1. Choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God Hebrews 11:25 “ 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” KJV “ 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” ESV

2. I. The example of the suffering of God’s people, Abel Job Joseph Moses Rehab Mary Paul Jesus Christ

3. II. Our Christian sufferings of today, along with the servants’ work of the Lord include: Victims of verbal and physical abuse. Homeless people. A lie. Blame. Steal. Use the money of weak people. The court. A serious illness.

4. III. Relations in Suffering, 1 Peter 4:13- “ 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:14- “ 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 1 Peter 4:16- “ 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” Philippians 3:10- “ 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”