Perfected After Suffering Sermon

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I want to speak to you about the concept of being perfected after suffering. It’s a theme that is found throughout the Bible and is exemplified in the life and death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In Hebrews 2:10, we read, « In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. » This verse tells us that even Jesus, the Son of God, was made perfect through his own suffering. He endured the cross, despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 12:2).

If even Jesus was made perfect through his suffering, how much more so are we, who are finite and flawed, in need of refinement through the trials and tribulations of life? In Romans 5:3-5, the Apostle Paul writes, « Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. » This passage reminds us that our sufferings can produce endurance and character, which can then lead to a greater hope in God.

Moreover, 1 Peter 5:10 says, « And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. » This verse assures us that God is with us in our sufferings, and he will ultimately bring about restoration and strength in our lives.

As we go through difficult times, it’s important to remember that God can use our suffering for his glory and our good. He is not distant or aloof from our pain, but he is intimately involved in our lives, and he can bring about beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

In conclusion, let us remember that we can be perfected after suffering, just as Jesus was made perfect through his own trials. Let us trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of our pain and difficulties, and let us look to him for the hope that he provides. May we endure with perseverance and character, and may we be strengthened and restored by our loving and faithful God. Amen.