Lessons on Suffering from the Puritans [TGC Podcast Ep. 388]

Uh my name is Lian Duncan. I serve on Uh my name is Lian Duncan. I serve on the council and the board of the gospel the council and the board of the gospel the council and the board of the gospel coalition and my day job is to work as a coalition and my day job is to work as a coalition and my day job is to work as a chancellor and professor at Reformed chancellor and professor at Reformed chancellor and professor at Reformed Theological Seminary. And I'm delighted Theological Seminary. And I'm delighted Theological Seminary. And I'm delighted to be talking to you today about the to be talking to you today about the to be talking to you today about the Puritans on suffering and what they have Puritans on suffering and what they have Puritans on suffering and what they have to teach us uh in this day. And of to teach us uh in this day. And of to teach us uh in this day. And of course, they would want to point us to course, they would want to point us to course, they would want to point us to Christ and the scriptures. uh they Christ and the scriptures. uh they Christ and the scriptures. uh they wouldn't say our ideas aren't the most wouldn't say our ideas aren't the most wouldn't say our ideas aren't the most important ideas about suffering. God's important ideas about suffering. God's important ideas about suffering. God's ideas are the most important ideas and ideas are the most important ideas and ideas are the most important ideas and but they're so good in pointing us to but they're so good in pointing us to but they're so good in pointing us to the scriptures. And then I think one the scriptures. And then I think one the scriptures. And then I think one thing you'll find as you read various thing you'll find as you read various thing you'll find as you read various Puritans and there are a few that I'll Puritans and there are a few that I'll Puritans and there are a few that I'll highlight that have this gift. They have highlight that have this gift. They have highlight that have this gift. They have a real gift of turning a phrase in about a real gift of turning a phrase in about a real gift of turning a phrase in about a sentence length that really sticks and a sentence length that really sticks and a sentence length that really sticks and you remember it and then it helps you you remember it and then it helps you you remember it and then it helps you when you run into particular situations when you run into particular situations when you run into particular situations in the Christian life because it's kind in the Christian life because it's kind in the Christian life because it's kind of stuck in your mind. And uh I I'll of stuck in your mind. And uh I I'll of stuck in your mind. And uh I I'll I'll give you some of those phrases I'll give you some of those phrases I'll give you some of those phrases hopefully as we talk today. It's not hopefully as we talk today. It's not hopefully as we talk today. It's not surprising that a lot of us would gather surprising that a lot of us would gather surprising that a lot of us would gather in the room to think about suffering in the room to think about suffering in the room to think about suffering because suffering is a part of human because suffering is a part of human because suffering is a part of human experience experience experience universally and it is a part of universally and it is a part of universally and it is a part of Christian experience Christian experience Christian experience universally. Um I don't claim to know universally. Um I don't claim to know universally. Um I don't claim to know much much much personally about suffering certainly in personally about suffering certainly in personally about suffering certainly in comparison to many other wonderful comparison to many other wonderful comparison to many other wonderful Christians that I know. Um, I have had Christians that I know. Um, I have had Christians that I know. Um, I have had friends who have been thrown into prison

friends who have been thrown into prison friends who have been thrown into prison because they are Christians. I've never because they are Christians. I've never because they are Christians. I've never had that had that had that experience. I have had friends who have experience. I have had friends who have experience. I have had friends who have lost lost lost children. I have not had that children. I have not had that children. I have not had that experience. I have friends who struggle experience. I have friends who struggle experience. I have friends who struggle with chronic pain. Uh, just relentless with chronic pain. Uh, just relentless with chronic pain. Uh, just relentless 24-hour pain. Uh, and they've they've 24-hour pain. Uh, and they've they've 24-hour pain. Uh, and they've they've struggled with it for decades and struggled with it for decades and struggled with it for decades and decades. I've never struggled with that. decades. I've never struggled with that. decades. I've never struggled with that. Uh, recently Matt Smithhurst and I who Uh, recently Matt Smithhurst and I who Uh, recently Matt Smithhurst and I who do the Everyday Pastors uh Everyday do the Everyday Pastors uh Everyday do the Everyday Pastors uh Everyday Pastor podcast together interviewed Pastor podcast together interviewed Pastor podcast together interviewed Johnny Ericson. Tada. She's been a hero Johnny Ericson. Tada. She's been a hero Johnny Ericson. Tada. She's been a hero of mine for years. And uh, by the way, of mine for years. And uh, by the way, of mine for years. And uh, by the way, if you want to learn about suffering, if you want to learn about suffering, if you want to learn about suffering, just, you know, go read Johnny Ericson. just, you know, go read Johnny Ericson. just, you know, go read Johnny Ericson. Tada on on this. We ask her lots of Tada on on this. We ask her lots of Tada on on this. We ask her lots of questions on the podcast about her questions on the podcast about her questions on the podcast about her experience. And by the way, now because experience. And by the way, now because experience. And by the way, now because of where she is in in in her age and of where she is in in in her age and of where she is in in in her age and stage of life and in the long duration stage of life and in the long duration stage of life and in the long duration of those injuries, she is now struggling of those injuries, she is now struggling of those injuries, she is now struggling with chronic pain, which she, you know, with chronic pain, which she, you know, with chronic pain, which she, you know, she was she was made a she was she was made a she was she was made a parapollegic, but it didn't immediately parapollegic, but it didn't immediately parapollegic, but it didn't immediately manifest itself with chronic pain. Now manifest itself with chronic pain. Now manifest itself with chronic pain. Now she's struggling with chronic pain and she's struggling with chronic pain and she's struggling with chronic pain and uh and she still has that when you talk uh and she still has that when you talk uh and she still has that when you talk to her there is this glow of Christ in to her there is this glow of Christ in to her there is this glow of Christ in her in her conversation and um you know her in her conversation and um you know her in her conversation and um you know so there there I could point you to a so there there I could point you to a so there there I could point you to a lot of Christians who know more

lot of Christians who know more lot of Christians who know more experientially about suffering than I experientially about suffering than I experientially about suffering than I do. do. do. As a pastor, what happens is I get As a pastor, what happens is I get As a pastor, what happens is I get invited into people's invited into people's invited into people's lives and they let me see just a little lives and they let me see just a little lives and they let me see just a little glimpse of what they are going through glimpse of what they are going through glimpse of what they are going through and then hopefully I'm a little bit of a and then hopefully I'm a little bit of a and then hopefully I'm a little bit of a help and encouragement to them as they help and encouragement to them as they help and encouragement to them as they travel along that way. And so I must say travel along that way. And so I must say travel along that way. And so I must say a lot of what I know about suffering I a lot of what I know about suffering I a lot of what I know about suffering I know vicariously. somebody else has let know vicariously. somebody else has let know vicariously. somebody else has let me into their life and then I've seen me into their life and then I've seen me into their life and then I've seen how they have stuck with God, trusted in how they have stuck with God, trusted in how they have stuck with God, trusted in Christ, believed the word and walked Christ, believed the word and walked Christ, believed the word and walked with him uh sometimes for a long long with him uh sometimes for a long long with him uh sometimes for a long long time in hard hard things. And then I I time in hard hard things. And then I I time in hard hard things. And then I I I'm encouraged by that. I'm helped by I'm encouraged by that. I'm helped by I'm encouraged by that. I'm helped by that. I'm instructed by that. And then that. I'm instructed by that. And then that. I'm instructed by that. And then hopefully what little I know I can pass hopefully what little I know I can pass hopefully what little I know I can pass along to you today. We're talking about along to you today. We're talking about along to you today. We're talking about the Puritans on suffering. What do we the Puritans on suffering. What do we the Puritans on suffering. What do we mean by Puritans? Really, that term mean by Puritans? Really, that term mean by Puritans? Really, that term originally originally originally refers to ministers in the Church of refers to ministers in the Church of refers to ministers in the Church of England from England from England from 1562 to 1662. So about a 100redyear 1562 to 1662. So about a 100redyear 1562 to 1662. So about a 100redyear period, ministers in the Church of period, ministers in the Church of period, ministers in the Church of England who wanted the Church of England England who wanted the Church of England England who wanted the Church of England to be a more scriptural Christc centered to be a more scriptural Christc centered to be a more scriptural Christc centered church. and they

