The Privilege That Is Ours
What if suffering for your faith wasn’t something to dread—but something to embrace?
In this sermon, Dr. Rocky Ramsey unpacks what God's Word teaches about the privilege of suffering for Christ. Following Jesus was never meant to be easy. Trials, hardships, and opposition are not exceptions—they’re part of the journey. They prove that we belong to Him, that He’s shaping us into who we’re meant to be, and that we’re walking in obedience.
Pastor Rocky challenges us to evaluate what we’re known for as believers. Are we known for righteousness… or sin? God created us to reflect His righteousness, not simply to experience His forgiveness. The church should be a place where righteousness is the expectation, not the exception.
Salvation is deeper than a simple decision or moment. It’s a transformation—a call to live rightly, especially in seasons of suffering. Pain isn’t a free pass to compromise—It’s a sacred invitation to persevere and honor Christ.
In the end, suffering isn’t a sign God has abandoned us. It’s proof that we’re His.
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”
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