A Tale of Two Cities
“The whole Bible,” the Scottish preacher Eric Alexander says, “is in a very real sense a tale of two cities.” Babylon first appeared in Genesis 11 with the tower of Babel, and therefore represents those attempting to make a name for themselves apart from God. The two peoples of Babylon and Jerusalem are descendants of Cain and Abel, representing the children of Satan and the children of God.
Harking back to Paige, we either live “meward” or “Godward,” or as the whole Bible puts it, in “Babylon” the city of man where Satan reigns, or with our eyes set above, in “the new Jerusalem,” the city of God where Jesus reigns. As we set our eyes on things above, we crush Satan under our feet, as Jesus did. That’s where we are going with Mike Reeves this week.
We live in Babylon, a meward society where Satan reins, but as we follow Christ in the suffering He experienced here “in Babylon,” we can rejoice, knowing we shall also follow Him into the glory He is experiencing in the “New Jerusalem.”
We will continue in 1 Peter 4:4-12 and a sermon by Mike Reeves. Here is the transcript and the sermon.
Reeves_Transcription03152023 (1)
Sunday: God Hunt
1. How have you experienced “the risenness of Christ” in your character or life this week? (I know our own Patti has a huge answer!)
Monday: The Texts
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening?
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12?
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14?
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16?
D. What warning is given in 17-18?
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19?
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42?
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean?
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20?
Tuesday: The War
7. Beginning with the middle of page 2 of Reeve’s sermon, where he says “Peter is no hypocrite,” through the second paragraph on page 3 where he ends with “we crush his head.”
A. What stands out to you from this section and why?
B. What does Reeves say about how Jesus crushing Satan’s head relates to us as believers?
C. If you can give an illustration from your life of a time when you trusted God in suffering and persecution and found you were stronger, then indeed, you are crushing Satan’s head. Tell us about it to encourage us.
D. As we do this, Reeves says, “sin has lost its sweetness.” Are you experiencing this? If so, be specific.
Wednesday: Heading to Glory
8. On page 3, read from “We’re heading to glory” all the way through page 4 to “the great 19th century preacher.”
A. What stands out to you from Reeve’s here and why?
B. In the paragraph beginning “We’re headed to glory” how does Reeves say “we show Satan has been stripped of his power?” Is this true of you?
C. When I think of our active blog members, at least half of you, if not more, are being persecuted by members of your own family. How might they have they seen Christ’s power in you when you suffer, even at their hands, whether they admit or not?
D. Why must judgment begin with us? But how will it be so much worse for the unbeliever?
E. Reeves tells how he has learned so much more from suffering than comfort. Is that true of you? Share two things you have learned from suffering that either through responding to the Lord’s rebuke for sin, or from suffering that was not a direct result of your sin.
F. How is Christianity different from other religions according to Reeves, and what is suffering for a believer proof of?
Thursday: What Gets You Through Suffering
9. I’ve always loved J. B. Phillips’s paraphrase of 2 Corin. 6:10 “We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable.” How have you experienced that? Be specific.
10. Read from the bottom of page 4 (the great 19th-century preacher” to top page six ending with “that he may help those who are being tempted”
A. What stands out to you from this and why?
B. Comment on the quote from Spurgeon.
C. Reeves says that since suffering (dying t self) helps free us from sin’s power, that actually puts metal in our joy. What does he mean? Can you give an example from your life?
D. What is the comment from Richard Sibbes? What does it mean?
E. Why must we not be silent about our suffering or about the joy within it?
Friday: Application
11. Find at least two ways you will apply this week’s lesson. Then pray for your heart here.
Saturday: Take-A-Way
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
98 comments
1. How have you experienced “the risenness of Christ” in your character or life this week? (I know our own Patti has a huge answer!) I had kind of felt disconnected earlier in week. I prayed with 2 women Wednesday I used to pray with every week, but circumstances now makes prayer together sporadic. It was a sweet time and I’ve felt better since then.
How we need fellowship! Such a clear testimony on that, Judy.
It is so good to pray to for one another. I will pray that you feel loved and connected dear Judy. There is such a beautiful fellowship on the blog.
Thank you!
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening?
Interesting about Cain and Abel. I never thought about them being opposites like that and representing two different groups.
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12?
To suffer.
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14?
We suffer to know Christ and to be blessed by seeing His glory as it is revealed to the world.
We are blessed with the Spirit upon us.
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16?
If you suffer because of murder, stealing, making trouble, or interfering in others lives, it is not counted.
If you are suffering for being a Christian, that counts.
D. What warning is given in 17-18?
The time of judgment is coming to us.
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19?
We are to continue to do what is right.
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42?
They rejoiced that they were disgraced in the name of Jesus. They continued to preach His name.
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean?
We will have strife in our lives. There will be hostility between those who are evil and those who are righteous. Like Jesus, who struck the snake with His heel in the garden, the righteous will prevail.
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20?
He says the “…God of Peace will crush Satan under our feet…”
Love how faithful you are — often the first one on! 🙂
Amen to Dee, Laura. I always look forward to your posts!
Oh, I have seen the “risenness of Christ!” Our beloved son came to see us! We talked and cried and held one another for three hours! It was one of the most profound answers to prayer that I have experienced in my life! So much forgiveness and so much love! Only God! How I Praise God for His goodness, His faithfulness, His forgiveness and His Love! How I Praise God that I did not try to “fix” anything or manipulate anyone or do anything, but pray. How I praise Him that He softened all of our hearts and brought us all back to Him. Thank you all for praying with me for this glorious reunion. God’s timing and God’s way are always perfect. The word I selected for this year is “Trust”. Sometimes, I have a hard time trusting God enough and being able to do that this year has been difficult for me. Yet, ONLY GOD (as Dee says) can change our hearts! Thank you Jesus!
Praise God! What a beautiful testimony. Too often I think it’s my job to fix even knowing He is the restorer. Thrilled for you
Thank you, Judy. how I prayed that I would not try to fix. His will not my will be done.
Oh Patti — though we prayed for exactly this I felt like Rhonda at the door when they had been praying for Peter’s release. She thought it was a ghost!
Yes, Dee!! I was overwhelmed! Pure Joy!
Patti, only God! Praising the Lord with you!
Thank you, Bing. Yes! Only God!
