II Thessalonians
The Purpose of Suffering
Four observations about suffering:
I. It Develops
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. —2 Corinthians 1:8-9 ESV
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. —1 Peter 4:19 ESVII. It Develops
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, —Romans 5:3-4 ESV
Suffering is theof character III. It Deepens
with the Church 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. —1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. —Romans 12:15 ESV
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for[e] him.” —Genesis 2:18 ESV
IV. It Deepens Fellowship with the
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ —Philippians 3:8 ESV
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. —Philippians 3:10-11 ESV
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you —Job 42:5 ESV