Ep. 26 - Suffering & Trials
Episode Description
Why does a loving God allow suffering in the lives of His people? And what is God doing in our trials that we might not see at the moment? These are not merely philosophical questions -- they are the questions every believer will face at some point in their life. The question is not whether we will suffer. It is how we will respond when we do.
In this episode, Pastor Josh examines the origin, purpose, and proper response to suffering and trials. Suffering entered the world through sin (Genesis 3) and comes to the believer through three channels: the general effects of the fallen world, the persecution that comes from living godly in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12), and the consequences of our own poor choices. But whatever the cause, God’s purpose remains the same: to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29), to chasten us for our profit that we might be partakers of His holiness (Hebrews 12), and to wean us from earthly comforts and fix our eyes on the eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). No suffering is wasted. The comfort we receive becomes the ministry we give. And we who are in Christ are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
Key Scriptures
Genesis 3:17-18 -- Cursed Is the Ground
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.
John 16:33 -- In the World Ye Shall Have Tribulation
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
1 Peter 4:12 -- Think It Not Strange
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
2 Timothy 3:12 -- All That Will Live Godly Shall Suffer Persecution
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Romans 8:18 -- Not Worthy to Be Compared
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:28-29 -- All Things Work Together for Good
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 -- An Eternal Weight of Glory
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Hebrews 12:10-11 -- Chastened for Our Profit
For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 -- My Grace Is Sufficient
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Philippians 4:6-7 -- Be Careful for Nothing
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:6-7 -- Cast All Your Care upon Him
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 -- Comfort Wherewith We Ourselves Are Comforted
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Romans 8:37 -- More Than Conquerors
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Episode Outline
The Origin of Suffering -- Sin, judgment, and the curse upon the earth (Genesis 3:17-18)
Three Sources of Suffering -- The fallen world; living godly in Christ Jesus; our own sin and its consequences
In the World Ye Shall Have Tribulation -- John 16:33 and the certainty of suffering for every believer
What God Is Doing -- Conforming us to Christ’s image; weaning from earthly comforts (Romans 8:28-29)
Chastening for Our Profit -- Hebrews 12:10-11 and partaking of His holiness
Light Affliction and Eternal Weight of Glory -- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and the eternal perspective
My Grace Is Sufficient -- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; strength made perfect in weakness
The Believer’s Response -- Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), casting care (1 Peter 5:7), worship not grumbling
Suffering as Ministry -- Comforted to comfort; our trials become testimonies (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
No Suffering Is Wasted -- More than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37)
Questions Discussed
Why does a loving God allow suffering in the lives of His people?
What is God doing in your trial that you might not be able to see at the moment?
How can suffering become a means of growth rather than despair?
What are the three sources of suffering -- and do you know which kind you are in?
How does the eternal weight of glory change your posture toward present suffering?
Are you clinging to God through your suffering -- or severing relationship because of it?
How has the comfort you have received in a trial prepared you to comfort someone else?
