Temporal Pain, Eternal Gain
Romans 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18; James 1:2-4, 12
Digging Deeper
KEY QUOTES:
“Pain and suffering will either cause you to walk away from the faith or will produce endurance in the faith.”
“Pain and suffering are one of the greatest missional tools in our witness.”
“Fix your eyes on Jesus, that is the only way you endure!”
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Romans 5:3-4
2 Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18
James 1:2-4, 12
Suffering and pain are an integral part of living. It can take many forms. Our suffering and pain can be physical. It can be emotional. It can be spiritual. Our understanding and reaction to suffering and pain are critically important as we desire to live lives for God.
The Bible gives all kinds of wisdom concerning suffering and pain and teaches us how to relate when it comes our way.
Suffering and pain will come, but God will give us the grace and power to withstand it. (1 Peter 5:10)
Suffering and pain can teach us lessons we need to learn. (Psalm 119:71)
Suffering and pain conform us to the image of Christ, who suffered and died on the cross for our sins. (Romans 8:28-29)
Suffering and pain force us to rely on God and not ourselves. (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)
Suffering and pain reinforce trusting and seeking God. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Suffering and pain develop a mature faith that relies on God in good times and challenging times. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Suffering and pain allow the church community to witness, care for and minister to others who are in pain. (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Suffering and pain are temporal, but as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the promise of eternal life where there will be no more tears, pain or suffering. (Revelation 21:4)
In times of pain and suffering, God is with us and never forsakes us. Isaiah 43:2 states, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Let us live in this confidence, seeking God, who is our ever-present help in every trouble, in every pain and through all our suffering. (Psalm 46:1)
WHAT NOT TO MISS
The Main Point
Fire Forges Faith.
Suffering Strengthens Salvation.
Pain Produces Perseverance.
Three truths about pain with regards to endurance.
1) Pain is needed to produce endurance. (Romans 5:3; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 6-7; Hebrews 4:11)
Six divisions of pain and suffering where endurance is produced.
Disappointments and discouragements. (Life and people don't live up to your expectations)
Discipline from the Lord. (Sins of omission and commission)
Difficulties in life. (Relationally, vocationally, recreationally, financially)
Discomfort and dissatisfactions. (Struggles with identity or with function)
Despair. (Wanting to give up)
Death. (Relationship, marriage, loved one, job, health)
We experience death as a result of:
Life in a fallen world.
Something God allows Satan and his minions to do to you.
Sin(s) of omission and commission done by you or someone else.
The principle is: You and I need pain.
God will use pain and suffering to produce perseverance in our life.
Needed for strengthening of our faith.
Needed for increased spiritual capacity.
Needed for endurance.
2) The paradox of pain and the inward power that produces endurance. (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 3:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-7)
God is doing something we cannot see.
Let Jesus' life be displayed through us.
Pain and suffering are one of the greatest missional tools in our witness.
Eventually, full deliverance will become a reality and we will be with Jesus.
3) The promises that fuel us through pain as we endure to the end. (James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:8-9)
Our pain is light compared to the glory that is coming.
Our pain is momentary compared to eternity that is coming.
Our present pain is making the future of our salvation so much sweeter.
God is capturing our tears, and will one day wipe them from our eyes.
God will one day answer all our prayers of deliverance, once and for all.
Three takeaways:
1) Don't fight against pain; fight in the pain
2) Don't shake your fist at God in your pain, but raise your hands and praise Him in your pain.
3) Don't reject pain, let God redeem it.
Through fire, God is forging our faith,
Through suffering, God is strengthening our salvation,
Through pain, God is producing perseverance,
Therefore we do not lose heart. . . .we will not give up!!!!
LIFE APPLICATION
In his book, The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis stated, "We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
During this week, think about the painful circumstances you are currently suffering through. Write a prayer to God about your pain and suffering, which affirms your trust and faith in Him. Jot down a couple of Bible verses like John 16:33, Revelation 21:4, Romans 8:18, Psalm 34:19 and James 1:12. Soak up the encouragement that our almighty, powerful, and ever-present God is with you, is for you and wants the best for you in all things. Remember and give thanks that we have the perfect advocate, Jesus, who suffered all things, even death on the cross, because of His love for us.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is the most challenging thing you have had to work through?
Why is there pain and suffering in the world?
What does the Bible teach about pain and suffering?
How do pain and suffering mature our faith?
What roles do pain and suffering play in producing perseverance, character and hope?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Suffering - 1 Peter 5:10; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 4:12-13
Day 2: Perseverance - James 1:12; Romans 5:3; Philippians 3:13-14
Day 3: Character - 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 2:19-21; Galatians 6:9
Day 4: Hope - Revelation 21:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Matthew 5:10-12
Day 5: Love - Romans 8:35; Lamentations 3:22-24; Psalm 143:8
PRAYER
Lord, I understand that pain and suffering came into this world because of sin. I am comforted that even in my suffering and pain, You are with me every step of the way. You never leave or forsake me, and You want the best for me. Help me to rely on You, trust You and have faith in You in all things good and bad. I will never lose heart or give up. Work through my pain and suffering so that I hear Your voice, and let me be Your witness. May I demonstrate and show the world Your great love for me so that neighbors and nations will come to know King Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