church. and they church. and they often paid for that concern by often paid for that concern by often paid for that concern by persecution and marginalization and persecution and marginalization and persecution and marginalization and mocking. Um, one of the greatest mocking. Um, one of the greatest mocking. Um, one of the greatest Puritans you may have heard of is John Puritans you may have heard of is John Puritans you may have heard of is John Owen. John Owen was the vice chancellor Owen. John Owen was the vice chancellor Owen. John Owen was the vice chancellor of Oxford University and one of the most of Oxford University and one of the most of Oxford University and one of the most learned men of his age. learned men of his age. learned men of his age. But in the very same time frame uh there But in the very same time frame uh there But in the very same time frame uh there was a Baptist minister named John Bunan was a Baptist minister named John Bunan was a Baptist minister named John Bunan who John Owen greatly admired. In fact who John Owen greatly admired. In fact who John Owen greatly admired. In fact Owen once said, "I would give all my Owen once said, "I would give all my Owen once said, "I would give all my degrees, all my learning if I could degrees, all my learning if I could degrees, all my learning if I could preach Christ like that tinker from preach Christ like that tinker from preach Christ like that tinker from Bedford can." Isn't that a wonderful Bedford can." Isn't that a wonderful Bedford can." Isn't that a wonderful thing to say about Bunan who was a thing to say about Bunan who was a thing to say about Bunan who was a Baptist minister at the same time? So Baptist minister at the same time? So Baptist minister at the same time? So you had you had a a real spiritual you had you had a a real spiritual you had you had a a real spiritual wealth in England in those days. Now I'm wealth in England in those days. Now I'm wealth in England in those days. Now I'm going to use the term Puritan a little going to use the term Puritan a little going to use the term Puritan a little bit with a little bit of elasticity bit with a little bit of elasticity bit with a little bit of elasticity because I'm going to mention one because I'm going to mention one because I'm going to mention one Scottish writer and really you didn't Scottish writer and really you didn't Scottish writer and really you didn't have Puritans in Scotland. The have Puritans in Scotland. The have Puritans in Scotland. The Presbyterians in Scotland were sort of Presbyterians in Scotland were sort of Presbyterians in Scotland were sort of cousins. They were spiritual cousins to cousins. They were spiritual cousins to cousins. They were spiritual cousins to the English Puritans and they shared the English Puritans and they shared the English Puritans and they shared very much a similar theology of the very much a similar theology of the very much a similar theology of the Christian life uh with the Puritans but Christian life uh with the Puritans but Christian life uh with the Puritans but they were a little bit different animal they were a little bit different animal they were a little bit different animal but I am going to mention some uh at but I am going to mention some uh at but I am going to mention some uh at least two particular Scottish ministers least two particular Scottish ministers least two particular Scottish ministers who were really helpful in this area of who were really helpful in this area of who were really helpful in this area of suffering and then I'm going to mention suffering and then I'm going to mention suffering and then I'm going to mention a few modern authors because there's a few modern authors because there's a few modern authors because there's actually been a lot of good work done by

actually been a lot of good work done by actually been a lot of good work done by Christians in this area in the last few Christians in this area in the last few Christians in this area in the last few years. So, we'll just see how far we can years. So, we'll just see how far we can years. So, we'll just see how far we can get today. I'm going to try and say 10 get today. I'm going to try and say 10 get today. I'm going to try and say 10 things about the Puritans on suffering things about the Puritans on suffering things about the Puritans on suffering and we'll see whether I get through all and we'll see whether I get through all and we'll see whether I get through all 10 of those things and then I'm going to 10 of those things and then I'm going to 10 of those things and then I'm going to recommend some resources to you. So, recommend some resources to you. So, recommend some resources to you. So, let's pray before we begin. Heavenly let's pray before we begin. Heavenly let's pray before we begin. Heavenly Father, Father, Father, uh you have called us as uh you have called us as uh you have called us as believers to believers to believers to trust in your son who was a man of trust in your son who was a man of trust in your son who was a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. sorrows acquainted with grief. sorrows acquainted with grief. It should not surprise us then that It should not surprise us then that It should not surprise us then that we will be acquainted with sorrows and we will be acquainted with sorrows and we will be acquainted with sorrows and grief, but it still does. So we pray in grief, but it still does. So we pray in grief, but it still does. So we pray in what we do this what we do this what we do this afternoon, we will be a little less afternoon, we will be a little less afternoon, we will be a little less surprised about the sorrows and grief of surprised about the sorrows and grief of surprised about the sorrows and grief of life and a little more informed about life and a little more informed about life and a little more informed about your good and loving and kind your good and loving and kind your good and loving and kind purposes in those sorrows, griefs and purposes in those sorrows, griefs and purposes in those sorrows, griefs and sufferings of life in a sinful and sufferings of life in a sinful and sufferings of life in a sinful and fallen world. Help us we pray. Open our fallen world. Help us we pray. Open our fallen world. Help us we pray. Open our eyes to behold wonderful things in your eyes to behold wonderful things in your eyes to behold wonderful things in your word. We ask it in Jesus' name.

word. We ask it in Jesus' name. word. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen. The Amen. The Amen. The Puritans developed a very rich and Puritans developed a very rich and Puritans developed a very rich and deeply pastoral theology of deeply pastoral theology of deeply pastoral theology of suffering shaped by their understanding suffering shaped by their understanding suffering shaped by their understanding of God's of God's of God's sovereignty, God's sovereignty, God's sovereignty, God's providence, and God's providence, and God's providence, and God's purposes in suffering for our purposes in suffering for our purposes in suffering for our sanctification. and they found these sanctification. and they found these sanctification. and they found these messages, these themes in the word of messages, these themes in the word of messages, these themes in the word of God. And so I want to look at some of God. And so I want to look at some of God. And so I want to look at some of their main applications their main applications their main applications uh in the area of the theology of uh in the area of the theology of uh in the area of the theology of suffering for the Christian life. And suffering for the Christian life. And suffering for the Christian life. And here's the first one. The Puritans here's the first one. The Puritans here's the first one. The Puritans wanted us to view suffering as an instrument that God suffering as an instrument that God uses for our discipline in the Christian uses for our discipline in the Christian uses for our discipline in the Christian life. They wanted us to view suffering life. They wanted us to view suffering life. They wanted us to view suffering as an instrument that God as an instrument that God as an instrument that God uses for discipline, for good in the uses for discipline, for good in the uses for discipline, for good in the Christian life. You know, suffering by Christian life. You know, suffering by Christian life. You know, suffering by itself produces itself produces itself produces nothing, right? I mean, you've seen nothing, right? I mean, you've seen nothing, right? I mean, you've seen people suffer and become bitter. So people suffer and become bitter. So people suffer and become bitter. So suffering in it in and of itself doesn't suffering in it in and of itself doesn't suffering in it in and of itself doesn't make you holy. Some people suffer and make you holy. Some people suffer and make you holy. Some people suffer and they say, "Well, I don't believe God they say, "Well, I don't believe God they say, "Well, I don't believe God exists because I'm exists because I'm exists because I'm suffering." Some people suffer and they suffering." Some people suffer and they suffering." Some people suffer and they they say, "Well, God must have nothing they say, "Well, God must have nothing they say, "Well, God must have nothing to do with this because God would never

to do with this because God would never to do with this because God would never make me suffer." And sort of suffering make me suffer." And sort of suffering make me suffer." And sort of suffering is sort of wasted on them. is sort of wasted on them. is sort of wasted on them. But then you see some people that suffer But then you see some people that suffer But then you see some people that suffer and they and they and they grow and they encourage you. What's grow and they encourage you. What's grow and they encourage you. What's going on going on going on in Christians? The spirit uses in Christians? The spirit uses in Christians? The spirit uses sufferings as divine discipline. And the sufferings as divine discipline. And the sufferings as divine discipline. And the Puritans wanted us to understand that. Puritans wanted us to understand that. Puritans wanted us to understand that. Where did they get that idea? Well, in Where did they get that idea? Well, in Where did they get that idea? Well, in passages like Hebrews 12. passages like Hebrews 12. passages like Hebrews 12. Do you remember where the author of Do you remember where the author of Do you remember where the author of Hebrews says Hebrews 12:5, "My son," do Hebrews says Hebrews 12:5, "My son," do Hebrews says Hebrews 12:5, "My son," do not regard lightly the discipline of the not regard lightly the discipline of the not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are approved by Lord, nor faint when you are approved by Lord, nor faint when you are approved by him. For those whom the Lord him. For those whom the Lord him. For those whom the Lord loves, he loves, he loves, he disciplines, and he scourges every son disciplines, and he scourges every son disciplines, and he scourges every son whom he receives. It is for discipline whom he receives. It is for discipline whom he receives. It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as that you endure. God deals with you as that you endure. God deals with you as sons. For what son is there whom his sons. For what son is there whom his sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? And that so father does not discipline? And that so father does not discipline? And that so they wanted us to understand that they wanted us to understand that they wanted us to understand that suffering is a suffering is a suffering is a species of divine discipline for species of divine discipline for species of divine discipline for believers and that it's an expression of believers and that it's an expression of believers and that it's an expression of God's fatherly love for you as his God's fatherly love for you as his God's fatherly love for you as his child.

