This sermon outline encourages us as followers of Jesus Christ to continue on in spite of our obstacles. God gave this message to me on one of the hardest days of my ministry! Meditate upon this message and see if it doesn’t help you too!
Title: “Enduring The Unendurable!”
Text: II Corinthians 4:16-18
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18) “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (KJV)
Introduction:
• In life we all have a cross to bear.
(Galatians 6:5) “For every man shall bear his own burden.” (KJV)
• Paul describes his circumstances in the previous verses!
(2 Corinthians 4:8-12) “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” (KJV)
• Many do not continue in God’s Will for their life because of their cross.
• This cross is a sign of discipleship. We must endeavor to carry this cross even though it seems that it is unbearable!
• Set backs, disappointments and misunderstandings all make things look different than what they really are! They are often like the funny mirrors at the fair!
• Paul mentions some things here in our verses that should help us tonight!
Proposition: There are three things that suffering can produce in our lives if we derive our strength in God and His Word!
I. When Crosses Get Too Heavy, Remember That God Proportions Your Shoulders To The Size Of The Cross You Have!
(2 Corinthians 4:16) “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (KJV)
A. Funny thing about crosses, they are big and awkward. Never suitable… any way you carry them they hurt. It takes much discipline and purpose to carry them any distance.
B. But is not that what God has called us to do!
C. He never expects us to carry our cross any where without Him carrying one side!
D. Crosses tend to show the onlookers, your inability to function, or they will embarrass you!
E. The masses seem like they care very little about your cross, but there are a few of your brothers and sisters in the Lord that are concerned!
II. When Crosses Leave Their Marks On You, Remember That They Produce Rewards!
(2 Corinthians 4:17) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (KJV)
A. The awkward, heavy, detestable, and hurtful cross that Jesus bore, produced the reward of Salvation!
B. Think about it, the only way for you to have your sins forgiven and a home in Heaven was for Jesus to endure the cross!
C. There are people who God will use you to reach, but you will have to carry your cross to produce the fruit!
D. When the cross digs in and leaves its marks, then you dig in deeper and let God make you His instrument!
III. When Crosses Seem To Be The Only Thing You See, Look To Finish Line!
(2 Corinthians 4:18) “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (KJV)
A. Many times we get so focused on making it one more step that we forget that there is a finish line!
B. Many times we cannot enjoy the smell of roses, the warmth of the sunlight, and the aroma of daily nutrition for the cross that we are carrying!
C. We are focused on the temporal rather than the eternal!
D. We should make it our practice to see the finish line by faith!
Conclusion:
To The Sinner:
• Repent and believe the gospel!
To The Christian:
• All of us face hard and barren times, but God can cause the floods to fall on dry ground!
• The God shape you as clay on His wheel!
