Introduction
As Paul unpacked the details of his own service for Christ, he explained that the path of true ministry leads through suffering. The suffering messenger embraces this calling by faith. Last time (4:13-15), we saw that faith in the resurrection sustains those who serve through suffering. In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day, Paul adds that faith allows us to see that suffering leads to glory.
In our worship service we will declare our faith the Lord will sustain us and that today’s trials will give way to future glory.
Prelude
Call to Worship Psalm 34:1-3
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn Insert I Greet Thee Who My Sure Redeemer Art
Notes: At the outset of the worship service we greet the Lord in whom our hope rests. In song we pray that he will “give us peace and make us calm and sure.” This prayer is appropriate to the sermon text.
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response:
Hymn 72 Glory Be to God the Father
Hymn 610 How Firm a Foundation
Notes: The promises that God has made in his word are the firm foundation on which we rest. He has not promised us a life of ease but has promised to sustain us through the trials that will come. “my grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply.”
Scripture Reading Philippians 3:7-4:1
Notes: Paul’s own testimony explains the connection between suffering and glory. His example encourages us to focus on our eternal hope.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 588 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Notes: Martin Luther’s famous hymn expresses confidence that the Lord, our fortress, will protect us and preserve us as we serve his cause. It calls us to let go of possessions, relationships, and life itself for the cause Christ. We can do this because his eternal kingdom is our hope.
Message The Path to Glory: Suffering
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 371 It is Well with My Soul
Notes: We respond with a song of faith in the face of adversity. Even through the hardships that come from serving Christ, we declare, “it is well with my soul.” We are secure today because our sins were nailed to the cross of Christ. This, in turn, secures our future hope: “The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend!”
Prayer Response Mark Williams
Benediction John Miles