Amen!! So thankful to see this answer to prayer for you and your family, Patti!
Thank you Dawn!
I am rejoicing with you Patti for this wonderful answer to prayer. It really spoke to me in a situation I’m in…just need to trust Him and may He be glorified. Thank you for sharing 🥰
Thank you, Sharon. I will pray for you.
Patti this is a wonderful post!!! I’m so happy for you ♥️♥️. Yes, trust! Yes, pray! Thank you for being an encourager to us! Thank You Lord for this reunion.
Thank you, Laura. Praying for you.
Oh Patti!!!! He is so faithful and wow what a kiss from Him!!! I’ll bet you were inwardly just melting before God, He is so good!
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening?
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12?
We will have fiery ordeals and testing.
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14?
We are now sharing the suffering of Christ, yet we will also share the revelation of His glory.
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16?
Do not suffer as a murderer, thief, evildoer or troublesome meddler. If you suffer as a Christian, you will not be ashamed, but it will glorify Christ.
D. What warning is given in 17-18?
Judgment will begin with the people of God, intended to purify them. If the people of God are to experience judgment, how much worse it will be for those who do not obey the gospel.
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19?
We suffer according to God’s will and trusting Him that we are doing right.
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42?
They rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer for His name.
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean?
This represents the promise fulfilled by Christ’s victory over Satan.
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20?
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet.
1. How have you experienced “the risenness of Christ” in your character or life this week? Getting peace about our son’s role in our church as associate pastor.
Our pastor went from a paid part-time pastor to a non-paid pastor only preaching on Sundays (his choice). He then transferred all of the responsibilities of cleaning and maintaining the church building and grounds, children’s ministries, trying to get volunteers for anything that needs done (if no volunteers then he and his wife have to do it), lunch for the congregation every Sunday after church, outreach ministries, picking up people on Sunday mornings, taking care of children that are brought into church without their parents while taking care of his own 5 children plus being in the church office everyday. It’s pretty much a 24/7 job for him and his wife. He has little say over anything; all for part time pay and free rent while staying in the parsonage. In my eyes, the pastor says what programs, outreaches and events he wants and our son is left to make it happen even if it is only him and his wife doing it.
The peace that I have gotten this week while praying about the situation is that our son and his wife know this is God’s will for their life during this season and they made the choice to stay after much prayer. He and his wife have always been serving people and they enjoy what they are doing. It’s my husband and I that sometimes worry that it is too much for him and it isn’t our job to worry about what direction God is taking our grown son and his family. Our job is to pray, help when we can and trust God to take care of the rest.
Oh, Dawn! Your son and his wife truly have servants’ hearts for the Lord. Praying for God to bless them and keep them in His care.
Dawn, praying for your son and his wife. Ministry nowadays is very challenging. But we do have a God who sees us and knows what we go through. My husband, who is a bi-vocational pastor, does a lot for our church as well. He counts on my partnership to carry the “load”. (Smile). I can empathize with your son and his wife. Only God, as Patti has shared here, can provide for all our needs. Am glad that they have you to pray for them.
One of my cousins, whom we visited in Canada, told me of a man named Charles Mulli, who gave up everything to help the street kids, abandoned children, and HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya. They gave me a DVD based on his life, titled “Mully” and a book titled, The Charles Mulli Story: Father to the Fatherless by Paul Boge. I am excited to be able to watch it! From the snippets that I have gathered from my cousin, I thought of George Mueller. He ran that orphanage with God. That is what I want to do-depend on God to provide for my husband and me as we continue to serve Him through our congregation. I pray the same for your son and his family, too.
I knew that this would resonate with you, Bing. I read George Mueller’s story and will look for Charles Mulli’s story.
Patti thank you for your prayers and your always encouraging comments!
I read the Charles Mulli story in the Christian Heroes: then and now and it was so moving. His family abandoned him, as a child in Kenya. It is such an inspirational story. I think the movie may be on Amazon prime.
It is on Prime we’ll be watching it soon.
Wow, Dawn. Great you have peace! Your son sounds like a godly man. May he also receive support he needs.
Sunday: God Hunt
1. How have you experienced “the risenness of Christ” in your character or life this week? (I know our own Patti has a huge answer!)
I have been on a 4-day trip to Canada with our daughter, Ruth, to visit my 3 cousins on my maternal side, Ruth, Maggie, and Hannah. They are also siblings. It was a sweet reunion, especially with our host, Hannah who I have not seen for 20 years, and whose husband, Joe, and 2 of their three kids we have never met. I savored the short time spent with them and enjoyed the Filipino food they lovingly prepared for us. We got rained on a trip to the Chinatown of Toronto but I felt strengthened physically and emotionally to take on the rigors of travel and deep conversations about life and our faith. Our Ruth was privy to all of these and listened politely to all the prayers and spiritual conversations among us. She and I had our alone times together and she told me that she really enjoyed our trip. I am so thankful to God for my cousins and their deep faith in God. It was good to see them well-adjusted to Canadian life. Thank you, Abba, for your presence, provision, and protection of all of us.
So thankful for this lovely trip for you and Ruth. What a praise to share your faith stories with one another and have your sweet daughter present. God is so good. So happy that she enjoyed the trip! Thank you Lord!
What a blessing! I always enjoy my cousin time especially with the ones that I haven’t seen in years. I’m glad that it happened for you outside of a funeral which seems to be the venue for older cousin reunions.
Dawn, I hear you. A funeral for older cousin reunions. That seems to be going on these days for so many. I am learning to choose time and presence with people rather than attend their funerals later.
Thank you, Patti! The Lord is good.
How awesome Bing that you could visit cousins and have time with your sweet daughter!
Sharon, it was a blessed time, thanks!
How wonderful Bing — and to do it with Ruth!
Yes, Dee! Ruth has never met my three cousins in person. I am still savoring God’s goodness to us during our trip. He amazes me!
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening?
The two peoples of Babylon and Jerusalem are descendants of Cain and Abel, representing the children of Satan and the children of God.
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12? Fiery ordeal. Suffering
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14? That we may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16? If we suffer because of the sin we commit it doesn’t count. What counts is suffering for being a Christian.
D. What warning is given in 17-18? we need to be aware of our own house?
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19? Commit ourselves to God
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42? . Rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for His name.
