What We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - December 16, 2012
http://rlcfchurch.org/what-we-learn-about-god-amid-suffering-part-1 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that suffering, whether from sin on earth or as a result of a godly life, has a divine purpose: to give believers a greater revelation of God's sovereignty. While suffering is inevitable, the ultimate goal is not merely to endure it, but to emerge with a deepened, personal knowledge of God, as exemplified by Job. Believers must choose the path of faith in God's purpose rather than bitterness or complaint.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Godliness results in sufferingPaul teaches that those who live godly lives will experience persecution and suffering, though not every form of hardship in life stems directly from godliness.
Learning lessons through sufferingGod allows various types of suffering, whether from a cursed earth or persecution, so that believers may understand His sovereign purpose.
The ultimate purpose of suffering is a revelation of GodThe primary goal of going through trials is to emerge with a greater revelation of God Himself, much like Job did at the end of his suffering.
The fork in the road during trialsWhen facing darkness and suffering, believers reach a fork in the road: they can either become bitter toward God or cling to Him in faith.
Endurance without complainingJames uses the endurance of Job to teach believers not to complain, but to recognize the mercy and compassion of the Lord in the outcome of their trials.James 5:7–11
Paul's thorn in the fleshGod allowed a messenger of Satan to buffet Paul to keep him humble and to reveal the surpassing greatness of His grace.2 Corinthians 12:7
God answers Paul's prayer with a noAlthough Paul pleaded three times for the thorn to depart, God answered no so that His power could be best manifested in weakness.
The first thing to see in suffering is God's powerWhen walking through suffering, believers should seek to see God's power clearly, using the letters to the churches in Revelation as an anchor.
The self-descriptions of Christ in RevelationJesus describes Himself to the seven churches in powerful ways, reminding them that He holds them in His hand and walks among them.
He has the first say and the last sayGod began the story of creation and He will bring it to a triumphant finish, holding authority over every trial and enemy.
Being on the offense with the sword of the SpiritBelievers are called to stand on the offense against the enemy using God's word, tearing down strongholds rather than hiding in fear.
Eyes like a flame of fireChrist's eyes of fire see the innermost parts of our lives and judge sin severely, which is ultimately good for believers who hate their sin.
The open and shut doorsJesus holds the key of David, opening doors no man can shut and closing doors that should not be forced, executing His perfect will.
The Amen and the final wordCalling Jesus the Amen means giving Him the authority to have the final word in our prayers and circumstances, submitting entirely to His will.
God's heart of love behind the rebukeEven when rebuking lukewarm or blind churches like Laodicea, God speaks out of immense compassion to save them from eternal destruction.
