1)Listen to Podcast
2) GG Questions
04/19/2020
Nonsense! The Paradox of Suffering:
A Theology of Suffering (1 Pet. 5:10; Jas. 1:2-3)
1. A Theology of Suffering : What is ‘The Problem of Evil’? And why is it a problem? In light of this alleged
problem, what is a Theology of Suffering and why must we have one?
2. Suffering Is Unavoidable : God loves His children and wants what’s best for them. And yet, He doesn’t shield
us from suffering (John 15:20; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Does your definition of ‘the love of God’ include
protection from pain? What additional colors must we add to this black and white picture of life on this side of
heaven? Everyone has suffered to some degree or in some form. What has your suffering looked like? Have
you experienced God as ‘near’ to you in this trying time (Psa. 34:18)?
3. Suffering as a Source of Joy : Pain and suffering stem from the Fall and can never be called ‘good’ in and of
itself. Why, the, did the apostles rejoice in their suffering (Acts 5:41; Phil. 1:29)? What legitimate reasons
might we too rejoice when we face difficult trials (Heb. 12:7; John 15:19)? Even if we cannot rejoice in the trial
itself, what is the source of our comfort and strength to endure the trial (Isa. 43:2-3)? Have there been
moments in your life when the two sets of footprints on the sand became one when God had to carry you?
4. Suffering Redeemed by God : While God never directly causes pain or suffering, He can use both for good
purposes (Rom. 8:28). What are some of those purposes (2 Cor. 1:9; Heb. 5:8; Phil. 3:10)? Read James
1:2-4 and Rom. 5:3-5. Have hard times ever moved you down one of the links in that chain?
