God's Purpose in Our Suffering is That We May Know Him Fully — Santosh Poonen — February 5, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/gods-purpose-in-suffering-is-that-we-may-know-him River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that true understanding of God's Lordship means recognizing that nothing good resides in us apart from Christ. Drawing from Romans 8:28, the speaker challenges the listener to believe that God can work all things—including past sins and current suffering—for good. Ultimately, the message is that even past failures can be transformed into glory when understood through the lens of Christ's finished work.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Recognizing that we have no good in ourselvesDrawing from Psalm 16, the speaker reminds us that outside of Jesus, there is nothing good in our flesh.Psalm 16:2
Do we really believe all things work together for good?The Lord challenged the speaker to trust that Romans 8:28 applies to everything, including the consequences of our past sins and bad choices.Romans 8:28
Understanding grace and the finished workTracing through Romans chapters 1 to 6, the speaker notes how God's amazing grace handles even our worst past filth, turning memories of failure into glory.Romans 6:1–2
Entering the kingdom through sufferingThe New Testament teaches that the true narrow gate involves suffering and self-denial, unlike the false gospels promising a comfortable life.
Eternal life is to know GodExamining John 3:16 and John 17:3, the speaker defines eternal life not merely as going to heaven, but as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ.John 3:16John 17:3
Sharing in the fellowship of Christ's sufferingsPaul's ultimate passion in Philippians 3 was not just experiencing resurrection power, but knowing Christ and the fellowship of His sufferings.
Job's eyes being opened through painJust like Job, who moved from hearing about God by the hearing of the ear to actually seeing Him, pain acts as a means to clear away our spiritual crust.
Rejoicing in fiery trialsPeter exhorts believers not to be surprised by fiery ordeals, but to rejoice as they share in the sufferings of Christ.
Purpose one: To reveal Himself fully to usMuch like physical fasting heightens spiritual awareness, suffering forces us to fast from pleasure so the eyes of our heart can be opened to God.
Purpose two: To desire deeper obedienceHebrews 5 shows that Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered, teaching us that deeper, inconvenient obedience comes through suffering.
Purpose three: To protect us from prideBecause pride is the root of all sin and cannot enter heaven, God uses trials and helplessness to thoroughly break our self-will and self-confidence.
Purpose four: To delight in our faithWithout faith it is impossible to please God; true faith means holding onto God and trusting His power, goodness, and love even in impossible trials.Hebrews 11:6
