

He empathizes with us Heb 4:15

He knows what it means to lack Mt 8:20

Prayer: Father, thank you for the grace to face hardship. We know that You are always with us to transform us and deliver us from evil. Lord, enlarge our vision that we may see Your hand in our lives. Grant us the fortitude to confront evil with You by our side. With the Holy Spirit, help us guard our walk with You, our worship of You, and our encounter with Your Word. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we will count the cost and endure as faithful servants of Jesus in such a time as this. In Jesus' Name.

Part 1

Part 3