child. child. that reorients the way that you view that reorients the way that you view that reorients the way that you view suffering. I have often as a suffering. I have often as a suffering. I have often as a pastor looked at people in my pastor looked at people in my pastor looked at people in my congregation that were suffering. And congregation that were suffering. And congregation that were suffering. And this was the thought that popped into my this was the thought that popped into my this was the thought that popped into my mind first because I'm I'm I'm mind first because I'm I'm I'm mind first because I'm I'm I'm struggling to really believe the Lord as struggling to really believe the Lord as struggling to really believe the Lord as I ought. I've often thought, Lord, why I ought. I've often thought, Lord, why I ought. I've often thought, Lord, why is it always the good is it always the good is it always the good ones that you that you put through these ones that you that you put through these ones that you that you put through these things? And of course, what the Lord things? And of course, what the Lord things? And of course, what the Lord would say back to me when I say that would say back to me when I say that would say back to me when I say that kind of a kind of a kind of a questioning statement questioning statement questioning statement is because I love is because I love is because I love them, because they're precious to me, them, because they're precious to me, them, because they're precious to me, because they're my because they're my because they're my children, because I I want to see them children, because I I want to see them children, because I I want to see them grow. So that reorients the way you grow. So that reorients the way you grow. So that reorients the way you think about suffering. It it doesn't think about suffering. It it doesn't think about suffering. It it doesn't lead you to say, "Oh, I'm really not lead you to say, "Oh, I'm really not lead you to say, "Oh, I'm really not suffering." No, you really suffering." No, you really suffering." No, you really are. But that suffering is not are. But that suffering is not are. But that suffering is not meaningless. It's not meaningless. It's not meaningless. It's not random. It's not random. It's not random. It's not purposeless. It's it's an purposeless. It's it's an purposeless. It's it's an instrument in the spirit's instrument in the spirit's instrument in the spirit's hands in order to show you the father's hands in order to show you the father's hands in order to show you the father's love for you and grow you in grace.

love for you and grow you in grace. love for you and grow you in grace. If you look at suffering that way, it If you look at suffering that way, it If you look at suffering that way, it will change the way you approach will change the way you approach will change the way you approach suffering. You know, one one thing is to suffering. You know, one one thing is to suffering. You know, one one thing is to say, Lord, you're teaching me here that say, Lord, you're teaching me here that say, Lord, you're teaching me here that you love me. You're showing your love you love me. You're showing your love you love me. You're showing your love for me even in this. Here's the second for me even in this. Here's the second for me even in this. Here's the second thing that we see. The thing that we see. The thing that we see. The Puritans viewed Puritans viewed Puritans viewed suffering as a way that God refineses suffering as a way that God refineses suffering as a way that God refineses our faith. Turn with me if you have our faith. Turn with me if you have our faith. Turn with me if you have Bibles to First Bibles to First Bibles to First Peter chapter Peter chapter Peter chapter 1 where Peter says in verse 6, "In this 1 where Peter says in verse 6, "In this 1 where Peter says in verse 6, "In this you greatly you greatly you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little rejoice, even though now for a little rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been while, if necessary, you have been while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various distressed by various distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, trials, that the proof of your faith, trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is being more precious than gold, which is being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, perishable, even though tested by fire, perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in the praise and may be found to result in the praise and may be found to result in the praise and glory and honor at the res at the glory and honor at the res at the glory and honor at the res at the revelation of Jesus Christ. So the revelation of Jesus Christ. So the revelation of Jesus Christ. So the sufferings there, the distresses there sufferings there, the distresses there sufferings there, the distresses there that Peter is talking about are meant to that Peter is talking about are meant to that Peter is talking about are meant to refine God's grace in refine God's grace in refine God's grace in you so that your faith is you so that your faith is you so that your faith is tested and strengthened tested and strengthened tested and strengthened uh for the living of the Christian life.

uh for the living of the Christian life. uh for the living of the Christian life. one one Puritan John Flavl F L A V E L one one Puritan John Flavl F L A V E L one one Puritan John Flavl F L A V E L who wrote a wonderful book called the who wrote a wonderful book called the who wrote a wonderful book called the mystery of mystery of mystery of providence. One Puritan named John Flavl providence. One Puritan named John Flavl providence. One Puritan named John Flavl said this this affliction is a furnace for affliction is a furnace for affliction is a furnace for grace. It's a furnace for grace. And grace. It's a furnace for grace. And grace. It's a furnace for grace. And then Thomas Watson added these words, then Thomas Watson added these words, then Thomas Watson added these words, "Affliction is not meant by God to "Affliction is not meant by God to "Affliction is not meant by God to consume you, but to refine consume you, but to refine consume you, but to refine you." It's a furnace for grace. It's not you." It's a furnace for grace. It's not you." It's a furnace for grace. It's not meant to consume meant to consume meant to consume you, but to refine you, but to refine you, but to refine you. Uh, you know, we we when you sing you. Uh, you know, we we when you sing you. Uh, you know, we we when you sing How Firm a Foundation You Saints of the How Firm a Foundation You Saints of the How Firm a Foundation You Saints of the Lord, you get to that line. Lord, you get to that line. Lord, you get to that line. um where it says the um where it says the um where it says the flame will not hurt you. And what's flame will not hurt you. And what's flame will not hurt you. And what's what's he riffing on there? He's riffing what's he riffing on there? He's riffing what's he riffing on there? He's riffing on the story of the three Jewish boys, on the story of the three Jewish boys, on the story of the three Jewish boys, Haniah, Mishael, Aariah, Shadrach, Haniah, Mishael, Aariah, Shadrach, Haniah, Mishael, Aariah, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The the flame shall not hurt furnace. The the flame shall not hurt furnace. The the flame shall not hurt you. I only you. I only you. I only design your dross to consume and your design your dross to consume and your design your dross to consume and your gold to refine. So the the the Puritans

gold to refine. So the the the Puritans gold to refine. So the the the Puritans are again wanting to emphasize God's are again wanting to emphasize God's are again wanting to emphasize God's good purposes in that suffering. Not to good purposes in that suffering. Not to good purposes in that suffering. Not to diminish the suffering, not for us to diminish the suffering, not for us to diminish the suffering, not for us to say, "Oh, I'm not really suffering." say, "Oh, I'm not really suffering." say, "Oh, I'm not really suffering." Some of us really are. but to say, Some of us really are. but to say, Some of us really are. but to say, "Lord, even in this difficult "Lord, even in this difficult "Lord, even in this difficult experience, I know that your person, experience, I know that your person, experience, I know that your person, your purpose is not to destroy me. It's your purpose is not to destroy me. It's your purpose is not to destroy me. It's to build me up. You're not trying to to build me up. You're not trying to to build me up. You're not trying to consume me. You're trying to refine me. consume me. You're trying to refine me. consume me. You're trying to refine me. You're trying to make me more like your You're trying to make me more like your You're trying to make me more like your son who what Hebrews 5:'8 learned son who what Hebrews 5:'8 learned son who what Hebrews 5:'8 learned obedience through that which he obedience through that which he obedience through that which he suffered." See, I mean, should we be suffered." See, I mean, should we be suffered." See, I mean, should we be surprised, right? if he learned surprised, right? if he learned surprised, right? if he learned obedience through that which he obedience through that which he obedience through that which he suffered. Should we be surprised if suffered. Should we be surprised if suffered. Should we be surprised if we're united to him that God does the we're united to him that God does the we're united to him that God does the same thing with us? So the Puritans want same thing with us? So the Puritans want same thing with us? So the Puritans want us to look at things from that us to look at things from that us to look at things from that perspective. Third, suffering is a means perspective. Third, suffering is a means perspective. Third, suffering is a means or an instrument of sanctification. Uh or an instrument of sanctification. Uh or an instrument of sanctification. Uh turn with me to Romans chapter 5.

turn with me to Romans chapter 5. turn with me to Romans chapter 5. The Puritans wanted us to understand The Puritans wanted us to understand The Puritans wanted us to understand that God's that God's that God's afflictions, the suffering of the afflictions, the suffering of the afflictions, the suffering of the Christian life is meant to produce in us Christian life is meant to produce in us Christian life is meant to produce in us character, character, character, godliness. He he uses it with the godliness. He he uses it with the godliness. He he uses it with the purpose of growing us in grace. So in purpose of growing us in grace. So in purpose of growing us in grace. So in Romans chapter 5 we read this verse Romans chapter 5 we read this verse Romans chapter 5 we read this verse three. We also exalt in our three. We also exalt in our three. We also exalt in our tribulations knowing that tribulation tribulations knowing that tribulation tribulations knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance and brings about perseverance and brings about perseverance and perseverance proven character and proven perseverance proven character and proven perseverance proven character and proven character hope and hope does not character hope and hope does not character hope and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has disappoint because the love of God has disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts been poured out within our hearts been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who is given to through the Holy Spirit who is given to through the Holy Spirit who is given to us. us. us. So God is up to something specific and So God is up to something specific and So God is up to something specific and definite in definite in definite in us. He He wants us to grow in us. He He wants us to grow in us. He He wants us to grow in perseverance. And the older I get, the perseverance. And the older I get, the perseverance. And the older I get, the more I realize that more I realize that more I realize that endurance is an underestimated quality endurance is an underestimated quality endurance is an underestimated quality in the Christian life.

