What Does Our Suffering Produce
John Piper teaches that every moment of a believer's suffering is purposeful, producing an eternal glory that far outweighs present affliction.
This sermon emphasizes the idea that every moment of pain and suffering a believer endures is producing a unique glory for them, even if it may seem meaningless or unbearable at the time. It challenges the notion that suffering is without purpose and encourages faith in the unseen promises of God, drawing from the example of John the Baptist's tragic end to illustrate the concept of enduring afflictions for a greater eternal weight of glory.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Affliction is light and momentary
- Suffering prepares an eternal weight of glory
- The Greek word 'kat ergadzomai' means to produce or prepare
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II
- Every millisecond of pain produces a peculiar glory
- Suffering is never meaningless for the believer
- Faith is required to see the unseen promise of God
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III
- Illustration of John the Baptist's suffering and death
- John's imprisonment and execution show apparent meaninglessness
- Hope that John understood his suffering produced eternal glory
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IV
- Encouragement not to lose heart in suffering
- God’s promise assures purpose in pain
- Suffering has eternal significance beyond present perception
Key Quotes
“Every millisecond of your pain from the fallen nature or fallen man, every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory you will get because of that.” — John Piper
“My light, momentary, lifelong, total affliction is doing something. It's doing something. It's not meaningless.” — John Piper
“I hope God, in his mercy, put into John's head in those 20 seconds, this light momentary affliction is working for you an eternal way to glory.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Trust God's promise that your current suffering is producing eternal glory.
- Look beyond present pain by faith to the unseen work God is doing in you.
- Do not lose heart when trials feel meaningless, but remember their eternal purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'light, momentary affliction' mean?
It refers to the temporary and relatively small sufferings believers endure compared to the eternal glory they will receive.
How can suffering produce glory?
Suffering refines faith and character, preparing believers for an eternal reward that outweighs present pain.
Why use John the Baptist as an example?
John's unjust suffering and death illustrate how even great believers endure painful trials that have eternal purpose.
What should believers do when suffering feels meaningless?
They should trust God's promise and look by faith to the unseen eternal glory their suffering is producing.
Is all suffering meaningful for Christians?
Yes, according to Piper, no suffering is wasted; God uses every trial to prepare believers for glory.