Timeless Truths. God is Great, God is Good? Got Questions Series-Part 3

Jesus: 

"In this world, you will have trouble." John 16:33b

THREE STEPPING STONES
1. Challenge the Source
"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. 

Genesis 1:31

"...sin entered the world through one may, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned..." Romans 5:12

2. Engaging the Force
"Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and coheirs with Christ if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in His glory." Romans 8:17

Nothing in life is better than being a child of God.

"Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world." C. S. Lewis.

• God does not cause pain, he does use pain. 
• We are drawn to God or pushed away from Him through our pain.

3. Stay the Course
"...but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3

Life can refine us if we submit to the refining process.

"SCENIC" TURNOUTS ON THE WAY 

TO THE TOP

An Immature View. Sinning = suffering.

This is not true, but sin can LEAD to suffering.

1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “This man didn’t sin, nor did his parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in him." John 9:1-3

Not Biblical. Godliness spells relief.

If we "do right," God will remove suffering.

39 These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn’t receive the promise, 40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40

Not True. Good always wins.

In all things, God works.

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Hard Truth. Some are called to suffer.

We don't know why!

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:10

Highest Level of Perspective. Holy indifference.

This should be our goal.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

Romans 8:18

We don't really suffer much 

in comparison to Christ's suffering.