Scripture Text:
Memory Verse: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”—2 Timothy 3:12-13
Introduction:
Faithfulness to God does not guarantee believers freedom from trouble, pain and suffering in their lives. In fact, Jesus taught that we are to expect it. The Bible provides numerous examples of godly people who experienced significant amounts of suffering for a variety of reasons.
God’s Relationship to the Suffering of Believers
God is involved in our sufferings. Even though Satan is the god of this age, he is able to afflict our lives only by God’s permissive will. God has promised that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. God has also promised to bring good out of all the sufferings and persecution of those who love Him and obey His commands. Hebrews shows how God uses the painful parts of our lives for our growth and benefit. God has promised to stand by us in our pain, to walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. His Spirit will comfort us in all our troubles. We must not forget that Jesus shares our pain. When we pray, we have a sympathetic high priest who Himself experienced the various dimensions of our trials and sufferings. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. There is healing for our own sufferings through the sufferings that He bore on our behalf.
Victory over Personal Suffering
What steps can we take to cope with trials and affliction so as to be victorious over them? To receive the victory, it is important to understand the reasons human beings suffer. The daily devotional deals with the seven reasons for suffering. Believe that God cares deeply for you and turn to God in earnest prayer and seek His face. Wait patiently until He delivers you from your affliction. Finally, expect God to give you the grace necessary to bear your affliction until deliverance comes.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Review this week’s daily devotionals and discuss each of the reasons why believers suffer. (Refer to the verses listed in each day’s devotional.)
- What is God’s relationship to the suffering of Believers? (Job 1-2; Genesis 50:20; Hebrews 12:5)
Applying the Word
What personal lessons have you learned about suffering that will help you in your spiritual walk?
How can you get the victory over personal suffering?
- God Cares (Romans 8:36)
- Earnest Prayer (Psalm 27:8-14; 40:1-3)
- Word of God (Psalm 11; 16; 23; 27)
- Divine Healing (Psalm 103:1-5; Luke 4:18; James 5:14-15)
- Anticipation of His Coming (Revelation 21:4)