Description

In this life-changing message, Pastor Zach Maddox talks about why suffering is an important part of following Jesus. Our prayer is that this message encourages you to trust God to bring your true self to the surface through suffering.

Notes:

Theme: Why is suffering an important part of following Jesus?

Life Change Goal: Our prayer is that this message encourages you to trust God to bring your true self to the surface through suffering.

Text: Luke 23:44-49 (ESV)

1. Why does suffering exist?
   1. John 16:33 (NLT)
   2. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
   3. Genesis 1:31 (ESV)
   4. Romans 3:23 (ESV)
2. How does God use suffering?
   1. Romans 8:28 (ESV)
   2. Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
   3. Luke 9:23 (ESV)
3. What is a pathway through suffering?
   1. Pay attention.
   2. Lament: turn to God, bring your complaint, ask boldly, and trust.
   3. Actively wait.
   4. Resurrection will always take care of itself, whenever death is trusted.
4. The good news about suffering.
   1. 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 (ESV)
   2. Romans 8:18 (ESV)
   3. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

Conclusion: God can use our suffering to draw us to Himself, to remove the hold this world has on our lives, to mold and sharpen our character, and influence others for Him.

Text: John 16:33 (ESV); Luke 24:1-6 (ESV)

In response to this message I will…

I will share part of this message with...

Life Group Discussion Questions:

Start Talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• What do you like about winter?

Start Thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Can anyone remember the four steps on the pathway through suffering? If so, what are they?

Start Sharing. Choose a couple of questions to create openness.

• How have hardships in your past shaped who you are today?
• What have you learned about God through suffering?
• Who have you influenced during times of hardship?
• How has God freed you from this world during difficulties?