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean? God speaking to the serpent there will be enmity between your offspring and her offspring. You shall bruise his heel and He will bruise your head Devil wound Jesus, but Jesus will win over him.
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20? God will crush satan and per lecture Paul is saying we are taken into Christ. What s true of Him, is true of us. It speaks of the bruising we go through in our union with Christ. We are no longer at peace with the god of this world and he is angry at us.
Good insight about the god of this world — he is particularly after believers.
Monday: The Texts
1. What did you learn from this week’s opening?
“The Tower of Babel representing man’s effort to make a name for himself apart from God.”
When we were in Canada, we were able to visit some landmarks including Niagara Falls. Toronto was a bustling place of commerce and trade and its skyscrapers and business landscape speak of its affluence. A friend of one of my cousins told me as we drove through a business section of one of the cities that it used to be an affordable place to live in. But now, business is booming, and one can see many new companies springing up from quite a distance. He said real estate is very expensive nowadays in this city. Progress can get to a man’s head. I can see how one can be tempted to make a name for himself apart from God.
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12?
We can expect to suffer.
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14?
We participate in Jesus’s suffering and also His glory when it is revealed.
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16?
Being a murderer, a thief, a criminal or a meddler does not count. Suffering counts when it is for Christ, and we should not be ashamed to be counted worthy of suffering for Christ.
D. What warning is given in 17-18?
Judgment will come for all.
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19?
Commit ourselves to the faithful Father AND continue to do good.
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42?
They rejoiced to suffer disgrace for Jesus’ name and they continued preaching that Jesus is the Messiah.
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean?“…he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” Satan will strike Jesus’ heel (like a snake would aim for the heel), but Jesus will crush his head. He will be defeated through the cross.
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20?
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
The victory that Jesus won is ours to share. We will crush Satan under our feet!
A. What stands out to you from this section and why?
We are included in the crushing, just like Jesus. We should be joyous that we are able to be like Him.
B. What does Reeves say about how Jesus crushing Satan’s head relates to us as believers?
Every time we resist the temptations we have, we crush the serpent.
C. If you can give an illustration from your life of a time when you trusted God in suffering and persecution and found you were stronger, then indeed, you are crushing Satan’s head. Tell us about it to encourage us.
Going through the pain of our child rejecting us and literally bullying us for several years on her outrageous rampage after she and her boyfriend left her children with us, never to return is one illustration for me. She thought living in cars and running around the country doing God knows what, was more important than her family. It was so painful. By this time, after being a student of the Bible for several years, I had learned that one day, as I patiently waited, she would be stopped. So I waited. We cared for the grandkids. When she decided to return, and the hurt was “healed,” we took her in. The serpent was crushed. It is not perfect, but I believe we have done what God wants us to do.
D. As we do this, Reeves says, “sin has lost its sweetness.” Are you experiencing this? If so, be specific.
I suppose? For her….Her children are starting to go to her instead of us, she is trying to be a mommy. It is hard though. We know we will not always be here. We have a tight bond with the children. It is sweet to see her try to do a better job. The kids need someone to be their family. The anger and rejection that we first had is gone for me. Not for my husband. I don’t want to live my life mad all the time; move on. So I guess the sweetness of the original sin is gone for me? I am glad that we all have each other, as imperfect as it is.
What a complicated scenario. Glad to see your daughter growing, understand your husband’s anger, but pray with you for God to set him free.
Amen, I join Dee in this prayer for your husband.
So thankful your daughter has returned, Laura. It can so hard for everyone. Healing sometimes takes so long, as does learning to trust again ~ hearts need to be willing and filled with grace. I pray that all of these family relationships can be redeemed. Tim Keller’s book, “The Prodigal God” helped me in my own grieving, to see the parable of the The Prodigal Son in a totally different light.
Laura, I love your perseverance through the ups and downs with your daughter. I often just say a prayer of thanks for giving me time with my daughter even though I wish she had her vibrant faith back. Thankful to our faithful Abba. “I am glad that we all have each other, as imperfect as it is.”
So thankful that your daughter is back and there is healing in your relationship. You are a living example of Christ’s forgiveness to us.
♥️
Monday: The Texts
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening?
I liked the Scottish preachers quote which I have never heard before, “The whole Bible, is in a very real sense a tale of two cities.” It brought back to mind our study in Revelation, the comfort of knowing how the story ends and He is the victor. I will share that I’ve been sitting in the city of Babylon lately…a MEWARD mode and Patti’s God hunt really opened my eyes that I need to pray and trust Him in the struggle.
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12?
We can expect “fiery trials.”
Awww Sharon — I so love your heart.
7. Beginning with the middle of page 2 of Reeve’s sermon, where he says “Peter is no hypocrite,” through the second paragraph on page 3 where he ends with “we crush his head.”
A. What stands out to you from this section and why?
Their desire to be like Jesus was stronger than the suffering they endured. The suffering brought rejoicing to their hearts, because they were suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. Suffering lasts longer than a moment, but in the perspective of eternity it is brief. It reminds me of the phrase: “think of eternity and live backwards from that.” This simple phrase has helped me so much this past year. When you are in the middle of suffering, it seems so long~ but looking back on it, it seems brief.
B. What does Reeves say about how Jesus crushing Satan’s head relates to us as believers?
When we rejoice in Christ, resist sin, proclaim him, show His love to others ~ it is a completely unnatural act and it shows our freedom from the snare of the serpent and we crush his head.
C. If you can give an illustration from your life of a time when you trusted God in suffering and persecution and found you were stronger, then indeed, you are crushing Satan’s head. Tell us about it to encourage us.
The past two years have been very painful for our family. We have had loss in the death of my brother, huge decline in the health of my husband and broken relationships in our family. I have felt overwhelmed. I begin praying Praise prayers so much through the day and the night. I tried to keep any angry thoughts and words at bay and it felt like an attacks from all sides. The Lord would quietly bring smalls joys, in spite of great fear and pain. It was new every morning and it helped carry me through some very bad days. I had a certain amount of bitterness that kept trying to rise to the surface and I had to pray and pray and pray to keep from being sucked into the vacuum of despair. How I praised Jesus each day and continue to do so. When we had our great answer to prayer this week, as Dee mentioned earlier, I thought I was seeing a ghost! How could this be real! Praise God! I have been crying tears of overwhelming joy every day, praying still that it is real! It has helped me to see a peek of what it will be like with Jesus. We read the scriptures, study them, pray together…..but when He comes and we see Him face to face, it will be SO Real!
