Key idea: We find joy in our sufferings when we embrace Christ’s loving purposes behind them.
Four truths to inform and shape our theology of suffering:
I. Suffering is not the whole story, but part of the greater story of redemption
II. Suffering is not meaningless, but has greater purposes
Applications:
A. We embrace suffering by believing God’s purposes are greater than our own (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
Suffering is not the greatest danger; sin and stagnancy are.
B. We embrace suffering by redirecting our focus to faith in Christ.
III. Suffering does not define your life; Scripture does
A. The Word counters lies and clarifies reality.
B. The Word conforms our hearts.
IV. Suffering is not the absence of love, but a demonstration of it
