Suffering Seminar

Job 9:33–34 NIV

If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.

Pray

Why did suffering entre the world?

Read Gen 3

Talk

3 people involved

Humnaity - Rebelled against God - instant change - afraid, naked. Humananity is the

Satan - Tempter, deceiver, authro of evil.

God - Just punishment, and soverignly casues a difficult life

Seal 1 - White Horse of Conquest

Seal 2 - Red Horse of War

Seal 3 - Black Horse of Poverty

Seal 4 - Pale Horse of Disease and Disaster

Is Suffering all bad?

Work in pairs to see what the bible says about suffering:

Shows us we need a saviour (mediator )

Reminds us we own everthing to God

Job 9:33–34 NIV

If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more.

Reminds us that suffering is required to bring people to repentance (, )

Ezekiel 33:11 NIV

Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’

2 Peter 3:9 NIV

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Reminds us we have a better world to come ()

Revelation 21:1–5 NIV

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Reminds us that we belong to Jesus who suffered ()

Philippians 1:29 NIV

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

It makes us stronger in faith ( 5-8)

Luke 24:26 NIV

Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”

Hebrews 12:5–8 NIV

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

luke 24

Reminds us we own everthing to God

What should we do about Suffering?

Tell poeple it shows us we need Jesus ( 7-9)

Ezekiel 33:7–9 NIV

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

Remind oursleves or others that there is Hope ( 18)

Romans 8:18 NIV

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Grow in our suffering ()

Romans 5:3–6 NIV

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Know we are loved in our suffering ()

Hebrews 12:7 NIV

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

Pray about our Suffering (phil 4 6-7)

Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PRAY