D. As we do this, Reeves says, “sin has lost its sweetness.” Are you experiencing this? If so, be specific.
When we are in the dark and we find a temporary joy in a sin, we are blinded. When we come into the light, we see how ugly that sin really is in daylight….in the darkness, it may appear as a light….but it is really a fire, that can consume us~ it is our vanity allowing the enemy to grasp hold of us. What once looked sweet, now we see is really thick, ugly quicksand to draw us down. The Light of Christ, brings us joy in all of life and security in Eternity.
Patti, The Lord would quietly bring small joys, in spite of great fear and pain. It was new every morning and it helped carry me through some very bad days. I so totally get this! The answer to prayer for your son has kept me buoyed in my spirit. The story of Charles Mulli also has encouraged me. My cousins, Joe and Hannah had him at their house for a visit when he was in Canada. They showed me a picture of the Mullis taken with them.
An encouragement to us all to pray and not give up! From Patti:
The past two years have been very painful for our family. We have had loss in the death of my brother, huge decline in the health of my husband and broken relationships in our family. I have felt overwhelmed. I begin praying Praise prayers so much through the day and the night. I tried to keep any angry thoughts and words at bay and it felt like an attacks from all sides. The Lord would quietly bring smalls joys, in spite of great fear and pain. It was new every morning and it helped carry me through some very bad days. I had a certain amount of bitterness that kept trying to rise to the surface and I had to pray and pray and pray to keep from being sucked into the vacuum of despair. How I praised Jesus each day and continue to do so. When we had our great answer to prayer this week, as Dee mentioned earlier, I thought I was seeing a ghost! How could this be real! Praise God! I have been crying tears of overwhelming joy every day, praying still that it is real! It has helped me to see a peek of what it will be like with Jesus. We read the scriptures, study them, pray together…..but when He comes and we see Him face to face, it will be SO Real!
Sunday: God Hunt
1. How have you experienced “the risenness of Christ” in your character or life this week? (I know our own Patti has a huge answer!)
As I looked back to last week’s lessons and considered the interaction of the friends I share with on this blog I was richly blessed by the gracious responses that many of you gave to my posts. When I talked about how grief abounds and then about my own personal struggle with food you sweet sisters here greatly encouraged my heart with understanding and prayer. I truly experienced the risenness of Christ through all of you. Somehow my load just felt lighter through you.
Yesterday my husband and I were off roading out in the bluffs and canyons here near Moab, Utah and there is something for us in being out in nature observing the incredible creation of God and his handiwork that draws us to worship and we experience Him in a very meaningful way. At our age we don’t have much time left for this kind of activity but we are so grateful to our loving Heavenly Father who has allowed us this time of reprieve in a dark and hurting world. We live in this place of Babylon but oh how we look forward to the New Jerusalem.
I was also very blessed by the post from you Patti with the amazing answer to prayer for your son. May God continue to bless you and your family. Like you I would highly recommend “The Prodigal God” by Tom Keller. I recently read it and learned much from it.
Dawn so glad for the peace God is giving you. Having a son who is lead pastor at our church and the father of five children I understand. We do every we can to support him and his wife and our grandkids.
Bing delighted to hear about your trip to Canada to see family. Would seem so good Ruth was with you. God is at work.
Not sure how much of the lesson I will get to this week but I am reading and following along. Such good teaching by Reeves.
Bev, thank you for your thoughts. Canada is a beautiful place. We went to Niagara Falls and its beauty and power put me in awe. It was beautiful at night when they added colors! The bird kingdom was fascinating. There was a talking bird there that said hello!
Tuesday: The War
7. Beginning with the middle of page 2 of Reeve’s sermon, where he says “Peter is no hypocrite,” through the second paragraph on page 3 where he ends with “we crush his head.”
A. What stands out to you from this section and why?
When we suffer, we will still be hurt but our desire to be like Jesus would be stronger.
What is true of Christ would be true of us. We were once blinded but now our eyes are opened but our old master is angry with us. We will get bruised as we follow Christ but what bruising we will do!
B. What does Reeves say about how Jesus crushing Satan’s head relates to us as believers?
What is true of Christ would be true of us. We were once blinded but now our eyes are opened but our old master is angry with us. We will get bruised as we follow Christ but what bruising we will do!
C. If you can give an illustration from your life of a time when you trusted God in suffering and persecution and found you were stronger, then indeed, you are crushing Satan’s head. Tell us about it to encourage us.
I received a racist remark at a hospital where I took my students for clinical. I have not had such a blatant mean response to my simple, how are you question for a long time. I was with one of my students and he looked embarrassed for my sake. I was caught off guard and had to say a simple quiet cry for help to God. All I could think of was my word of the year, “emptied”. It took me a day of reflection with sporadic conversations with God, my husband, and my daughter to quiet my heart afterward. Although his words hurt, I began to see the incident from God’s perspective and His insight into history (either Vietnam or Japan). Come to think of it, Jesus was despised by Jews and Gentiles alike. I felt spiritually stronger and felt the crushing blow I gave the enemy.
D. As we do this, Reeves says, “sin has lost its sweetness.” Are you experiencing this? If so, be specific.
Yes. There are so many things out there to elicit covetousness in my heart. Facebook is full of advertisements for this and that; magazines show airbrushed models, TV shows that call one’s name to buy this and that and you will be happy. The Lord has been reminding me that He has given me riches beyond what worldly stuff can give. He has reminded me of precious gifts of time, deep friendships, and a calling. Sin (covetousness and jealousy) is losing its sweetness.
