The Ridge Church
How Can I Honor God in My Suffering?
Sunday Morning Bible Study Outline
Locations & Times
The Ridge Church
7350 Old Hwy 13, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 9:00 AM
The Point
Every part of life—including difficulties—is an opportunity to glorify God.
Every part of life—including difficulties—is an opportunity to glorify God.
The Bible Meets Life
In moments of pain, we naturally focus on the pain. Our first thoughts do not automatically go to ways to honor God while we hurt. Yet if we could step away from the pain and see what we’re going through objectively, we could see how our reaction to pain, our attitudes, and our words can still reflect a trust in God. In a world focused on self, the believer’s attitude in the difficult times points beyond self to the One we love and trust.
In moments of pain, we naturally focus on the pain. Our first thoughts do not automatically go to ways to honor God while we hurt. Yet if we could step away from the pain and see what we’re going through objectively, we could see how our reaction to pain, our attitudes, and our words can still reflect a trust in God. In a world focused on self, the believer’s attitude in the difficult times points beyond self to the One we love and trust.
The Setting
Paul began 2 Corinthians 4 by referring to the ministry God had given him and his response of not giving up (v. 1). We honor God when we “keep on keeping on.” Paul defended his actions regarding the gospel (v. 2), acknowledged opposition (vv. 3-4), and described his role as a servant proclaiming Christ (v. 5). Finally, Paul explained God’s light as revealed in Jesus Christ (v. 6). Verses 7-11 focus on letting Jesus be displayed in our lives, even when we suffer.
Paul began 2 Corinthians 4 by referring to the ministry God had given him and his response of not giving up (v. 1). We honor God when we “keep on keeping on.” Paul defended his actions regarding the gospel (v. 2), acknowledged opposition (vv. 3-4), and described his role as a servant proclaiming Christ (v. 5). Finally, Paul explained God’s light as revealed in Jesus Christ (v. 6). Verses 7-11 focus on letting Jesus be displayed in our lives, even when we suffer.
When have you seen someone honored in a memorable way?
What are some ways we are tempted to respond to difficult times?
In what ways are we like “clay jars”?
In what ways are we like “clay jars”?
When have you seen someone praise God in the middle of difficulty?
How has God already proven Himself faithful in your life?
How has God already proven Himself faithful in your life?
What helps you stay focused on eternal things when you experience suffering in the present?
How will you use your life to bring glory to God?
Seek God for strength. Ask God for help when you endure suffering. Ask Him to draw you closer to Him. Ask a few close friends to pray for you and remind you of God’s love for you.
Journal your thoughts. One way to discover how God is at work is to use a journal to write down your prayers and observations. In time, you can look back at your writing to see what He taught you and how you have grown in Christ.
Share God’s love. Tell someone else of your experience with God during a time of difficulty or suffering. It’s your story to share. Look at it as a gift to someone who is suffering now. Pray and ask God to make you aware of any opportunities to use your story to encourage or help others.
Seek God for strength. Ask God for help when you endure suffering. Ask Him to draw you closer to Him. Ask a few close friends to pray for you and remind you of God’s love for you.
Journal your thoughts. One way to discover how God is at work is to use a journal to write down your prayers and observations. In time, you can look back at your writing to see what He taught you and how you have grown in Christ.
Share God’s love. Tell someone else of your experience with God during a time of difficulty or suffering. It’s your story to share. Look at it as a gift to someone who is suffering now. Pray and ask God to make you aware of any opportunities to use your story to encourage or help others.
Suffering can make us spiritually stronger, but we do not need to honor the pain in our lives. We should consider how we can use suffering as a way to honor the One who walks beside us.