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Word & Deed: We are Witnesses: 4 Things to Remember When Suffering
with Travis Aicklen
Scripture: James 1:1-12
Intro: This sermon continues "We Are Witnesses," focusing on how our lives testify to Jesus. Our lives constantly speak. Last week: testifying through suffering. This week: deeper dive. Passion involves suffering. C.S. Lewis: God whispers in pleasure, speaks in conscience, shouts in pain. Christian success whispers, suffering shouts. The world watches how we endure. Hopeful suffering is powerful. James, Jesus' half-brother, writes just after the crucifixion. He calls himself a "slave" of Jesus. Consider worshipping your brother as God – it speaks to Jesus' divinity.
Text: James 1:1-12
Exposition:
- James is direct, like a "mouthy" brother. He immediately addresses trials. No preamble, just stark reality.
- "Count it all joy": Seems irrational. James says rejoice because we know trials' purpose.
- We forget in suffering. James reminds us of truths we possess.
- Four Reminders:
- Life is brutal: The Bible doesn't shy away. James: when you face trials, not if. "Various trials" means many kinds. God works in good & bad times. We're God's scattered, not sheltered, people. Jesus said we will face trouble. Need a "theology of suffering"—a plan. Suffering comes in waves. The "left hook" is questioning God, losing trust, becoming isolated.
- Everything's tested: Testing proves authenticity. We learn through failure. Tests reveal weaknesses. "Teacher is quiet." God's silence is hard. We test what we value. Tests show God's love. They're for us. Peter: Jesus said he was handed to Satan, but Jesus prayed for Peter's faith not to fail. It's our faith, refined by trials. We rejoice in the promise of God's work.
- Pray for wisdom: In trials, pray for wisdom to avoid foolish choices. Pain isn't worst; what we do in pain is. Addiction, bitterness are dangers. "Steadfastness" means "remaining under." Don't cheat trials. C.S. Lewis: “God whispers in pleasures, speaks in conscience, shouts in pains: His megaphone.” Testing builds trust.
- Cross before crown: Universal truth. Jesus endured the cross. No one's exempt. We see the "crown" but not the "cross." The gospel lifts the lowly, humbles the proud.
Conclusion:
- The table: Jesus suffered for us. He's our model and Savior. The table's for all.
- Prayer: Thank God for His suffering. His silence doesn't mean inaction. We trust Him in trials.
Call to Action: Don't suffer alone. Seek support.
Prayer: For those in trials, for the church's support, for understanding suffering's power.
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