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before
Every day with Jesus I love him more and more
Jesus saves and keeps me And He’s the one I’m waiting for
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
An encouragement to us all to pray and not give up! From Patti:
The past two years have been very painful for our family. We have had loss in the death of my brother, huge decline in the health of my husband and broken relationships in our family. I have felt overwhelmed. I begin praying Praise prayers so much through the day and the night. I tried to keep any angry thoughts and words at bay and it felt like an attacks from all sides. The Lord would quietly bring smalls joys, in spite of great fear and pain. It was new every morning and it helped carry me through some very bad days. I had a certain amount of bitterness that kept trying to rise to the surface and I had to pray and pray and pray to keep from being sucked into the vacuum of despair. How I praised Jesus each day and continue to do so. When we had our great answer to prayer this week, as Dee mentioned earlier, I thought I was seeing a ghost! How could this be real! Praise God! I have been crying tears of overwhelming joy every day, praying still that it is real! It has helped me to see a peek of what it will be like with Jesus. We read the scriptures, study them, pray together…..but when He comes and we see Him face to face, it will be SO Real!
Bing — racism so hard to understand — so sorry! Oh!
Oh, dear Bing. I am so sorry that you experienced this cruel encounter. I have never understood these attitudes…so ignorant and unnecessary. Our world is Babylon, so thankful for our Savior.
Bing I am sad you had this encounter, especially with your student there. I love you just as you are. ♥️
Beginning with the middle of page 2 of Reeve’s sermon, where he says “Peter is no hypocrite,” through the second paragraph on page 3 where he ends with “we crush his head.”
A. What stands out to you from this section and why?but what bruising we will do! For me it’s almost like a rallying cry when things aren’t going right Rejoice always, pray continually giving thanks in all circumstances. I’m in Christ, I’m on the winning side.
B. What does Reeves say about how Jesus crushing Satan’s head relates to us as believers? To be jubilant in suffering. satan nibbles at our feet, but we crush his head. Every time we rejoice in Him, resist sin, proclaim Him, show His love, we do something unnatural. We show freedom from the serpent’s chains.
C. If you can give an illustration from your life of a time when you trusted God in suffering and persecution and found you were stronger, then indeed, you are crushing Satan’s head. Tell us about it to encourage us. A couple of years ago my son was very angry with me, it went on for months. He really unloaded on me and it had to do with me reading the children s Bible to his daughters, reading Christian board books to them and praying aloud over them, He was clear he didn’t think this was something I was to be doing. He didn’t come around much and thought I watched the girls some we didn’t have much conversation. I was afraid to say much to him for fear how it would be taken and the repercussions. I prayed, of course, for him daily. God had a surprise for him. His oldest daughter started kindergarten and became friends with the granddaughters of pastor of local church. Last summer they attended VBS at that church and since then he and his family have started attending that church. Our relationship has improved maybe not as close as I’d like but maybe it keeps me from meddling.
D. As we do this, Reeves says, “sin has lost its sweetness.” Are you experiencing this? If so, be specific. I don’t know. I just have a desire to please Him (not gossip or not judge someone, to be kinder, more compassionate and I hope love better – these desires have to come from Him)
Judy, I love your answer to D. “I just have a desire to please Him (not gossip or not judge someone, to be kinder, more compassionate and I hope love better – these desires have to come from Him)” I have been having similar desires, especially the last one about loving better. God is good at winnowing the dross out of our lives to refine us. Praise Him, indeed!
Oh, Judy! What a lovely answer the Lord gave you with your granddaughters. I love the way He answers our prayers, in ways we never could. Amen to Bing. I am so thankful for all of you on this blog; you all inspire me to live more for Him daily.
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening? That there really are only 2 camps, for Him or against Him
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12? To face fiery trials.
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14? We are sharing in Christ’s suffering, we are blessed because His spirit rests on us. We will rejoice when His glory is revealed.
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16? When we suffer for our own wrongdoing, it doesn’t count. If we suffer for being a Christian, it does count.
D. What warning is given in 17-18? That judgment begins with the household of God and if the household of God barely gets in, how will those without Christ fair?
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19? Entrust our souls to the faithful Creator and keep doing good.
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42? They rejoiced to be counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. I just had a post on Facebook that quotes Richard Wurmbrand in his book Tortured for Christ, “It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists’ ] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.”
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean? That although we are receiving a bruising, we are also causing a bruising and that ultimately we will win. All through the power of Christ, of course.
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20? The God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet. He will use us and be with us to ultimately overcome and destroy Satan.
Wurmbrand was amazing!
On page 3, read from “We’re heading to glory” all the way through page 4 to “the great 19th century preacher.”
A. What stands out to you from Reeve’s here and why? His statement about enjoying the stars when it’s darker. “And when things are dark in your life you really do enjoy heavenly glories more.” I enjoy looking for planets on clear nights and I’m not lazy and enjoyed the photos from Webb telescope. So I see this as a way to view the hard days to look for the heavenly glory and not the problems.
B. In the paragraph beginning “We’re headed to glory” how does Reeves say “we show Satan has been stripped of his power?” Is this true of you? When we suffer patiently like Christ contently when all the world is unsatisfied When you walk away from the world’s glittering rubbish, you show all the world doesn’t satisfy. I’d like it to be Suffer patiently ( and probably quietly) Is quite a challenge.
C. When I think of our active blog members, at least half of you, if not more, are being persecuted by members of your own family. How might they have they seen Christ’s power in you when you suffer, even at their hands, whether they admit or not? I have thought that instead of bringing conviction satan has twisted it to bring condemnation. So they strike or act out. So if I am able to remain silent and not react negatively it doesn’t add fuel to the place they are at.
D. Why must judgment begin with us? But how will it be so much worse for the unbeliever? The more we become like Christ the more the sweet aroma of Christ is spread. I have a Savior who has paid for my sins Unbelievers do not have that protection when they leave this life.
E. Reeves tells how he has learned so much more from suffering than comfort. Is that true of you? Share two things you have learned from suffering that either through responding to the Lord’s rebuke for sin, or from suffering that was not a direct result of your sin. I think I my trust has increased and to rest in Him and let Him carry me. Also to listen to lots of praise music
F. How is Christianity different from other religions according to Reeves, and what is suffering for a believer proof of? A covenant mark. God cares enough to refine us into the glorious image of His son.
It is a good reminder to listen to lots of praise music in these times.
8. On page 3, read from “We’re heading to glory” all the way through page 4 to “the great 19th century preacher.”
A. What stands out to you from Reeve’s here and why?
I tend to forget that I am trying to be like Christ. That means there will be rejection and suffering. If it was that way for Him then it would be for me too.
B. In the paragraph beginning “We’re headed to glory” how does Reeves say “we show Satan has been stripped of his power?” Is this true of you?
