Do You Serve God for Nothing Pt 4
Sermon Summary
The sermon concludes the series on suffering by emphasizing that suffering is not primarily about us—it is ultimately about God, His purposes, and His glory. Job’s suffering reveals a “behind the scenes” reality that Job himself could not see. Although Job assumed his suffering meant God was contending against him, God’s response reminded Job of His complete sovereignty, wisdom, and authority. Job ultimately retracted his accusations and acknowledged that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted.
The New Testament reinforces this perspective. Jesus’ words to Saul—“Why are you persecuting me?”—show that Christ identifies with the suffering of His people. Believers are therefore not alone in trials; their suffering participates in the afflictions of Christ and can serve the sake of His name. Suffering is also formative, producing endurance, character, hope, steadfastness, and tested faith.
Rather than assuming suffering means something has gone wrong, believers should remember that God places boundaries around suffering and remains present within it. The call is to endure, fight faithfully alongside one another, and seek to glorify Christ through trials, trusting that tested faith will ultimately result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Main Points to Consider This Week
Job Judged God Through What He Could See
Job believed his integrity meant his suffering did not make sense.
In seeking his own vindication, he began making accusations against God.
God Sets the Boundaries of Suffering
Job could not see the heavenly reality behind his circumstances.
Even what hurts us remains within the boundaries of what God allows.
Suffering Is More About God Than About Us
“The parameters of our suffering…originate in heaven” for the believer.
Suffering concerns God’s claim on His people and the glory of His name.
Suffering Is Formative and Participatory
Suffering produces endurance, character, hope, and steadfastness.
Believers also participate in Christ’s afflictions—not adding to His atoning work, but suffering as members of His body.
Fight Through Suffering Together
Prayer is the minimum expression of being present with someone who suffers.
Spiritual battles may require practical changes, prayer, fasting, and help from other believers.
We should be prepared not only to fight faithfully ourselves but also to help a brother or sister fight.
Reflection Questions
When suffering comes, am I interpreting God primarily through my circumstances, as Job initially did?
How would remembering that Christ is with me change the way I endure a present trial?
Am I prepared to pray, fight, and practically help carry the suffering of other believers?
How can I seek Christ’s glory rather than making my suffering primarily about myself?
Scripture References Used
John 9
Job 10:2
Job 13:18–19
Job 23:2–7
Job 27:2–6
Job 40:6–8
Philippians 1:29
Job 41:11
Job 42:2–6
Acts 9:4–6
1 Corinthians 12
Romans 5:3–5
James 1:2–4
Colossians 1:24
Acts 9:15
2 Timothy 4
Ephesians 6
Romans 7
1 Peter 1:7
1 Corinthians 11