in the Christian life. in the Christian life. You know, I I've I've You know, I I've I've You know, I I've I've seen people struggle seen people struggle seen people struggle more more more with lesser with lesser with lesser trials that last trials that last trials that last longer than with greater trials that longer than with greater trials that longer than with greater trials that last a shorter period of last a shorter period of last a shorter period of time. Because the just the the drip drip time. Because the just the the drip drip time. Because the just the the drip drip drip of a trial never going away drip of a trial never going away drip of a trial never going away wears you down. Don't underestimate how wears you down. Don't underestimate how wears you down. Don't underestimate how important endurance is. And God's important endurance is. And God's important endurance is. And God's purpose is to build us up in purpose is to build us up in purpose is to build us up in perseverance and endurance and to make perseverance and endurance and to make perseverance and endurance and to make sure that we endure with a hope in us sure that we endure with a hope in us sure that we endure with a hope in us that can't be put that can't be put that can't be put out. And if if we if our hope is just out. And if if we if our hope is just out. And if if we if our hope is just here, then suffering is going to destroy here, then suffering is going to destroy here, then suffering is going to destroy us, right? because we've been us, right? because we've been us, right? because we've been disappointed here. But if our hope is in disappointed here. But if our hope is in disappointed here. But if our hope is in the new heavens and the new earth, the new heavens and the new earth, the new heavens and the new earth, nothing that happens here can put that nothing that happens here can put that nothing that happens here can put that hope hope hope out.

out. out. So suffering is a means of So suffering is a means of So suffering is a means of sanctification. sanctification. sanctification. Um Jeremiah Burroughs Um Jeremiah Burroughs Um Jeremiah Burroughs uh wonderful English uh uh wonderful English uh uh wonderful English uh congregationalist wrote a book called congregationalist wrote a book called congregationalist wrote a book called The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. Um when when I got married, um I said to Um when when I got married, um I said to Um when when I got married, um I said to my wife, "Let's read some books my wife, "Let's read some books my wife, "Let's read some books together." And so the first book that I together." And so the first book that I together." And so the first book that I brought home to read was Jeremiah brought home to read was Jeremiah brought home to read was Jeremiah Burrus, The Rare Jewel of Christian Burrus, The Rare Jewel of Christian Burrus, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. And my wife said, "Oh, no, Contentment. And my wife said, "Oh, no, Contentment. And my wife said, "Oh, no, not not not contentment." Um, well, one of the contentment." Um, well, one of the contentment." Um, well, one of the things that Burroughs says is that things that Burroughs says is that things that Burroughs says is that suffering is a way that the spirit suffering is a way that the spirit suffering is a way that the spirit teaches Christians the secret of teaches Christians the secret of teaches Christians the secret of contentment in Christ. And boy, do you contentment in Christ. And boy, do you contentment in Christ. And boy, do you see that with Johnny Ericson? Tada. You see that with Johnny Ericson? Tada. You see that with Johnny Ericson? Tada. You know, she she has every, you know, it know, she she has every, you know, it know, she she has every, you know, it humanly speaking, every reason to be humanly speaking, every reason to be humanly speaking, every reason to be bitter.

bitter. bitter. But there's just not a drop of But there's just not a drop of But there's just not a drop of bitterness bitterness bitterness there because the spirit has taught her there because the spirit has taught her there because the spirit has taught her the secret of contentment in Christ. So the secret of contentment in Christ. So the secret of contentment in Christ. So suffering is a means of sanctification. suffering is a means of sanctification. suffering is a means of sanctification. God has purposes in our suffering. God has purposes in our suffering. God has purposes in our suffering. Here's another theme. Suffering is a Here's another theme. Suffering is a Here's another theme. Suffering is a participation in Christ's participation in Christ's participation in Christ's suffering. He's the head. We are his suffering. He's the head. We are his suffering. He's the head. We are his body. and we participate in his body. and we participate in his body. and we participate in his sufferings. This is something that Paul sufferings. This is something that Paul sufferings. This is something that Paul talks about in Philippians chapter 3. talks about in Philippians chapter 3. talks about in Philippians chapter 3. You remember what Paul says You remember what Paul says You remember what Paul says there. This is an aspiration of Paul's. there. This is an aspiration of Paul's. there. This is an aspiration of Paul's. Philippians Philippians Philippians 3:10. That I may know 3:10. That I may know 3:10. That I may know him. I think all of us have that as we him. I think all of us have that as we him. I think all of us have that as we want to know Christ. I want to know him. want to know Christ. I want to know him. want to know Christ. I want to know him. Not just know about him. I want to know Not just know about him. I want to know Not just know about him. I want to know him. him. him. and the power of his and the power of his and the power of his resurrection. I think that's another resurrection. I think that's another resurrection. I think that's another thing we we Lord, we want to know the thing we we Lord, we want to know the thing we we Lord, we want to know the power of your resurrection in our life.

power of your resurrection in our life. power of your resurrection in our life. And then Paul goes on to say a third And then Paul goes on to say a third And then Paul goes on to say a third thing. And the fellowship of his thing. And the fellowship of his thing. And the fellowship of his sufferings. And usually we're sitting on sufferings. And usually we're sitting on sufferings. And usually we're sitting on our hands on that one. Okay, Lord, I'll our hands on that one. Okay, Lord, I'll our hands on that one. Okay, Lord, I'll I'll take two out of three. I'd like to I'll take two out of three. I'd like to I'll take two out of three. I'd like to know you. know you. know you. I'd like to know the power of your I'd like to know the power of your I'd like to know the power of your resurrection, but the fellowship of your resurrection, but the fellowship of your resurrection, but the fellowship of your sufferings. But Paul says, I want sufferings. But Paul says, I want sufferings. But Paul says, I want that. I want to that. I want to that. I want to know the fellowship of his know the fellowship of his know the fellowship of his sufferings being conformed to his death sufferings being conformed to his death sufferings being conformed to his death in order that I may attain to the in order that I may attain to the in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. So you resurrection from the dead. So you resurrection from the dead. So you here's here's the thing. You can't know here's here's the thing. You can't know here's here's the thing. You can't know the power of his resurrection unless you the power of his resurrection unless you the power of his resurrection unless you know the fellowship of his sufferings. know the fellowship of his sufferings. know the fellowship of his sufferings. And And And so Paul says, "What a privilege it is so Paul says, "What a privilege it is so Paul says, "What a privilege it is for me to be a part of the body of for me to be a part of the body of for me to be a part of the body of Christ and to have a Christ and to have a Christ and to have a fellowship with him in his sufferings." fellowship with him in his sufferings." fellowship with him in his sufferings." And I I have when I have a close And I I have when I have a close And I I have when I have a close relationship with a person and they know relationship with a person and they know relationship with a person and they know that I'm not sort of pointing my finger that I'm not sort of pointing my finger that I'm not sort of pointing my finger to them and being inappropriately to them and being inappropriately to them and being inappropriately preachy at a hard place in their life, preachy at a hard place in their life, preachy at a hard place in their life, but let's say I've got a a close but let's say I've got a a close but let's say I've got a a close relationship with a person who's relationship with a person who's relationship with a person who's enduring significant suffering. Uh, I enduring significant suffering. Uh, I enduring significant suffering. Uh, I will sometimes will sometimes will sometimes say it is a privilege for say it is a privilege for say it is a privilege for me to watch you experience the me to watch you experience the me to watch you experience the fellowship of Christ's fellowship of Christ's fellowship of Christ's sufferings and and especially when sufferings and and especially when sufferings and and especially when they're doing it in they're doing it in they're doing it in faith and and to let and just so that

faith and and to let and just so that faith and and to let and just so that they then feel the privilege of what they then feel the privilege of what they then feel the privilege of what they're going through. our our Lord they're going through. our our Lord they're going through. our our Lord suffered and and you're experiencing suffered and and you're experiencing suffered and and you're experiencing that in which you have a fellowship with that in which you have a fellowship with that in which you have a fellowship with him. You you have an understanding of him. You you have an understanding of him. You you have an understanding of your relationship to him that you your relationship to him that you your relationship to him that you wouldn't have had if you hadn't gone wouldn't have had if you hadn't gone wouldn't have had if you hadn't gone through this. through this. through this. You know, for You know, for You know, for instance, I I have had too many instance, I I have had too many instance, I I have had too many occasions as a pastor to talk to parents occasions as a pastor to talk to parents occasions as a pastor to talk to parents who've lost a who've lost a who've lost a child. And and one of the thing again, child. And and one of the thing again, child. And and one of the thing again, if I have a close relationship and if I have a close relationship and if I have a close relationship and they're godly and mature, sometimes I'll they're godly and mature, sometimes I'll they're godly and mature, sometimes I'll say, you say, you say, you know, God knows what it's like to lose a know, God knows what it's like to lose a know, God knows what it's like to lose a son. and you have a fellowship with him in and you have a fellowship with him in this that I don't begin to understand this that I don't begin to understand this that I don't begin to understand because I've not gone through this. What a this. What a privilege to know him in the fellowship privilege to know him in the fellowship privilege to know him in the fellowship of his of his of his sufferings.