When we reject the sin we are brusing Satan. His grip is a little less.
C. When I think of our active blog members, at least half of you, if not more, are being persecuted by members of your own family. How might they have they seen Christ’s power in you when you suffer, even at their hands, whether they admit or not?
The fact that Sarah and Mike are living with us is showing Christ’s power, after all we have endured with those two. I’m not sure my husband is totally on board though.
D. Why must judgment begin with us? But how will it be so much worse for the unbeliever?
We belong to God and the Father will correct us.
If we have it slightly bad, then those who do not believe have it worse.
2. What did you learn from this week’s opening? The tale of the two cities makes sense; that in one city man is trying to make a name for himself apart from God, and it is me-ward instead of God-ward. Those are really the only two choices. We live in this world (Babylon) but so did Jesus and we suffer as He did, yet we need to focus more on following Him into Glory and so we keep our eyes upward. This stomps on satan!!
I am so encouraged that when we are focused upward we stomp on satan. I really hope God allows me to smack him around in the future, but He already has given me that privilege, by keeping my face like flint on the One who has already sentenced him.
3. Read 1 Peter 4:12-18
A. What can we expect as we live in “Babylon,” according to verse 12? We will suffer, and we should expect it for Jesus did.
B. What is a real reason for rejoicing despite suffering according to verses 13-14? We can rejoice because His spirit rests on us and they see Him. If we didn’t know Him, we wouldn’t suffer this way.
C. What kind of suffering doesn’t count and what does, according to 15-16? Suffering because of our sinful choices doesn’t count, and suffering because we are Christians does.
D. What warning is given in 17-18? Judgment will begin with us.
E. What should we do when we suffer according to verse 19? We should remain steadfast continuing to do good in Christ. Continuing to share the Gospel-don’t stop! V 16 says we should not be ashamed but praise God we bear His name.
4. How did Peter and the other apostles respond after being flogged for preaching Christ according to Acts 5:41-42? They didn’t stop and allow the persecution to scare them, or allow approval to control them, they kept walking in the spirit preaching the word of God.
5. What promise do we have in Genesis 3:15 and what does it mean? satan is going to go after us in however many angles he tries, he will try to defeat us to where we are tempted to give up, but if we let Jesus, He will turn satan’s attacks around and use it as a tool to remove dross from our hearts only to make us shine the light of Christ brighter in our suffering.
6. How does Paul tell us this relates to us in Romans 16:20? God will soon crush satan under our feet. What encourages me that because of Jesus death and resurrection, satan will once and for all be crushed in the future. What is sweet that I’m learning here on the blog is that God enables us to crush him under our feet as we keep our face like flint on Jesus on a daily basis.
Great summary from Rebecca:
The tale of the two cities makes sense; that in one city man is trying to make a name for himself apart from God, and it is me-ward instead of God-ward. Those are really the only two choices. We live in this world (Babylon) but so did Jesus and we suffer as He did, yet we need to focus more on following Him into Glory and so we keep our eyes upward. This stomps on satan!!
Amen, Dee!
Oh, Rebecca! This is so good. I am going to save this!
8. E. Reeves tells how he has learned so much more from suffering than comfort. Is that true of you? Share two things you have learned from suffering that either through responding to the Lord’s rebuke for sin, or from suffering that was not a direct result of your sin.
I have learned that I am tough when I need to be that way.
I have learned that disappointment cuts the heart, and not to rely on man.
F. How is Christianity different from other religions according to Reeves, and what is suffering for a believer proof of?
“In other religions, God will give ease to the good and health to the worthy.” In Christianity we don’t want ease as the prize, we want Christ.
Suffering is a “covenant mark.” Gods is our Father and cares deeply for us, to make us like Christ. We grow in strength and maturity with suffering.
9. I’ve always loved J. B. Phillips’s paraphrase of 2 Corin. 6:10 “We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable.” How have you experienced that? Be specific. Having experienced great pain in my life which could have lead to a life of hopelessness and bitterness, I am instead always looking to eternity and that fills me with joy and great expectation.
10. Read from the bottom of page 4 (the great 19th-century preacher” to top page six ending with “that he may help those who are being tempted”
A. What stands out to you from this and why? “Peter talks about suffering and then glory. But he does not, he does not mean suffering and only then, afterwards, comes joy. That’s not what he means. No! Solid,grounded joy in Christ is what will get you through the suffering.” I always thought of suffering and joy as kind of a cause and affect. First we suffer and then we get joy. The truth is that the joy is what helps us to endure the suffering. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10)
B. Comment on the quote from Spurgeon. , “Uninterrupted success and unfading joy in it would be more than our weak heads could bear. Our wine must be mixed with water, lest it turn our brains. Andmy witness is those who are honored of the Lord in public have usually to endure a secret chastening orcarry a peculiar cross, lest by any means they exalt themselves, and fall into the snare of the devil.” Those who are true followers of Christ and are successful in the worlds’ eye, have their own unique battles, otherwise they would become prideful thinking that they somehow deserve success because of how wonderful they are.
C. Reeves says that since suffering (dying to self) helps free us from sin’s power, that actually puts metal in our joy. What does he mean? Can you give an example from your life? Letting go of “our rights” can give us the freedom that we long for. There was a time when my marriage was not going well and I felt justified in the way that I was thinking and behaving. When I really started to actively replace all negative thoughts, mental dialogue and passive/aggressive behavior toward my husband with prayer and dwelling on his positive characteristics, things started to change for the better. Even if he never changed, the metal in my joy was that this was the path that God was leading me on and I wanted to be faithful and true to Him.
D. What is the comment from Richard Sibbes? What does it mean? “We will not suffer with Christ if we will not first feast with him. We will not suffer with Christif we will not joy in him.” When we first find our joy in Christ we will suffer anything as long as we are with Him.
E. Why must we not be silent about our suffering or about the joy within it? Because that is the core of life in Christ. We suffer, yet we have joy. When I was a new Christian I belonged to a church that pretty much said if you are suffering then you are out of God’s will. If you are in God’s will then you will be prosperous, healthy and happy. Experience and God’s wisdom have shown me that that this is opposite of what the bible teaches. We need to acknowledge that in this world we are never free from sin and suffering, but our hope is in Christ alone and He is our ultimate joy.
