Reign in Pain
The sermon emphasizes the privilege of suffering for Christ and how it transforms us into resemblance to Him, ultimately leading to reigning with Him.
Miles J. Stanford preaches about the privilege granted to believers to not only believe in Christ but also to suffer on His behalf, emphasizing that suffering is a preparation by the Father for His followers. He encourages believers to embrace the trials and difficulties that come with serving Christ, reminding them that suffering for His sake is a gracious gift that transforms them into His likeness. Stanford highlights the importance of finding joy in God's resources during trials, leading to a deeper fellowship with Him and a reign with Christ in the midst of suffering.
Text
"For you have had the privilege granted you on behalf of Christ-not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer on His behalf" (Philippians 1:29, Wey.).
The Father prepares His sufferers, by means of their sufferings.
"I believe in perpetual favor with God, but I do not believe in unbroken sunshine here. On the contrary, 'we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake.' I say this that you may not think it strange when the collar which you have rightly accepted becomes trying or difficult to you; for surely if it be service it must be so; the servant must be more or less a sufferer."
"The Lord grant you to be so assured in heart of His interest in you, that daily you may more and more answer to His pleasure; and not be in any way cast down because you apparently do so little. The fragrance of His name is a crown of glory to the greatest invalid."
"'Unto you is given on the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake' (Philippians 1:29). Yea, 'if we suffer, we shall also reign with him' (2 Timothy 2:12). The gracious gift of suffering is as distinct and specific a gift as any other of God's gifts. But this gift transforms the blessed recipient more surely perhaps than all the others into resemblance to Himself, and is for this fellowship, the highest, greatest, noblest of them all."
"We naturally shrink from trials and sorrow, but when we find ourselves enjoying the resources that are in our Father, to which our trials have caused us to have recourse, we remember no more the path of affliction which led us thereto."
"The child of God is ever in the light, though not always in the sunshine."
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:12).
Sermon Outline
- The Privilege of Suffering for Christ
- Our natural reaction to trials and sorrow
- The child of God is always in the light
- Even in the midst of affliction
- We are not alone, but have access to God's resources
- This gift is the highest and noblest of God's gifts
Key Quotes
“'We which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake.'” — Miles J. Stanford
“'If we suffer, we shall also reign with him' (2 Timothy 2:12).” — Miles J. Stanford
“'Unto you is given on the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake' (Philippians 1:29).” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We should not be surprised when trials and sorrow come our way, but rather seek God's resources in those times.
- Suffering can be a transformative gift that helps us resemble Christ and ultimately reign with Him.
- We should be assured in our hearts of God's interest in us, even when we feel like we are doing little for Him.