#86 | Suffering With Christ | Roman 8:17 | The Great 8

#86 | Suffering With Christ | Roman 8:17 | The Great 8

Nobody puts suffering on the recruiting poster. Nobody says, "Follow Jesus and you'll be misunderstood. You'll battle temptation. You'll endure hardship." But Paul doesn't hide it. After reminding us that we're sons, daughters, heirs, and coheirs with Christ, he adds one unexpected phrase: "If indeed we suffer with Him..." Following Jesus doesn't remove suffering—it redefines it.  The Christian life isn't the absence of hardship. It's the presence of God in hardship. The pain we experience isn't evidence that God has abandoned us. Often, it's evidence that He's shaping us. Paul reminds us that suffering is never the destination for the believer. Glory is. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about suffering with Christ: 1. Family Doesn't Exempt You — Being God's child doesn't mean you'll avoid hardship. Sons still suffer, but they never suffer alone. 2. Fellowship Deepens Through It — Some lessons can only be learned in the valley. God often uses suffering to strip away self-reliance and deepen our dependence on Him. 3. Future Glory Changes Everything — The cross always comes before the crown. What feels painful today is preparing you for an eternity where suffering will be no more. Ultimately, Jesus shows us that suffering is never the end of the story. The cross looked like defeat, but it produced salvation. The grave looked final, but resurrection was coming. And because Jesus walked through suffering into glory, His children will too. Final Application: * What suffering are you currently interpreting as abandonment? * What if God is using it? * What if He's shaping you through it? * What if He's preparing you for something greater? Because God never wastes suffering in the life of His children. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

For Men | Virtue Four: Dedication | 1 Chronicles 29:3 | The Virtues of David

Every man is dedicated to something. A career. A relationship. A hobby. Success. Comfort. Money. Recognition. The question isn't whether you're dedicated. The question is: what has your dedication? Because whatever captures your heart will eventually direct your life. As we come to the end of David's story, we don't simply see a giant slayer, a warrior, or a king. We see a man whose heart still belonged to God. After all the victories, failures, restoration, blessings, and heartbreak, David's greatest legacy wasn't his accomplishments—it was his dedication. In 1 Chronicles 29, David joyfully gives his personal treasure toward building the house of God because his devotion flowed from delight, not obligation.  In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about dedication: 1. Dedication Reveals Your Treasure — Your time, attention, energy, and resources always flow toward what you value most. Your life follows your loves. 2. Dedication Requires Sacrifice — Every meaningful calling demands sacrifice. You will never drift into becoming the man God created you to be. 3. Dedication Builds A Legacy — David invested his life into something he would never personally see completed because dedicated men live for something bigger than themselves. Ultimately, David points us to Jesus, whose complete dedication to the Father's will led Him all the way to the cross. Jesus didn't simply give resources—He gave Himself so that we could be redeemed. Final Application: * What receives the best of your attention? Because that's usually what has your heart.  * What sacrifice is your next step of obedience requiring? * Are you building something that will outlive you? Because a life dedicated to God is never a life wasted. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

#85 | Heirs With Christ | Romans 8:17 | The Great 8

One of the most overlooked truths in the Christian life is that believers are not merely forgiven—they are heirs. Romans 8:17 takes us deeper into the beauty of adoption and reminds us that salvation is about far more than escaping judgment. Through Jesus Christ, we've been welcomed into the family of God and given an inheritance that can never be taken away. Paul says, "And if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ." That's family language. Belonging language. Security language. Future language.  Many Christians live as if they're guests in God's house, hoping they can stay. But Paul reminds us that we're not guests—we're family. We don't have to fight for a place at the table because Jesus already secured our seat. Our future is not hanging by a thread. It's anchored in the finished work of Christ. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about being heirs with Christ: 1. Heirs Have A New Name — Through adoption, God didn't simply improve your life. He gave you a new identity, a new family, and a new future. 2. Heirs Have A Secure Future — Your inheritance isn't based on your performance. It's based on Christ's faithfulness. Because God owns everything, His children have a future that is secure. 3. Heirs Share In Christ's Victory — What Jesus secured through His death and resurrection now belongs to those who belong to Him. His victory becomes your victory. His future becomes your future. We'll also discuss why adopted children live differently than spiritual orphans, how the gospel changes our perspective on security and belonging, and why believers can live with confidence because their inheritance is already guaranteed. Because you're not standing outside the Father's house hoping to get in. The door is already open. You're family. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

#84 | Identity Issues | Romans 8:16 | The Great 8

One of the greatest battles you'll ever fight isn't a battle of circumstances—it's a battle of identity. Everybody has an identity. The question is: where did you get yours? Some people build their identity on success. Others build it on relationships, achievements, popularity, appearance, or performance. But when your identity is built on something temporary, it becomes unstable. The moment that thing disappears, your sense of worth begins to disappear with it. That's why Romans 8:16 is such good news: "The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children." The Holy Spirit isn't just leading believers. He's continually reminding believers who they are. In a world full of labels and an enemy full of lies, the Spirit speaks a better word. He reminds us that our identity is not found in what we do, what happened to us, or what others say about us. Our identity is found in whose we are. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about identity: 1. The World Gives Labels — Culture, success, failure, relationships, and other people's opinions are constantly trying to define who you are. 2. The Enemy Gives Lies — Satan can't change your salvation, so he attacks your identity. His goal is to make sons live like orphans. 3. The Spirit Gives Identity — The Spirit continually affirms what the gospel has already declared: you belong to God, you are loved, and you are His child. We'll also discuss why insecurity is often rooted in misplaced identity, how to recognize the lies you've been believing, and why the loudest voice in your life will ultimately determine how you see yourself. Because identity is not achieved. Identity is received. Key Scripture: Romans 8:16 (CSB) Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]

#83 | Abba Father | Romans 8:15 | The Great 8

One of the most powerful words in all of Romans 8 is only one word long: Abba. Paul could have called God King, Judge, Creator, or Sovereign—and every one of those titles would be true. But when he reaches into the depths of what the gospel accomplishes, he chooses a different word. A family word. A relational word. A word filled with intimacy, security, and belonging: "Abba, Father." For many people, the idea of God as Father is difficult. Some grew up without a father. Others experienced fathers who were distant, harsh, absent, or impossible to please. And whether we realize it or not, we often project those experiences onto God. We assume He's disappointed, distant, frustrated, or waiting for us to prove ourselves. But Romans 8:15 tells a different story. Because of Jesus, you don't approach God as a slave. You approach Him as a son or daughter. The gospel didn't simply save you from hell—it brought you home. It didn't just change your destination—it changed your relationship. Through Christ, the God who created the universe invites you to call Him Father. In this episode, we unpack three powerful truths about Abba Father: 1. Abba Means Intimacy — Christianity isn't about knowing facts about God. It's about knowing God personally and relationally. 2. Abba Means Access — Sons don't earn access. They inherit access. Jesus has already opened the door to the Father. 3. Abba Means Security — You don't have to wonder if you belong. The Father's love is rooted in His character, not your performance. We'll also discuss how the gospel heals fear, insecurity, rejection, and loneliness by reminding us of who God is and whose we are. Because the gospel didn't just open heaven's gates. It opened the Father's arms. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2599435/fan_mail/new] Book Derek Griffon to Speak at your next event  https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite [https://www.derekgriffon.com/invite]