I didn’t know you belonged to a prosperity church when you were young. I’m sure you figured it out before long as you are a smart woman!
7. Beginning with the middle of page 2 of Reeve’s sermon, where he says “Peter is no hypocrite,” through the second paragraph on page 3 where he ends with “we crush his head.”
A. What stands out to you from this section and why?
Yes the flogging hurt, but Peter and the Apostle’s desire to be like Jesus was stronger. Their desire to be like Jesus encased their heart more than their suffering did. By this, they crush satan’s head!
I think it speaks for itself! How beautiful.
C. If you can give an illustration from your life of a time when you trusted God in suffering and persecution and found you were stronger, then indeed, you are crushing Satan’s head. Tell us about it to encourage us. When my prodigal was 14 and said he hated me because of my faith for the implications mean I’m not going with the tide of culture in regard to the gender confusion and other related issues. Even though my posture was more of a caring posture, not condemning, not argumentative, and even while reiterating I’m not better than anyone, I’m just as broken but this is harmful to them, just like my brokenness is harmful to me. To equate it as a sin or brokenness was offensive to him, even though Jesus’ compassion and kindness was evident. So I became stronger because even though the thought that he hated me, was like a knife stuck inside and not necessarily just his rejection of me (really Jesus). I rejoiced knowing He is making me more like Him, able to love while standing firm and being rejected. To someone who used to have an approval idol gripping her heart, that’s huge! (My son is 24 now and no longer hates me, and I see a small seed of God wooing him for he comes to me for advice and has been more open to talk about God, yet he’s not ready to give His life to Christ. He still thinks he is a Christian that decided not to be anymore. )
D. As we do this, Reeves says, “sin has lost its sweetness.” Are you experiencing this? If so, be specific. As my desire to be like Him becomes more my sin looses it’s sweetness, because that ‘sweetness’ is replaced with the sweetness of being transformed into the image of Christ. So, for me pressing into Jesus instead of my husband, food or anything else to help me calm a disappointment or anxiety I might be feeling on a particular day, is way sweeter because the more I do that the more I become like Him, the more I become like Him, the more I am deeper into the dance with The Trinity, and when I’m deeper into the dance, it changes everything in my day. The more I do this the more I press into Him a little faster each time! Though I still have a LONG way to go!!
Thank you for such beautiful explanations of how to handle suffering.
You are a such a jewel, Rebecca. Hard to believe this son is 24. How well you have loved!
11. Find at least two ways you will apply this week’s lesson. Then pray for your heart here. Lord, help me. I don’t like suffering and I’ve been so blessed in this life. Others suffer greatly. I can’t imagine the feelings of parents in Nashville or guess the number of prayers offered for protection of those kids and that school. You grieve also about this. It’s too complex for me to understand. When I think how I suffer because of my own sin and sometimes as the brunt of others sin, it pales compared to what Jesus carried to the cross for me for the joy set before Him. Help me not fall into self-pity but recognize when it’s time to grieve and to let others in so we carry one another to Your loving care.
Good prayer, Judy.
Yes, Judy..you are so precious. I can’t imagine what the parents of those sweet children are going through..such a shock and such grief!
You have a beautiful heart, Judy. Such a sweet and meaningful prayer.
8. On page 3, read from “We’re heading to glory” all the way through page 4 to “the great 19th century preacher.”
A. What stands out to you from Reeve’s here and why? I’m suffering and it’s good because goodness is Christ Himself and conformity to Him; So if Christ gives me ease rather than or in place of suffering that would make ease the great prize rather than Christ. THIS IS LIFE CHANGING FOR ME RIGHT NOW AND I’M PONDERING AND SOAKING THIS IN.
B. In the paragraph beginning “We’re headed to glory” how does Reeves say “we show Satan has been stripped of his power?” Is this true of you? Another life changing truth!! Whenever I don’t allow the world’s empty pursuits of comfort to entice me, I show that the world doesn’t satisfy and I show how satan has been stripped from his power in my life; Every time I rejoice in Christ, resist sin, proclaim Him, show His love, doing something totally unnatural I stomp on satan’s head!!! YES.
C. When I think of our active blog members, at least half of you, if not more, are being persecuted by members of your own family. How might they have they seen Christ’s power in you when you suffer, even at their hands, whether they admit or not? When they see someone who’s hurt me or if they have hurt me and that I am able to forgive but also reach out to make peace, to try to restore that relationship. (Peacemaking and peacekeeping are totally different.) The flesh prefers peacekeeping where it’s shoved under the rug for my comfort instead of reaching out for reconciliation and understanding. My boys have seen that and experienced it so my prayer is that they would see Christ in it as they compare that response to the world’s response, since they are living in the world now as adults.
D. Why must judgment begin with us? But how will it be so much worse for the unbeliever? Because we are His. I’ve always been a bit confounded by what our judgment is compared to unbelievers since we are covered in Jesus righteousness and no longer will be judged for our sins. What will God judge us for? I’m thinking maybe what we did with what He gave us to do on earth? The unbeliever has rejected Him so will face His wrath. We won’t face His wrath because Jesus faced it for us.
E. Reeves tells how he has learned so much more from suffering than comfort. Is that true of you? Share two things you have learned from suffering that either through responding to the Lord’s rebuke for sin, or from suffering that was not a direct result of your sin. OH YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
– I learned I was co-dependent on my husband while suffering through his betrayal. My co-dependency, (trying to fix consequences for him, and trying to make him happy and when he wasn’t I blamed myself, and if I were happy that day, if he wasn’t I became unhappy. ). I had no idea that this was one of the rocks in the stream of intimacy with Jesus that God was removing, and that’s totally shifted to dependency on Christ in the last 3 years. So I praise him for all that pain. It didn’t go to waste! I still may have a few triggers here and there but nothing like it was then. There’s a lot more I learned through that and then my mom passed away and there went another rock in the stream. I realized I went to her first more than Christ, so now instead of calling her just to chat about nothing, or if something happened at work or at home, I talk to God and chat with Him like I would my mom. It’s so organic. I love it and I know He does too. 🙂
F. How is Christianity different from other religions according to Reeves, and what is suffering for a believer proof of? Other religions god will give ease to people who are good and gives wealth to people who are worthy. It’s not like that with us because our goodness is Christ himself and conformity to Him. If we suffer it proves we are standing with Christ.
