What Makes the Weight of Our Suffering Feel Light？
John Piper explains that the weight of our suffering feels light because of the eternal glory that awaits believers, making present afflictions momentary and bearable.
This sermon focuses on the perspective of not losing heart despite enduring lifelong afflictions and suffering, drawing from the example of Paul who considered his trials as momentary and light compared to the eternal weight of glory awaiting believers. The contrast between temporary struggles and eternal glory is highlighted, emphasizing the unseen spiritual reality that can transform our perception of hardships into opportunities for God's rest and ultimate reward.
Full Transcript
We do not lose heart Because this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. Look at this. He says look at this What do you what do you see when you look at verse 17? You see him calling His affliction which lasted a lifetime Momentary Paul You realize I'm 67 people supposed you're supposed to retire, right? Paul suffered until the sword severed his head from his body There was no year or two of fishing or golf If Paul was going to have a retirement it would be post beheading So if he didn't have this he had nothing He said if there's no resurrection from the dead, I'm an idiot That's what he said 1st Corinthians 15.
He called his lifelong beatings and Shipwreck and sleepless nights and agony for the church. He called it Momentary you see that there in verse 17 This light momentary. He called it light and he called it momentary.
That's crazy That's not what you see You look at it 60 years 50 I'm not sure how old he was when he died long time 20 30 years of relentless imprisonments and and persecution and he calls it momentary and he calls it light and and you see also Don't you the contrast between momentary in verse 17 is eternal and the contrast with light is weight So let's read again notice those parallels His light momentary affliction is preparing for him and eternal that corresponds to momentary weight that corresponds to light of glory So he could see See see really you can't see but he saw beyond the grave According to promise he saw glory the glory of God that would be seen and the glory of God that would be given to him And It made his lifelong suffering look Momentary and it made the weight of the pain look light Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will Give you rest take my yoke upon you and learn from me for my yoke is Easy and my burden is light you are kidding me. You got to die for Jesus. You're gonna call that light.
Yes Why because I look to the unseen what glory? Glory beyond the grave that's going to so make up for this brief life It will look momentary and it will look light. That's the unseen you got to look at
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Suffering
- Paul’s lifelong afflictions and persecutions
- Suffering described as 'light' and 'momentary'
- The paradox of long-term suffering called momentary
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II. The Eternal Perspective
- Contrast between momentary affliction and eternal glory
- Seeing beyond the grave to promised glory
- How eternal glory makes suffering bearable
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III. The Promise of Rest
- Jesus’ invitation to the weary and heavy laden
- The yoke of Christ is easy and burden light
- Faith in the unseen glory empowers endurance
Key Quotes
“He called his lifelong beatings and Shipwreck and sleepless nights and agony for the church. He called it Momentary.” — John Piper
“His light momentary affliction is preparing for him an eternal weight of glory.” — John Piper
“Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will Give you rest... my yoke is Easy and my burden is light.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Focus on the eternal promises of God to endure present suffering with hope.
- Trust in Jesus’ invitation to find rest amid life’s burdens.
- Remember that current afflictions are temporary compared to the glory to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Paul call his suffering 'light' and 'momentary'?
Paul views his suffering as light and momentary because he compares it to the eternal glory that awaits, which far outweighs present hardships.
How can suffering feel light according to this sermon?
Suffering feels light when believers fix their eyes on the eternal glory promised by God, which puts present pain into perspective.
What is the significance of the eternal weight of glory?
The eternal weight of glory refers to the incomparable and everlasting reward that makes current afflictions seem insignificant.
How does Jesus’ invitation relate to suffering?
Jesus invites those who labor and are heavy laden to find rest in Him, promising that His yoke is easy and burden light, offering comfort amid suffering.
What practical hope does this sermon offer to believers?
It encourages believers to endure suffering with hope by focusing on the unseen eternal glory that will make all present pain worthwhile.