Romans 8:18, Enduring Present Time Suffering
When Jesus sent His disciples forth to preach the gospel. He prepared their hearts to expect persecution and inevitable suffering. They would suffer for His name’s sake. He sends them forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. There would be imminent danger. But He also promises them His take care for them. Jesus tells them that if God would take care of the sparrows, surely they are more precious than many sparrows. In fact, all the hairs on their head are numbered. And Jesus sets the example for suffering for the sake of the gospel. The Apostle Peter encouraged believers to learn from the example of their Master, Jesus Christ. He denied the Lord three times and was forgiven and restored after Jesus’ resurrection by the Lake of Galilee. He served as one who has failed the Lord before. He writes to encourage us to persevere in service despite suffering.