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Applying “Don’t Waste Your Suffering”
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The artwork for this message was created by Lauren Barnes. Thanks, Lauren!
Yesterday, continuing our series on not “wasting” parts of our lives, but rather seizing them for God’s purposes and His glory, Jon Smith taught on the topic of suffering. “As Christians,” Jon said, “we will not waste our suffering if we know and treasure God’s purposes in our suffering.”
You can listen online or download Jon’s message here.
Also, as you seek to apply the message, pastor Brian Chesemore has prepared some questions to help you apply the message by considering them on your own or in a small group setting:
1. Jon showed us from God’s word that there is no meaningless pain for the Christian. God intends to use it to strengthen our endurance and hope in him. Are you currently experiencing any suffering in your life?
2. In the second point we learned that God intends to use our suffering to deepen our relationship with him. What has God taught you in times of suffering? What promises of Scripture has he used to deepen your relationship with him?
3. Often suffering exposes the sin of our self-centeredness or “suffering-centeredness.” In your suffering, have you been tempted to blame God as not being good to you, or tempted to be angry at what he’s taken away?
4. How does the Gospel radically change our perspective of God in our suffering?
5. What an amazing truth that God wants to use our suffering to advance the gospel mission! As he comforts us, he is teaching us how to comfort those around us. Who do you know that is suffering? How can you apply the ministry of comfort in trial?
Jon’s message is powerful in explaining God’s use of suffering for ministry to others, drawing us closer to himself and to the ultimate glory of God. God is good!
Thank you Jon for this most important message. Your suffering Christ-like example ministered to us all.
By charles onley on 08/25/2008Commenting for this entry is closed. We close commenting on all blog entries after 30 days to avoid spammers who try to exploit older blog posts.