sufferings. sufferings. Fifth, your Fifth, your Fifth, your suffering is actually an evidence of suffering is actually an evidence of suffering is actually an evidence of your sunship. your sunship. your sunship. Your suffering is actually an evidence Your suffering is actually an evidence Your suffering is actually an evidence of your sunship. Every Christian is a of your sunship. Every Christian is a of your sunship. Every Christian is a son. That's you too, ladies. Every son. That's you too, ladies. Every son. That's you too, ladies. Every Christian is a son. And why why did Paul Christian is a son. And why why did Paul Christian is a son. And why why did Paul use why didn't he just say children? And use why didn't he just say children? And use why didn't he just say children? And and children is used in various places and children is used in various places and children is used in various places in the New Testament. Why does why does in the New Testament. Why does why does in the New Testament. Why does why does Paul and why is the author of Hebrews Paul and why is the author of Hebrews Paul and why is the author of Hebrews want to emphasize to you that you're a want to emphasize to you that you're a want to emphasize to you that you're a son? Because in the Greco Roman world son? Because in the Greco Roman world son? Because in the Greco Roman world and in the Jewish world, sons and in the Jewish world, sons and in the Jewish world, sons inherited. And what Paul wants every inherited. And what Paul wants every inherited. And what Paul wants every Christian man and woman to understand is Christian man and woman to understand is Christian man and woman to understand is you are an you are an you are an inheritor. You you are inheritor of the inheritor. You you are inheritor of the inheritor. You you are inheritor of the inheritance of Christ. And so you are a inheritance of Christ. And so you are a inheritance of Christ. And so you are a son in legal standing before God. And son in legal standing before God. And son in legal standing before God. And let me say I think the doctrine of let me say I think the doctrine of let me say I think the doctrine of adoption, here's another thing I think adoption, here's another thing I think adoption, here's another thing I think I've learned. The doctrine of adoption I've learned. The doctrine of adoption I've learned. The doctrine of adoption may be one of the last things that may be one of the last things that may be one of the last things that Christians learn experientially in the Christians learn experientially in the Christians learn experientially in the Christian life. I think most of us are Christian life. I think most of us are Christian life. I think most of us are excited about the beautiful truth of excited about the beautiful truth of excited about the beautiful truth of justification by grace alone through justification by grace alone through justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone early on in faith alone in Christ alone early on in faith alone in Christ alone early on in the Christian life if not exactly the Christian life if not exactly the Christian life if not exactly simultaneously with our conversion. You simultaneously with our conversion. You simultaneously with our conversion. You know, we're profoundly aware that the know, we're profoundly aware that the know, we're profoundly aware that the Lord has forgiven us of our sins because Lord has forgiven us of our sins because Lord has forgiven us of our sins because of the work of Christ on our behalf. And of the work of Christ on our behalf. And of the work of Christ on our behalf. And we're thankful for that. that that we're thankful for that. that that we're thankful for that. that that though we do not deserve to be forgiven,

though we do not deserve to be forgiven, though we do not deserve to be forgiven, we have been forgiven because of what we have been forgiven because of what we have been forgiven because of what Christ has done for us. And so Christ has done for us. And so Christ has done for us. And so justification is precious to us. And justification is precious to us. And justification is precious to us. And most of us know that we need to grow in most of us know that we need to grow in most of us know that we need to grow in grace. We need to be sanctified. But grace. We need to be sanctified. But grace. We need to be sanctified. But many many godly many many godly many many godly Christians struggle to really know and Christians struggle to really know and Christians struggle to really know and feel that God loves them as his own feel that God loves them as his own feel that God loves them as his own child. And And suffering is one of the ways that he suffering is one of the ways that he suffering is one of the ways that he proves to us that he loves us as his own proves to us that he loves us as his own proves to us that he loves us as his own child. You you've heard the very famous child. You you've heard the very famous child. You you've heard the very famous statement uh that God had one son without uh that God had one son without sin but none without suffering. sin but none without suffering. sin but none without suffering. God had one son without sin. That's our God had one son without sin. That's our God had one son without sin. That's our savior Jesus Christ. But none without savior Jesus Christ. But none without savior Jesus Christ. But none without suffering. And he proves that we are his suffering. And he proves that we are his suffering. And he proves that we are his children. He proves that we are his sons children. He proves that we are his sons children. He proves that we are his sons and the co-airs and inheritors of Jesus and the co-airs and inheritors of Jesus and the co-airs and inheritors of Jesus Christ in our suffering. That's one of Christ in our suffering. That's one of Christ in our suffering. That's one of the themes that we saw in Hebrews 12, the themes that we saw in Hebrews 12, the themes that we saw in Hebrews 12, especially in verse 7 and 8. So especially in verse 7 and 8. So especially in verse 7 and 8. So suffering is not a sign that God has suffering is not a sign that God has suffering is not a sign that God has abandoned you. It's a sign that he cares abandoned you. It's a sign that he cares abandoned you. It's a sign that he cares about you. It's an evidence of you. It's an evidence of sunship. Sixth, suffering is preparation

sunship. Sixth, suffering is preparation sunship. Sixth, suffering is preparation for glory. 2 Corinthians 4:es 16 to 18 says this. Therefore, we 4:es 16 to 18 says this. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though our outer man do not lose heart. Though our outer man do not lose heart. Though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being is decaying, yet our inner man is being is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary light renewed day by day. For momentary light renewed day by day. For momentary light affliction is producing for us an affliction is producing for us an affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of eternal weight of eternal weight of glory beyond all God in our suffering is preparing us for God in our suffering is preparing us for glory. Samuel Rutherford is one of those glory. Samuel Rutherford is one of those glory. Samuel Rutherford is one of those two Scottish ministers I wanted to two Scottish ministers I wanted to two Scottish ministers I wanted to mention. He's not really a Puritan, mention. He's not really a Puritan, mention. He's not really a Puritan, though he lived during the era of the though he lived during the era of the though he lived during the era of the Puritans. He was a Presbyterian minister Puritans. He was a Presbyterian minister Puritans. He was a Presbyterian minister in a tiny little church in Anwath, in a tiny little church in Anwath, in a tiny little church in Anwath, Scotland. That church building was no Scotland. That church building was no Scotland. That church building was no larger than the front part of that larger than the front part of that larger than the front part of that section right over there. Tiny little section right over there. Tiny little section right over there. Tiny little church, but he was probably one of the church, but he was probably one of the church, but he was probably one of the two greatest theologians in the history two greatest theologians in the history two greatest theologians in the history of Scotland. And by the way, CH Spurgeon of Scotland. And by the way, CH Spurgeon of Scotland. And by the way, CH Spurgeon said that Samuel Rutherford's letters said that Samuel Rutherford's letters said that Samuel Rutherford's letters are the nearest thing ever written to are the nearest thing ever written to are the nearest thing ever written to inspired scripture by an uninspired man.

inspired scripture by an uninspired man. inspired scripture by an uninspired man. Uh so if you ever get a chance to read Uh so if you ever get a chance to read Uh so if you ever get a chance to read Ruther's letters, they're kept in print. Ruther's letters, they're kept in print. Ruther's letters, they're kept in print. Banner of Truth has a little short Banner of Truth has a little short Banner of Truth has a little short selection of them and then they have a selection of them and then they have a selection of them and then they have a really big thick hardback selection of really big thick hardback selection of really big thick hardback selection of them. The the letters of Samuel Ruff, them. The the letters of Samuel Ruff, them. The the letters of Samuel Ruff, they are beautiful. And he wrote many of they are beautiful. And he wrote many of they are beautiful. And he wrote many of them to his congregation when he was in them to his congregation when he was in them to his congregation when he was in exile. He was exiled halfway across the exile. He was exiled halfway across the exile. He was exiled halfway across the country by the government and uh country by the government and uh country by the government and uh separated from his congregation. And he separated from his congregation. And he separated from his congregation. And he wrote them letter after letter after wrote them letter after letter after wrote them letter after letter after letter. And here's one of the things letter. And here's one of the things letter. And here's one of the things that Rutherford said. When we shall come that Rutherford said. When we shall come that Rutherford said. When we shall come home and enter into the possession of home and enter into the possession of home and enter into the possession of our brother's fair kingdom, speaking of our brother's fair kingdom, speaking of our brother's fair kingdom, speaking of Jesus Jesus Jesus Christ, we shall wonder that ever we Christ, we shall wonder that ever we Christ, we shall wonder that ever we took such a faint heart at the took such a faint heart at the took such a faint heart at the way. He he wrote a woman in his way. He he wrote a woman in his way. He he wrote a woman in his congregation, Lady Kinmure, who had lost congregation, Lady Kinmure, who had lost congregation, Lady Kinmure, who had lost um several children. um several children. um several children. Uh he wrote her a letter and he said, Uh he wrote her a letter and he said, Uh he wrote her a letter and he said, "Dear woman, I tell you when you are got "Dear woman, I tell you when you are got "Dear woman, I tell you when you are got up up up thither, you will thither, you will thither, you will say four and 20 hours in this say four and 20 hours in this say four and 20 hours in this place is worth three score years and 10 place is worth three score years and 10 place is worth three score years and 10 sorrow on this earth. He is preparing us sorrow on this earth. He is preparing us sorrow on this earth. He is preparing us for a glory that we cannot even begin to for a glory that we cannot even begin to for a glory that we cannot even begin to comprehend.

