1. To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher
To download a copy of today’s lesson go to TheGoodTeacher.com and click on “Gospel Meetings”

2. Presented by Chris Reeves. Benton church of Christ Gospel Meeting. Oct

3. The Value of Suffering

4. Suffering The problem of suffering is common to all Physical like Job
Emotional like Elijah
Religious like Paul

5. Suffering We will not address the atheist’s argument
We will not address the various causes of suffering
We want to examine the value of suffering. Are we better off? Is there value? Job’s wife didn’t think so (Job 2:9)!

6. Value of Suffering
1. Highlights the fact that we are frail human beings (2 Cor. 12:7)
Pain can be humbling; pain can cause us to sober up
We are not God

7. Value of Suffering
2. Can draw our interest and attention toward the truth God (Psa. 18:6; :1; 78:34; 119:67, 71; Hos. 5:15; Cor. 1:9; Heb. 5:8; 1 Pet. 4:19)
Gets our attention
In need of a higher help

8. Value of Suffering
3. Enhances our ability to pray (Psa. 86:7; Lk. 22:44; 2 Cor. 12:8-10; Jas. 5:13)
Instinctive human response
Pray in earnest like you have never before

9. Value of Suffering
4. Reminds us of the terrible gruesomeness of sin (Gen. 3:16-19; Prov. 22:3; 27:12)
Some suffering is tied to sin
Sin needs forgiveness

10. Value of Suffering
5. Aids us in seeing the real worth of things (Lk. 15:16-17)
Life takes on new meaning
A sharper vision of life’s priorities

11. Value of Suffering
6. Brings out the best character in us: compassion (1 Cor. 12:26; Cor. 1:3-4; Heb. 2:18); boldness (1 Thess. 2:2); endurance (Rom. 5:3- 4; Heb. 12:11; Jas. 1:2-3; 5:10-11; Pet. 1:6-7); humility (1 Pet. 2:19-23)
Separates the superficial from the committed

12. Value of Suffering
7. Sharpens our awareness that earth is not our permanent home (Lk. 24:26; Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Cor. 4:16 – 5:1; Heb. 2:9; 10:32-34; Pet. 1:11; 5:1; Rev. 2:10; 21:4)
Home sick?
Cross before the crown … suffering to glory

13. Value of Suffering
8. Puts us on the side of Christ (Acts 5:41; 9:16; Phil. 1:29; 2 Thess. 1:5; Heb. 13:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:14; 4:13-16; 5:9)

14. Value of Suffering
9. Allows God to work in my life (Gen. 50:20; Psa. 34:19; Acts 8:4; Phil. 1:12; 2 Tim. 3:11-12; Heb. 2:10; 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:18)