What other Scriptures emphasize temporary suffering leading to eternal reward? Verse in focus “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) The pattern seen in Paul’s letters • Romans 8:18 — “I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.” • Romans 5:3-5 — “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” • 2 Timothy 2:11-12 — “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 — “A crown of righteousness is laid up for me… and for all who crave His appearing.” • Philippians 3:8, 13-14 — “Counting all things loss… pressing on toward the goal to win the prize.” • 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Run in such a way as to take the prize… an imperishable crown.” • Hebrews 10:34-36 — “Joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing you have a better and permanent possession.” • Hebrews 11:24-26 — Moses “valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.” James and Peter on perseverance • James 1:2-4 — “Consider it pure joy… the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” • James 1:12 — “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial… he will receive the crown of life.” • 1 Peter 1:6-7 — “Now… suffer various trials… that your faith may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” • 1 Peter 5:10 — “After you have suffered for a little while… God will Himself restore, secure, strengthen, and establish you.” • Hebrews 12:10-11 — “Discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Jesus sets the model • Matthew 5:11-12 — “Blessed are you when people persecute you… great is your reward in heaven.” • Luke 6:22-23 — “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.” • Mark 10:29-30 — “Will receive a hundredfold now… with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” • John 16:20-22 — “Your grief will turn to joy… and no one will take away your joy.” • Hebrews 12:2 — “Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” Old Testament previews of the same promise • Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may stay the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” • Psalm 126:5-6 — “Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.” • Isaiah 40:31 — “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary.” • Isaiah 35:10 — “Sorrow and sighing will flee.” Revelation: the finish line in sight • Revelation 2:10 — “Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” • Revelation 7:14-17 — “Those who came out of the great tribulation… God will wipe away every tear.” • Revelation 21:4 — “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes… the former things have passed away.” Threads that tie it all together • Suffering is “light and momentary” compared to an “eternal glory.” • Trials refine faith, deepen character, and anchor hope. • Perseverance secures specific rewards: crowns, glory, reign with Christ, eternal life. • Jesus embodies the pattern—cross first, then crown—calling believers to follow with the same forward-looking confidence. |
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