Suffering further is a call to Suffering further is a call to dependence on God and prayer. The the dependence on God and prayer. The the dependence on God and prayer. The the psalmist speaks about this. Psalm psalmist speaks about this. Psalm psalmist speaks about this. Psalm 50 verse 15. Psalm 50 verse1 15. The 50 verse 15. Psalm 50 verse1 15. The 50 verse 15. Psalm 50 verse1 15. The psalmist psalmist psalmist says, "Call upon me in the day of says, "Call upon me in the day of says, "Call upon me in the day of trouble. trouble. trouble. I shall rescue you and you will honor I shall rescue you and you will honor I shall rescue you and you will honor me. Suffering me. Suffering me. Suffering ought to press us into God in ought to press us into God in ought to press us into God in prayer. You know, all of us all of us I prayer. You know, all of us all of us I prayer. You know, all of us all of us I I'm I'm guilty of I'm I'm guilty of I'm I'm guilty of this. Something happens in life and I this. Something happens in life and I this. Something happens in life and I immediately kick into what do I need to immediately kick into what do I need to immediately kick into what do I need to do? What do I need to do? What do I need do? What do I need to do? What do I need do? What do I need to do? What do I need to do? How do I need to address this? to do? How do I need to address this? to do? How do I need to address this? What do I need to do? And often times What do I need to do? And often times What do I need to do? And often times I'll I'll be in my list of things that I'll I'll be in my list of things that I'll I'll be in my list of things that I'm doing and I'll think I haven't I'm doing and I'll think I haven't I'm doing and I'll think I haven't prayed and my first instinct ought to be prayed and my first instinct ought to be prayed and my first instinct ought to be something happens. I something happens. I something happens. I pray and and very very often what pray and and very very often what pray and and very very often what happens is God turns up the happens is God turns up the happens is God turns up the heat until I have to pray.

Yeah. And it it just happens. So he he's Yeah. And it it just happens. So he he's he wants us to come to him. Call on me he wants us to come to him. Call on me he wants us to come to him. Call on me in the day of trouble. Isn't that in the day of trouble. Isn't that in the day of trouble. Isn't that beautiful? He knows the day of trouble beautiful? He knows the day of trouble beautiful? He knows the day of trouble is is is coming. Call on me. I'm here waiting. coming. Call on me. I'm here waiting. coming. Call on me. I'm here waiting. I'm here waiting for you. Come to I'm here waiting for you. Come to I'm here waiting for you. Come to me. Call on me and I'll rescue you. So me. Call on me and I'll rescue you. So me. Call on me and I'll rescue you. So the the Puritans knew that suffering was the the Puritans knew that suffering was the the Puritans knew that suffering was meant to call us to prayer and meant to call us to prayer and meant to call us to prayer and dependence on God. dependence on God. dependence on God. But suffering is But suffering is But suffering is also an also an also an opportunity for opportunity for opportunity for witness. Suffering testifies to a witness. Suffering testifies to a witness. Suffering testifies to a watching world that our faith is real, that our world that our faith is real, that our Christ is real, that our God is real. I Christ is real, that our God is real. I Christ is real, that our God is real. I I have often thought there is no way I have often thought there is no way I have often thought there is no way that that man is standing. There is no that that man is standing. There is no that that man is standing. There is no way that that woman is standing if there way that that woman is standing if there way that that woman is standing if there is no God. They couldn't have gotten is no God. They couldn't have gotten is no God. They couldn't have gotten through what they are going through through what they are going through through what they are going through without God. I I in fact I've often had without God. I I in fact I've often had without God. I I in fact I've often had people come to my office at the church people come to my office at the church people come to my office at the church and they're discouraged because of what and they're discouraged because of what and they're discouraged because of what they're going through and and I feel the they're going through and and I feel the they're going through and and I feel the weight of what they're going through weight of what they're going through weight of what they're going through too. But what I'm thinking is it's too. But what I'm thinking is it's too. But what I'm thinking is it's amazing they still believe.

amazing they still believe. amazing they still believe. And so inside there's a part of me And so inside there's a part of me And so inside there's a part of me going, "Woo!" They still going, "Woo!" They still going, "Woo!" They still believe. And they wouldn't if God believe. And they wouldn't if God believe. And they wouldn't if God weren't working in them. And don't you weren't working in them. And don't you weren't working in them. And don't you think the world doesn't see that? When think the world doesn't see that? When think the world doesn't see that? When we go through trials and tribulations we go through trials and tribulations we go through trials and tribulations and afflictions, it bears and afflictions, it bears and afflictions, it bears testimony that this person believes in testimony that this person believes in testimony that this person believes in someone who is eternal and powerful and someone who is eternal and powerful and someone who is eternal and powerful and true and real and does not abandon them true and real and does not abandon them true and real and does not abandon them in their time of need. Peter talks about in their time of need. Peter talks about in their time of need. Peter talks about this, doesn't he? In first Peter again this, doesn't he? In first Peter again this, doesn't he? In first Peter again chapter chapter chapter three, Peter will three, Peter will three, Peter will say, "Even if you should suffer," this say, "Even if you should suffer," this say, "Even if you should suffer," this is verse 14, "Even if you should suffer is verse 14, "Even if you should suffer is verse 14, "Even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are for the sake of righteousness, you are for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their blessed. And do not fear their blessed. And do not fear their intimidation. and do not be troubled, intimidation. and do not be troubled, intimidation. and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your but sanctify Christ as Lord in your but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a hearts, always being ready to make a hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give defense to everyone who asks you to give defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, an account for the hope that is in you, an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence and yet with gentleness and reverence and yet with gentleness and reverence and keep a good conscience, so that in the keep a good conscience, so that in the keep a good conscience, so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those thing in which you are slandered, those thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ who revile your good behavior in Christ who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. And he he makes it may be put to shame. And he he makes it may be put to shame. And he he makes it clear that the way we endure trials and clear that the way we endure trials and clear that the way we endure trials and tribulation and suffering and even tribulation and suffering and even tribulation and suffering and even persecution and persecution and persecution and slander bears witness to the gospel, slander bears witness to the gospel, slander bears witness to the gospel, bears witness to Christ, bears witness

bears witness to Christ, bears witness bears witness to Christ, bears witness to the truth of God to the to the truth of God to the to the truth of God to the world. world. world. Ninth, Ninth, Ninth, suffering is a means of weaning suffering is a means of weaning suffering is a means of weaning us from the world. us from the world. us from the world. Suffering is a means of weaning us from Suffering is a means of weaning us from Suffering is a means of weaning us from the world. The the Apostle Paul in 3 says 3 says this, "Set your this, "Set your this, "Set your mind on the things mind on the things mind on the things above, not on the above, not on the above, not on the things that are on earth." things that are on earth." things that are on earth." You know we when we You know we when we You know we when we sing turn your eyes upon Jesus, you sing turn your eyes upon Jesus, you sing turn your eyes upon Jesus, you remember the line and the remember the line and the remember the line and the things of this things of this things of this world goes. Yes. In the light of his world goes. Yes. In the light of his world goes. Yes. In the light of his wonderful face. Yes. wonderful face. Yes. wonderful face. Yes. And sufferings are And sufferings are And sufferings are meant to help us set our affections on meant to help us set our affections on meant to help us set our affections on those things that are going to last.

those things that are going to last. those things that are going to last. Brewster wear who was my minister of Brewster wear who was my minister of Brewster wear who was my minister of pastoral care for many years used to say pastoral care for many years used to say pastoral care for many years used to say this. God uses the the afflictions of this. God uses the the afflictions of this. God uses the the afflictions of this life to wean us from the affections this life to wean us from the affections this life to wean us from the affections of this life. So often our affections of this life. So often our affections of this life. So often our affections are set here and God wants our are set here and God wants our are set here and God wants our affections to be set on him and on affections to be set on him and on affections to be set on him and on things that will last forever. And the things that will last forever. And the things that will last forever. And the afflictions then teach us, oh yeah, this afflictions then teach us, oh yeah, this afflictions then teach us, oh yeah, this world is not my home. This world the way it is now is home. This world the way it is now is not the way it's supposed to not the way it's supposed to not the way it's supposed to be. But God is going to make all things be. But God is going to make all things be. But God is going to make all things new. God is going to make a new new. God is going to make a new new. God is going to make a new creation. And he and the lamb are going creation. And he and the lamb are going creation. And he and the lamb are going to reign forever and ever. And I want my to reign forever and ever. And I want my to reign forever and ever. And I want my affections to be on things that will affections to be on things that will affections to be on things that will never be corrupted, that will never never be corrupted, that will never never be corrupted, that will never change, that will never fade, but will change, that will never fade, but will change, that will never fade, but will last forever. And I need to start that last forever. And I need to start that last forever. And I need to start that now. Doesn't mean that the the duties of now. Doesn't mean that the the duties of now. Doesn't mean that the the duties of life are unimportant. It doesn't mean life are unimportant. It doesn't mean life are unimportant. It doesn't mean that there are real wonderful pleasures that there are real wonderful pleasures that there are real wonderful pleasures to enjoy, but they're never never to be to enjoy, but they're never never to be to enjoy, but they're never never to be the highest affection that we have. CS the highest affection that we have. CS the highest affection that we have. CS Lewis used to say, you know, our problem Lewis used to say, you know, our problem Lewis used to say, you know, our problem so often is not that we want too much.

