"I Would Rather Suffer Than Sin"

“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”Heb. 11:25 "I Would Rather Suffer Than Sin" MOSES

I. Moses Example • Refused to be called son of Pharaoh’s daughter “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;” Heb. 11:24 40 years of age Could have wealth and power

I. Moses Example • Chose to suffer with the people of God “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” v. 25 Identified with a nation of slaves Choice between temporary vanity and eternal glory

I. Moses Example • Rather than enjoy pleasures of sin “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” v. 25 There is pleasure in sin Moses turned away from them That pleasure is short lived

I. Moses Example • Reproach of Christ “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:” v. 26 Reproach = ridicule, disgrace A reproach like Christ’s

I. Moses Example • Greater riches than the treasures in Egypt “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:” v. 26 Reproach was of greater value He would have received great riches if he had stayed in Egypt.

I. Moses Example • Recompense of reward “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”v.26 Moses looked forward to the fulfillment of the promises His reward was eternal

“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” Heb. 11:27 Moses His reward was more than the earthly, it was everlasting life.

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Jeremiah “O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.” Jer. 15:15

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Joseph Gen. 39:7-20 Potiphar’s wife lied about him Put in prison

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego Daniel 3 Commanded to worship image or be cast into fiery furnace Would rather suffer than sin God spared them

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Daniel Daniel 6 Told not to pray to God or he would be cast into a den of lions. He was willing to suffer God spared him

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Job “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” Job. 1:22 Suffered affliction and heartache Would rather suffer than sin.

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Paul and Silas Acts 16:22-24 Cast evil spirit out of a man Beaten with whips Prison – stocks on their feet.

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Stephen Acts 6:9-7:60 He preached to the people They gnashed on him with their teeth Mobbed him – stoned him to death He died rather than sin.

II. Others who suffered rather than sinning Christ Heb. 5:8-9 He was tempted But he did not yield He was crucified rather than sin

III. Why we should choose to Suffer rather than sin 1 Pet. 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

15. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Pet. 4:15-16

14. But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Pet. 3:14-15

16 ¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 1 Pet. 3:16-17

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Pet. 2:20 “...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10 b

23. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23-24

IV. Times when we may have to Suffer rather than sin • Young people are tempted Drugs Sexual Impurity Drinking Cursing Cheating “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” II Tim. 2:22

IV. Times when we may have to Suffer rather than sin 2. Young Married Couples Titus 2:4-8 Older teach the younger Marriage Parenting

IV. Times when we may have to Suffer rather than sin 3. Older People Titus 2:2-3 Older people have temptations Sometimes grow weary in well doing Gal. 6:9

"I Would Rather Suffer Than Sin" “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33

Pleasures of sin are only for a season! “That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?” Job. 20:5 It is better to suffer than to sin ! You will not loose when you… Suffer Rather than Sin !

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249 evanscoc@bellsouth.net www.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Morning Sept. 30, 2007

"I Would Rather Suffer Than Sin"