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Teaching Summary

Suffering is part of being human, and following Jesus does not exempt us from it. Jesus Himself faced temptation, anguish, and the suffering of the cross. He submitted to the Father's will, enduring suffering for God's glory and for our salvation.

Through faith in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit and become children and heirs of God. We do not suffer to earn our inheritance. Because of what Christ has done, we are united with Him and share in the hope of His resurrected life and eternal glory.

That hope does not make our present pain insignificant. Hardship, sickness, loss, and uncertainty are real, and we can bring them honestly to God. Yet the apostle Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. We can endure with courage because Jesus is with us now, and one day we will be with Him. Our suffering will be worth it all when we are with Jesus.

Talk-it-Over

1. When have you endured something difficult because you believed the outcome would be worth it? What helped you keep going?

2. Read Romans 8:15–18. How does knowing you are God's child and an heir with Christ shape the way you face suffering?

3. What present suffering or hardship are you struggling to see in light of the hope of being with Jesus? What makes that difficult?

4. What is one next step you need to take today?

5. Who do you need to tell about what you've learned?

Further Reading

Matthew 26:36-46

Romans 8:15-25

2 Corinthians 4:16–18

Philippians 3:7–12

Hebrews 12:1–3

Revelation 21:1–5