so often is not that we want too much. so often is not that we want too much. It's that we're satisfied with too It's that we're satisfied with too It's that we're satisfied with too little. Th this world, we weren't made little. Th this world, we weren't made little. Th this world, we weren't made to be satisfied by this to be satisfied by this to be satisfied by this world. We were only made to be satisfied world. We were only made to be satisfied world. We were only made to be satisfied by God. And the afflictions of the by God. And the afflictions of the by God. And the afflictions of the Christian life help teach that to us by Christian life help teach that to us by Christian life help teach that to us by the work of the Holy Spirit. By the the work of the Holy Spirit. By the the work of the Holy Spirit. By the way, this is one of the great lessons of way, this is one of the great lessons of way, this is one of the great lessons of Thomas Boston. Thomas Boston was a Thomas Boston. Thomas Boston was a Thomas Boston. Thomas Boston was a Scottish minister in the early 18th Scottish minister in the early 18th Scottish minister in the early 18th century. And he also min ministered in a century. And he also min ministered in a century. And he also min ministered in a tiny little church uh in Etric, tiny little church uh in Etric, tiny little church uh in Etric, Scotland, south of Edinburgh by about an Scotland, south of Edinburgh by about an Scotland, south of Edinburgh by about an hour. And uh he wrote a book called The hour. And uh he wrote a book called The hour. And uh he wrote a book called The Crook in the Crook in the Crook in the Lot. The Crook in the Lot. Now that Lot. The Crook in the Lot. Now that Lot. The Crook in the Lot. Now that terrible title, right? What does what terrible title, right? What does what terrible title, right? What does what does that mean? But it's it's all about does that mean? But it's it's all about does that mean? But it's it's all about suffering. It's all about suffering. And suffering. It's all about suffering. And suffering. It's all about suffering. And he emphasizes in that he emphasizes in that he emphasizes in that book that suffering is meant to detach book that suffering is meant to detach book that suffering is meant to detach our hearts from worldly affections and attach them to God.

affections and attach them to God. Detach them from worldly affections and Detach them from worldly affections and Detach them from worldly affections and attach them to God. attach them to God. attach them to God. And then finally, and perhaps And then finally, and perhaps And then finally, and perhaps counterintuitively, suffering is a counterintuitively, suffering is a counterintuitively, suffering is a source of comfort in the Christian life. source of comfort in the Christian life. source of comfort in the Christian life. Suffering is a is a source of comfort in Suffering is a is a source of comfort in Suffering is a is a source of comfort in the Christian life. Um, the Apostle the Christian life. Um, the Apostle the Christian life. Um, the Apostle Paul says in Paul says in Paul says in Romans Romans Romans 8:28, "We know that God causes all 8:28, "We know that God causes all 8:28, "We know that God causes all things to work together for things to work together for things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who good to those who love God, to those who good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." are called according to his purpose." are called according to his purpose." Now notice what Paul does not say that Now notice what Paul does not say that Now notice what Paul does not say that all things are all things are all things are good. He says that God causes or works good. He says that God causes or works good. He says that God causes or works all things for all things for all things for good. And that means even and especially good. And that means even and especially good. And that means even and especially our our our suffering. He forces it to serve our suffering. He forces it to serve our suffering. He forces it to serve our good. And by the way, we may not know good. And by the way, we may not know good. And by the way, we may not know exactly how. You know, have you ever you exactly how. You know, have you ever you exactly how. You know, have you ever you ever thought about it?

We know the end of Job's We know the end of Job's story. What we don't know is whether Job story. What we don't know is whether Job story. What we don't know is whether Job ever knew the end of Job's story. In ever knew the end of Job's story. In ever knew the end of Job's story. In other words, God explained to other words, God explained to other words, God explained to us what he was doing in the life of us what he was doing in the life of us what he was doing in the life of Job. We don't know whether he ever Job. We don't know whether he ever Job. We don't know whether he ever explained to Job what he was doing in explained to Job what he was doing in explained to Job what he was doing in the life of the life of the life of Job. But but Job will testify in Job 42. Job. But but Job will testify in Job 42. Job. But but Job will testify in Job 42. He'll say this, "I know this this, "I know this God that I have heard, I had heard of God that I have heard, I had heard of God that I have heard, I had heard of you, but now I see you, but now I see you, but now I see you." In other words, God had drawn him you." In other words, God had drawn him you." In other words, God had drawn him closer to himself through all the awful closer to himself through all the awful closer to himself through all the awful things that Job went through. And that things that Job went through. And that things that Job went through. And that is a comfort in the Christian life. is a comfort in the Christian life. is a comfort in the Christian life. And that Puritan John Flavl that I And that Puritan John Flavl that I And that Puritan John Flavl that I talked about who wrote the mystery of talked about who wrote the mystery of talked about who wrote the mystery of providence says providence is like a providence says providence is like a providence says providence is like a Hebrew Hebrew Hebrew word. It can only be read word. It can only be read word. It can only be read backwards. You you you read backwards. You you you read backwards. You you you read Hebrew from right to left, not like we Hebrew from right to left, not like we Hebrew from right to left, not like we read English from left to right. And so read English from left to right. And so read English from left to right. And so it's a funny little play there.

it's a funny little play there. it's a funny little play there. Providence is like a Hebrew word. It can Providence is like a Hebrew word. It can Providence is like a Hebrew word. It can only be read backwards. you when you're only be read backwards. you when you're only be read backwards. you when you're in the middle of in the middle of in the middle of it, you you don't often know what what it, you you don't often know what what it, you you don't often know what what is the what's the Lord doing is the what's the Lord doing is the what's the Lord doing here. But if he is the one who knows the here. But if he is the one who knows the here. But if he is the one who knows the end from the end from the end from the beginning and if he is all powerful and beginning and if he is all powerful and beginning and if he is all powerful and is and if he is is and if he is is and if he is good, we can know that whatever he is good, we can know that whatever he is good, we can know that whatever he is doing, he is doing for good even if we doing, he is doing for good even if we doing, he is doing for good even if we don't understand it in the midst of it. don't understand it in the midst of it. don't understand it in the midst of it. That's one of the reasons I think the That's one of the reasons I think the That's one of the reasons I think the Old Testament version of Romans 8:28 is Old Testament version of Romans 8:28 is Old Testament version of Romans 8:28 is Genesis Genesis Genesis 50:20. You remember when Joseph Jacob 50:20. You remember when Joseph Jacob 50:20. You remember when Joseph Jacob has died and Joseph's brothers are has died and Joseph's brothers are has died and Joseph's brothers are going, "Oh, no. He's going to get us going, "Oh, no. He's going to get us going, "Oh, no. He's going to get us now. Dad's not around. He's going to now. Dad's not around. He's going to now. Dad's not around. He's going to have his have his have his revenge." And and Jacob says, "No, no, revenge." And and Jacob says, "No, no, revenge." And and Jacob says, "No, no, no, no, no, no." Joseph says, "No, no, no, no, no, no." Joseph says, "No, no, no, no, no, no." Joseph says, "No, no, no, no. You meant it for no, no. You meant it for no, no. You meant it for evil, but God meant it for evil, but God meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. And I I Romans 8:28, I think Paul good. And I I Romans 8:28, I think Paul good. And I I Romans 8:28, I think Paul is just riffing on that same idea. And is just riffing on that same idea. And is just riffing on that same idea. And and what what does that mean? That even and what what does that mean? That even and what what does that mean? That even suffering can be a source of comfort in suffering can be a source of comfort in suffering can be a source of comfort in the the the gospel because you know that God has gospel because you know that God has gospel because you know that God has good purposes in this. By the way, even good purposes in this. By the way, even good purposes in this. By the way, even if you don't see if you don't see if you don't see them, you know, some suffering we will

