ENDURING SUFFERING FOR JESUS

  

Matthew 5:10-12; Mark 13:11-13.

     Jesus Christ suffered a lot for our sins so that we can be saved and delivered. He did not sin but died for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as many as believe and come to Jesus will have eternal life and not suffer in eternity.

     We have three points to consider:

1.  JESUS OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE:  John 5:14-18; Philippians 2:5-8

     Jesus Christ our LORD left His glorious home in heaven and came to this sinful and corrupt world. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Yet, the Jews, Sadducees, and Pharisees persecuted Jesus and spoke lots of evil words and accused Him falsely. At the end of it all, they crucified Him. Jesus suffered and endured to the end not minding the shame and pain of all He went through (Hebrews 12:2). He obeyed the Father to the point of death by dying on the cross at Calvary to fulfill the purpose of His coming to the world. In any situation we find ourselves, we must be obedient to the commandment of God and willing to suffer anything to be a friend of Jesus. Jesus laid a good example for us to follow.

2.  ALL BELIEVERS SHOULD ENDURE SUFFERING TILL THE END:

     Mark 13:11-13; II Timothy 3:11-12.

     All true friends of Jesus should expect to suffer persecution. However, the word of God warns that; “let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” (I Peter 4:15, 16). People may insult, abuse and call you bad names. Sinners also may hate you; they did it to Jesus as well so don’t be discouraged. When they accuse you falsely because you say the truth or because of your Christian life or faith, you should rejoice and not be discouraged or sad. We have many examples of people who suffered and endured to the end in the Bible. Some of them are Joseph, Moses, Stephen, Job, Paul the apostle, Peter and other disciples of Jesus Christ. They are all in heaven now. There are blessings for those who endure to the end.

3.  BLESSINGS FOR ENDURING SUFFERING FOR JESUS:

     Matthew 5:11,12; Revelation 2:26-27; 22:7.

     All the people we learnt about in the Bible that suffered for Christ received great blessings in this world and they are now enjoying in heaven. If you give your life to Jesus, repent of your sins, forsake them, and obey and follow Him to the end these blessings will be yours (a) God will answer your prayers. (b) You will have joy in your life. (c) God will be happy with you. (d) You will have the Peace of God and the Holy Spirit will continue to minister to you. (e) You will reign with Jesus in heaven and inherit all things. Therefore children, whatever persecutions you are passing through, you must not give up. Encourage yourself in the Lord and endure to the end. You will be wonderfully blessed in Jesus Name. Rise up and pray.

QUESTIONS:

1.   Who is our perfect example of suffering?

2.   What should Christians do in time of suffering for Christ?

3.   Mention two examples of people in the Bible who endured for Christ sake.

4.   What blessings will you receive when you endure suffering for Christ till the end?

MEMORY VERSE: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10).

CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 99 - THERE IS VICTORY WITHIN MY SOUL

ACTIVITY: The teacher should lead the children to pray so that they will endure to the end.