Sermon Notes
What is Paul’s perspective on suffering?
1. Suffering is nothing new. (Romans 8:22)
2. We experience suffering because we live in a fallen world. (Genesis 3)
3. Don’t waste your suffering, but learn from it. (Romans 5:3-4)
4. From your seasons of suffering help others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
a. Our specific pain helps us to help others specifically
5. Think eternity ( 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-28, the Apostle Paul gives his resume on suffering. If you were to create a resume of the suffering you have experienced, what would it look like?
2. In 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Paul describes his experience of being taken to heaven and seeing things so amazing that words can’t describe them. As you read this and think of heaven, what do you think about?
3. In Romans 8:18, what does Paul say about suffering? What do you think he is trying to teach us? How do you think this should help us with our suffering today?
4. What does Paul say about suffering in Romans 5:3-4? How has God used suffering in your life to shape you for the better?
5. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul says that as God has comforted us in our specific suffering, we are able to help others specifically in their suffering. As you look back on your life, who has God used to help you grow, learn, and heal in hard times? Who have you been able to help?
6. What does Revelation 21:1-5 reveal about your future? How should this influence your life today?
Taking it home:
Spend some time reflecting on your “suffering resume”. How has God used your suffering to grow you into the person you are today?
Prayer:
Pray for God to help you understand suffering and grow from it.