Rebecca, I was so blessed with your answer to letter E about realizing your co-dependency on your husband, and later on your Mom. I love the picture of rocks getting in the way of your intimacy with God. He is good at opening our eyes to idols we are unaware we have! I think of my relationship with my daughter in this light. I often have to fight against a desire to base my happiness on hers. Seeking ease (if she is happy then I am happy) rather than Christ as the grand prize. The enemy can be pretty wily. Thanks for sharing,
Yes, Bing, the enemy sure can be wily. I am blessed that you can relate! It’s so easy to feel like we are alone, but because of your transparency, it helps us to bond deeper in Christ-to encourage one another toward Him.
I never thought about this (D) before. Interesting. I just thought we would be judged for our sin, but you are right, Jesus took our sin so what is left? Help!
Laura, I don’t know why I didn’t think to look at Gotquestions.org. Not sure if this is all of it, but I think it might help us.
https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment.html
Dee, what do you think?
Oh Rebecca — such a hard question. And many different views just from the Reformed Viewpoint. The Gospel Coalition website has at least five views. I remember that Jonathan Edwards believes our works will determine our levels in heaven but we won’t be jealous as we will have no sin. Some believe there will be shame but then a wiping away of tears. I have trouble reconciling that with justification. So, my answer is, “I don’t know.” Reminds me of Sara Groves song “What do I Know?”
Laura, After reading this, I thought, every thought? every word? Oh my!!! I’m in trouble regarding rewards. I think it’s good to know this, yet I don’t think we can know our deepest heart motives unless God reveals it to us, so maybe the point is to love Christ and as we massage the gospel in deeper every day, we will love Him more, and remember that He is our prize. Not comfort, not man, and not what this world offers us. So continue to press on in that, to be steadfast that He is our prize whenever we are tempted. Then trust that the rewards are in His hands for He judges and knows our motives, so we’ll trust He will judge us rightly. I don’t think we need to shape our walk making sure we’ve checked off the list of doing good in order to have more Gold than stubble to get rewards. (that sounds like something I would do via my orderly list-type nature) He is our reward and if we walk in that and remember that, God will take care of the rest.
Oh, dear ladies. How I love and need this dialogue today and I love how iron sharpens iron. Each of your statements is so meaningful. Thank you for the link, Rebecca. I can see how I have made my husband and my children idols at times in my life. I am praying that my focus will always be on living my life for Christ, in my relationships with all others. In this time of change and pain in my life, I pray that I will be strong in the Lord and press into Him more daily. I want to grow in my intimacy with Him, for all of the remaining days I have on this earth. He is the goal of all who love Him. My daughter and I were just having this conversation on the phone, before I read this.
I love this: I don’t think we can know our deepest heart motives unless God reveals it to us and this:
He is our reward and if we walk in that and remember that, God will take care of the rest.
Dee, so true! We don’t know. My pastor from long ago believes there will be tears, and I struggled with it. How can we say in one breath that there will be tears and yet say we are justified through Christ? To me, tears mean sorrow, sadness, and that isn’t what God promises in the new heaven and new earth in Rev 21:1-4. So many things about God we don’t know or understand.
I’m so glad to see you back and commenting again, Rebecca. You always have such deep insights and applications. It encourages me.
Amen.
9. I’ve always loved J. B. Phillips’s paraphrase of 2 Corin. 6:10 “We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable.” How have you experienced that? Be specific.
We are a different set of people. We know joy even though we are in pain. It’s because we know there is more. We always have hope. I don’t think it’s jump up and down joy, rather the knowledge that the suffering will end and what we thought was suffering might actually make us better than we were. Stronger. More aware. Ready for the next incident.
10. Read from the bottom of page 4 (the great 19th-century preacher” to top page six ending with “that he may help those who are being tempted”
A. What stands out to you from this and why?
God uses everything to help us come to Him.
B. Comment on the quote from Spurgeon.
Humble ourselves. Don’t exalt ourselves.
C. Reeves says that since suffering (dying t self) helps free us from sin’s power, that actually puts metal in our joy. What does he mean? Can you give an example from your life?
Does it mean it makes the joy stronger? Well, not sure I get this, but I’ll try. I used to be head over heels about my children. I idolized them. Then, they disappointed me terribly. I couldn’t help them and turned to God. I asked Him to take over and I gave up. When I did that, things began to look up for me and for them. 15 years later I know that I will never idolize anyone thing or anyone again. I will turn to God first and let Him take care of the problem. I am better off this way. I am joyful that now I know what to do and I know that He will take care for me. Thank You Lord!!
From Laura:
I used to be head over heels about my children. I idolized them. Then, they disappointed me terribly. I couldn’t help them and turned to God. I asked Him to take over and I gave up. When I did that, things began to look up for me and for them. 15 years later I know that I will never idolize anyone thing or anyone again. I will turn to God first and let Him take care of the problem. I am better off this way. I am joyful that now I know what to do and I know that He will take care for me. Thank You Lord!!
Laura, Your answer to #9 is so true.
9. I’ve always loved J. B. Phillips’s paraphrase of 2 Corin. 6:10 “We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable.” How have you experienced that? Be specific. Yes. I really like how Dawn answered this!
It’s really hard to explain the joy underneath because sorrow is extinguishable, it’s finite, and it ebbs and flows, but joy in Him isn’t. So when I found out the hard way about my marriage, I wanted to die for the pain was too much to bear. The pain trumped His joy inside, BUT it was still there even though it seemed less vibrant. As Psalm 30: 1-5 states, that though the night may be dark, there is joy in the morning. So while it felt like the bad news trumped everything in my life including His joy inside, His joy came in the morning. It is inextinguishable. Not even the worst trial can extinguish it, even though it may feel like it in the moment, or even for a season. Had it not been for Him living inside me, I could have become bitter, angry, and oh the hardness that could’ve consumed my heart.
D. What is the comment from Richard Sibbes? What does it mean?
“We will not suffer with Christ until we first feast with him.”
We gladly go through suffering when we know the joy of Him.
E. Why must we not be silent about our suffering or about the joy within it?
Because then believers will be unprepared. They need to be led to Jesus. Knowing joy is to know Jesus and to go through the suffering to come out on the other side; the glory. We want Him before we want comfort.