them, you know, some suffering we will them, you know, some suffering we will be able to look back and say, be able to look back and say, be able to look back and say, "Yeah, I see at least part of what you "Yeah, I see at least part of what you "Yeah, I see at least part of what you were doing, God." were doing, God." were doing, God." Sometimes we just say, "I have no idea Sometimes we just say, "I have no idea Sometimes we just say, "I have no idea what that was what that was what that was about." But we can be about." But we can be about." But we can be confident that he was up to confident that he was up to confident that he was up to good. He was up to do good to us and in good. He was up to do good to us and in good. He was up to do good to us and in us. Um, so those are those are great us. Um, so those are those are great us. Um, so those are those are great emphases that you will find in the emphases that you will find in the emphases that you will find in the writings of the Puritans. Where will you writings of the Puritans. Where will you writings of the Puritans. Where will you find this? Let me let me rifle off a few find this? Let me let me rifle off a few find this? Let me let me rifle off a few things just in case you're interested in things just in case you're interested in things just in case you're interested in reading. First, I've mentioned several reading. First, I've mentioned several reading. First, I've mentioned several times John Flavl f l a v. times John Flavl f l a v. times John Flavl f l a v. He lived from 1627 to 1691 and he wrote He lived from 1627 to 1691 and he wrote He lived from 1627 to 1691 and he wrote a book called the mystery of providence a book called the mystery of providence a book called the mystery of providence and it it it addresses this issue of and it it it addresses this issue of and it it it addresses this issue of God's providence even in sufferings in God's providence even in sufferings in God's providence even in sufferings in the Christian life. Then I've also the Christian life. Then I've also the Christian life. Then I've also mentioned Jeremiah Burroughs the rare mentioned Jeremiah Burroughs the rare mentioned Jeremiah Burroughs the rare jewel of Christian contentment. Then jewel of Christian contentment. Then jewel of Christian contentment. Then there is Thomas Watson who wrote a book there is Thomas Watson who wrote a book there is Thomas Watson who wrote a book called All Things for Good, which is an called All Things for Good, which is an called All Things for Good, which is an exposition of Romans 8:28 and it exposition of Romans 8:28 and it exposition of Romans 8:28 and it addresses how even suffering works for addresses how even suffering works for addresses how even suffering works for the believers ultimate good. Thomas the believers ultimate good. Thomas the believers ultimate good. Thomas Watson, all things for good. And then Watson, all things for good. And then Watson, all things for good. And then there's the great Richard Sibs, Si BBS,

there's the great Richard Sibs, Si BBS, there's the great Richard Sibs, Si BBS, they called him the sweet dropper. they called him the sweet dropper. they called him the sweet dropper. Uh and uh Sibs wrote a book called the Uh and uh Sibs wrote a book called the Uh and uh Sibs wrote a book called the bruised bruised bruised [Music] [Music] [Music] reed. You know the he he he will not reed. You know the he he he will not reed. You know the he he he will not break the bruised reed or extinguish the break the bruised reed or extinguish the break the bruised reed or extinguish the smoking flax. a picture of a a bruised smoking flax. a picture of a a bruised smoking flax. a picture of a a bruised wounded believer go have gone through wounded believer go have gone through wounded believer go have gone through much trial and Sibs much trial and Sibs much trial and Sibs emphasizes the love and the gentleness emphasizes the love and the gentleness emphasizes the love and the gentleness of God in suffering. And of God in suffering. And of God in suffering. And um he he says times of affliction are um he he says times of affliction are um he he says times of affliction are usually gaining times to God's people. They're usually gaining times. I I' I've They're usually gaining times. I I' I've even heard an American football coach even heard an American football coach even heard an American football coach say, "I've never seen people grow in say, "I've never seen people grow in say, "I've never seen people grow in success. It's always in failure and success. It's always in failure and success. It's always in failure and difficulty," he says, that I've seen difficulty," he says, that I've seen difficulty," he says, that I've seen players grow in their in their skills.

players grow in their in their skills. players grow in their in their skills. Well, times of affliction are usually Well, times of affliction are usually Well, times of affliction are usually gaining times for God's people. Sib gaining times for God's people. Sib gaining times for God's people. Sib says Thomas says Thomas says Thomas Brooks, one of my favorite Puritan Brooks, one of my favorite Puritan Brooks, one of my favorite Puritan writers and let me say one of Charles writers and let me say one of Charles writers and let me say one of Charles Spurgeon's favorite writers. Spurgeon Spurgeon's favorite writers. Spurgeon Spurgeon's favorite writers. Spurgeon liked Brooks so much he wrote a liked Brooks so much he wrote a liked Brooks so much he wrote a collection of Brooks collection of Brooks collection of Brooks sayings and and and and in a sayings and and and and in a sayings and and and and in a Spurgeon-esque way he named the book Spurgeon-esque way he named the book Spurgeon-esque way he named the book Smooth Stones from Ancient Brooks. Smooth Stones from Ancient Brooks. Smooth Stones from Ancient Brooks. [Laughter] [Laughter] [Laughter] And so if you read much of Charles And so if you read much of Charles And so if you read much of Charles Spurgeon, you're going to find Thomas Spurgeon, you're going to find Thomas Spurgeon, you're going to find Thomas Brooks quotes. But Thomas Brooks wrote a Brooks quotes. But Thomas Brooks wrote a Brooks quotes. But Thomas Brooks wrote a book called Precious Remedies Against book called Precious Remedies Against book called Precious Remedies Against Satan's Satan's Satan's Devices. And one of the things that he Devices. And one of the things that he Devices. And one of the things that he addresses in that book is how Satan will addresses in that book is how Satan will addresses in that book is how Satan will try to use our suffering to discourage try to use our suffering to discourage try to use our suffering to discourage us. And then he gives you biblical ways us. And then he gives you biblical ways us. And then he gives you biblical ways to fight back against Satan's to fight back against Satan's to fight back against Satan's discouragements.

discouragements. discouragements. And and And and And and Brooks beautifully Brooks beautifully Brooks beautifully says, "Afflictions are but a dark entry into "Afflictions are but a dark entry into our father's our father's our father's house." Afflictions are but a dark entry house." Afflictions are but a dark entry house." Afflictions are but a dark entry into our father's house. into our father's house. into our father's house. Then I mentioned Thomas Boston who wrote Then I mentioned Thomas Boston who wrote Then I mentioned Thomas Boston who wrote the crook in the lot and again he's the crook in the lot and again he's the crook in the lot and again he's explaining God's sovereignty in trials explaining God's sovereignty in trials explaining God's sovereignty in trials and he says affliction is a messenger of and he says affliction is a messenger of and he says affliction is a messenger of heaven sent to bless us. Then I've heaven sent to bless us. Then I've heaven sent to bless us. Then I've mentioned Samuel Ruford's letters and mentioned Samuel Ruford's letters and mentioned Samuel Ruford's letters and let me just if if if that big book of let me just if if if that big book of let me just if if if that big book of letters is too intimidating here's an letters is too intimidating here's an letters is too intimidating here's an easy way to start. Faith Cook, who was a easy way to start. Faith Cook, who was a easy way to start. Faith Cook, who was a pastor's pastor's pastor's wife, took a series of Samuel wife, took a series of Samuel wife, took a series of Samuel Rutherford's letters and turned them Rutherford's letters and turned them Rutherford's letters and turned them into into into poetry. And she produced a little book poetry. And she produced a little book poetry. And she produced a little book called Grace in called Grace in called Grace in Winter. It's published by the Banner of Winter. It's published by the Banner of Winter. It's published by the Banner of Truth Trust, Grace in Winter by Faith Truth Trust, Grace in Winter by Faith Truth Trust, Grace in Winter by Faith Cook. It is so good.

Cook. It is so good. Cook. It is so good. Rutherford's pros is so poetic. It's Rutherford's pros is so poetic. It's Rutherford's pros is so poetic. It's almost like reading a poem and she just almost like reading a poem and she just almost like reading a poem and she just takes it the next step and turns it into takes it the next step and turns it into takes it the next step and turns it into a poem. And some of his some of his a poem. And some of his some of his a poem. And some of his some of his letters have been turned into songs. So letters have been turned into songs. So letters have been turned into songs. So some of you may have sung the song Glory some of you may have sung the song Glory some of you may have sung the song Glory Glory dwelleth in Emanuel's land. Well, Glory dwelleth in Emanuel's land. Well, Glory dwelleth in Emanuel's land. Well, that comes from a letter from Samuel that comes from a letter from Samuel that comes from a letter from Samuel Rutherford. And Faith Cook turns a lot Rutherford. And Faith Cook turns a lot Rutherford. And Faith Cook turns a lot of those letters into poems. And she of those letters into poems. And she of those letters into poems. And she tells you enough about the story and the tells you enough about the story and the tells you enough about the story and the background that you can get the gist of background that you can get the gist of background that you can get the gist of it. That's a great way to get into it. That's a great way to get into it. That's a great way to get into Samuel Rutherford's letters. Those are Samuel Rutherford's letters. Those are Samuel Rutherford's letters. Those are some great Puritan and a few Scottish some great Puritan and a few Scottish some great Puritan and a few Scottish Presbyterian resources to help you on Presbyterian resources to help you on Presbyterian resources to help you on suffering. Thank you so much for being suffering. Thank you so much for being suffering. Thank you so much for being with me today. May the Lord bless you with me today. May the Lord bless you with me today. May the Lord bless you richly and help you in all your trials richly and help you in all your trials richly and help you in all your trials and hurts. Thank you.