𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗔 𝗕𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗦

WHEN LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES
REMEMBER WHO WORE THE THORNS

1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Isaiah 53:3–6

INTRODUCTION

Life in this fallen world is not promised to be easy—especially for believers. Pain, trials, rejection, and sorrow are realities. But when suffering comes, Scripture directs our eyes to Christ, who wore the crown of thorns so we could wear the crown of life.

Rightly divided Scripture shows:
Christ suffered for our sins (past),
Believers suffer with Christ (present),
Glory awaits us in Christ (future).

Let us remember WHO wore the thorns—and WHY.

SUBSTITUTIONARY SUFFERING
Isaiah 53:4–6; 1 Peter 2:24
A. Sin Imputed – He bore what we deserved
B. Sorrow Endured – He carried grief and pain
C. Sacrifice Completed – “It is finished” (John 19:30)
Dispensational Insight:
Christ’s suffering was once-for-all, securing redemption—not an example to earn salvation, but a substitution to receive salvation.

SYMBOLIC THORNS
Genesis 3:17–18; Matthew 27:29

A. Curse Remembered – Thorns came from the Fall
B. Crown Mocked – Soldiers crowned Him in scorn
C. Curse Removed – He bore the curse for us
Dispensational Insight:
The thorns point back to Adam’s curse and forward to Christ’s victory over it (Galatians 3:13).

SUFFERING SAVIOR
Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:6–8

A. Humble Obedience – He submitted to the Father
B. Horrific Shame – The cross despised Him
C. Heavenly Exaltation – Now seated in glory
Dispensational Insight:
Christ’s humiliation precedes His exaltation—just as ours does (Romans 8:17).

SURE SALVATION
1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Romans 5:8

A. Death for Sins – According to the Scriptures
B. Burial Confirmed – Proof of real death
C. Resurrection Declared – Proof of victory
Dispensational Insight:
Salvation today is by grace alone through faith alone—not through enduring suffering, but trusting Christ’s finished work.

SHARED SUFFERING
Philippians 3:10; 2 Timothy 3:12

A. Fellowship of His Sufferings – Identification with Christ
B. Faith Under Fire – Trials refine belief
C. Future Reward – Suffering is not wasted
Dispensational Insight:
We are not promised exemption from suffering—but transformation through it.

SEPARATED WALK
Romans 12:1–2; Colossians 3:1–3

A. World Rejected – We are not of this system
B. Mind Renewed – Heavenly perspective
C. Life Hidden – Secure in Christ
Dispensational Insight:
Grace does not excuse carnality—it empowers a distinct walk in this present evil age.

STEADFAST HOPE
2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Romans 8:18

A. Present Pain – Real but temporary
B. Promised Glory – Far exceeding
C. Perspective Changed – Eternal focus
Dispensational Insight:
Paul teaches us to view suffering through the lens of eternal glory, not earthly comfort.

SUFFICIENT GRACE
2 Corinthians 12:9–10; Titus 2:11

A. Grace Given – God’s enabling power
B. Weakness Embraced – Strength made perfect
C. Glory Displayed – Christ magnified
Dispensational Insight:
Grace is not only what saves—it is what sustains us in suffering.

SUPREME SAVIOR
Colossians 1:18–20; Revelation 5:9

A. Redeemer Praised – Worthy is the Lamb
B. Reconciliation Accomplished – Peace through blood
C. Reign Anticipated – Future glory with Christ
Dispensational Insight:
The One who wore thorns will one day wear many crowns.

CONCLUSION

When life is painful…
When trials overwhelm…
When sorrow cuts deep…
Look to Christ.
He wore the thorns so you could have peace with God and hope beyond pain.

CALL TO ACTION

Believe the Gospel – 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Rest in His Grace – Not works, not suffering, not religion
Rejoice in Hope – Glory is coming
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” – 2 Timothy 2:12

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thorns were His — Salvation is Yours
Pain is Temporary — Glory is Eternal
Grace is Enough — Christ is Sufficient

When life is not a bed of roses… remember who wore the thorns.