This blog unpacks Pastor Tim’s sermon from June 2, 2024: Triumph in Tragedy

In week 2 of Radiant’s summer series, “Church in the Wild”, Pastor Tim Matthews delivers an impactful message on the triumph we can find even in the midst of tragedy. Continuing the teachings of Paul in 2 Corinthians, he reveals the sufferings and persecution that Paul faced while under Jesus' leadership. Rather than being a sign of God's disfavor, Paul's hardships were opportunities to display God's glory. 

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN: 

Last week we explored the letters written by Paul to the Church of Corinth. When we flash forward to this week’s teaching, we see Paul in the aftermath of his writings. People are upset, Paul is being persecuted, and it’s a mess.

You know when your mom and dad discipline you, and as much as you don’t want to admit it, you know they’re right? That’s kind of like Paul and the Church. He’s saying, “I’m doing this because I love you, not to spite you.” The average response would be an eye roll. Paul had every opportunity to give up on them, but what does he do instead? He writes to them:

“Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession” (2 Corinthians 2:14). Why would Paul thank God for leading him through one of his lowest points? Because even in his afflictions, he remembers the everlasting love of God. This is why Paul is such a transformational servant.

It’s easy to give up on people who have hurt you. We ignore texts, dodge calls, go ghost mode, and sometimes…we even do it to God. But Paul calls us to stay off “do not disturb”. There are moments we push God away because circumstances feel unfair or pain is too great to bear, but hear this: He is refining you.

One thing I think we forget is that, just like many of us, Paul began his journey with a bitter heart. He quite literally was fighting to destroy every believer of Jesus, even if it meant death. The destruction of the Church was his end game, but ultimately his hate led to his transformation.

Paul didn’t find God. God came and found him on the road to Damascus; a hard-hearted Jewish man was met by the Messiah and baptized by the Holy Spirit. He blinded him. Wrecked his plans. Gave him undeniable proof.

When Paul starts to endure backlash from his relationship with the Church, he opens his arms to the trials coming his way. In fact, he knows that suffering is inevitable because Jesus laid out the groundwork for him. Christ’s plans often seem obscure or complex, but His directions are simple: share in suffering just as Jesus did.

Paul writes that it is his delight to suffer for the name of God. When we hear words in that context, sometimes it’s scary, or intimidating. Suffer??? But when we look at the image of Jesus, it all becomes clear: He is worthy. Facing persecution in the name of Jesus is an honor.

I think some of us need a “Paul” moment, whether we’ve pushed God away, held resentment in our hearts for unanswered prayers, or let bitterness consume our hearts. When we look at trials and see the face of God, we gain a new perspective. He humbles us. Challenges us to remain steadfast. Allows us to deepen our aroma of Christ.

If we remain faithful in the midst of our fiery trials, He will not let our burdens go to waste. If God can take Paul, a man consumed with hate, imagine what He can do with your life. In order to live like Paul, we are challenged to pick up our cross daily and die to self.

Paul makes a bold statement: his afflictions, burdens, suffering, despair, anguish, and pain occurred while he was under the leadership of Jesus. Not before. This is the promise of God: He does not let our pain go to waste, He is sending us through the fire to come out anew, and He promises beauty for ashes. As we face our own valleys, let us remember that we are being led by the same conquering King who led Paul. 

“The invitation is clear:

Come and die.

Die to your old self.

Die to your way of thinking.

Die to your preferences.

Die to what you believe you need. ”

Bitterness and love for Jesus cannot coexist. But joy can.