The Bible and Chronic Illness (part 2)

series:

1 Corinthians 15:42–44 NIV

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:

1 Corinthians 15:43–44 NIV

it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

DONT CHECK OUT: AFFECTS US ALL: OURSELVES, PARENTS, CHURCH IS AFFECTED; NEIGHBORS, PEOPLE WE WITNESS TO;

E.G. MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS - I DON’T HAVE THAT’

HOW DO WE ENDURE, FIND COMFORT V. THRIVE, FRUITFUL, LEAD, STRENGTHEN OTHERS

E.G. PAUL

chronic illness; how can we talk about God and chronic illness in the same sentence? how is God involved?

chronic illness; how can we talk about God and chronic illness in the same sentence? how is God involved?

universal pain: how many people enjoy perfect health? long term or chronic illness?

answered prayer only if yes\

2 extremes: not praying, praying and becoming angry at ‘no’

God responded to Paul’s prayers for healing not by curing him, but rather by working through Paul’s suffering to draw him nearer to his glory. In the most exquisite example, through his suffering and death, Christ redeems us from our sins and pours grace out upon us (; ).

sermon

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 NIV

or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

GOD’S EXPECTATIONS GO UP WHEN CHRONICALLY ILL

saddest part of chronic illness is it can discourage (not exclude) from having a passion for the church;

not just endure, but thrive; is it possible

1. what was wrong with Paul? suffering that made him Unattractive, rejected from ministry?

Galatians 4:13–15 NIV

As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Galatians

visibly disturbing - attractive, charismatic preachers are successful; we are attracted to physical beauty (as defined by culture)

e.g. cute kid to scarred face - rejection

e.g. epilepsy embarrassing;

our illness can lead to rejection; hard to see our value in ministry

Paul was tough to look at, that would be enough for us to stay away from ministry

(why? laziness? lack of commitment? health; social) - don’t go to college, you have a chronic condition, you’ll never make it

chronic illness impairs from ministry - not just physical reasons, but the rejection (intentional or not) that comes with it

are we rejected by an impairment? impair our ministry? others see us as value

message from church that we are not good enough;

eyes? sight?

do without sight? impair ministry?

sick in prison

Paul’s problem: physical impairment; repulsive to look at; disease can make people feel awkward

what does Paul do?

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

grateful

scarcity or wealth? during suffering - finding things; we can see scarcity; illness

generous

finding other ways when health changes your situation - can’t give like you used to

e.g. giving as worship - could only preach on financial stewardship (online giving) stay connected

encourages

finding people

who is hurting; who is discouraged?

accountability / correction

finding challenges; not seeing fruit; seeing unseen potential