Reasons We Suffer pt2 9 (a)

Reasons We Suffer Pt. 2 September 18, 2011 Pastor Scott Shiroma Last week we learned why we suffer... There are many reasons God allows us to suffer, personal sin is one Moses suffered when he struck the rock when he was commanded to speak to it. He didn't suffer immediately but we know his suffering must have been great to lead the multitudes up to the edge of the Promised Land and not be able to enter. It like going all the way to Cosco and not be let in to shop. His sin was disobedience. On the other hand Job did no wrong but suffered probably more than Moses, could you imagine losing all of your children in a day not to count your flocks of sheep and herds of camels, then your health. But one of the best reasons we suffer it prepares us to be the radiant bride of Christ. Suffering Prepares Us to Be the Bride of Christ When we receive Jesus Christ we ask Him to change us to mold us we repent to make us into His image to make become more christ-like. Think about it now these things we ask of Him He will gladly do but ponder on it these things hurt, if He were to do it all at once we die from overdose of pain and suffering. Skit: This is what suffering feels like this is what being the bride of Christ is like... The bible tells us this in... Hebrews 4:12 (NASB) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 1. Learn to suffer well. James 1:2-4 (NASB) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Charles Stanley said that nothing attracts the unbeliever like a saint suffering successfully. Romans 5:3-4 (NASB) And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; [4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 1 Thes. 5:23 (NASB) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Suffering allows us to minister comfort to others who suffer. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 (NASB) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; [4] who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 (NASB) Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. [17] For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, [18] while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.