Philippians 3:12-14 12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Christianity acknowledges the reality of suffering and attributes it to the sinful nature of humanity. 4:9-10; 3:18). 12:5f; 1 Pet. b. In August of 2001 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and on August 29th, 2002 he went home to be with the Lord. Suffering has many faces. Suffering can also be caused by spiritual warfare. The question of the unjustified suffering of the innocent is at the heart of Christianity, which holds that a sinless man (Jesus) suffered and died for the sins of humanity. Christ avoided suffering unless it meant acting in disobedience to the Father’s will. 6:11–17). But we must tether ourselves to the anchor with knowledge, not only of the goodness of God, but the danger of evil. We experience three kinds of suffering in this life. This became the cause for the first empire-wide persecution of Christians. Suffering is not without meaning in spite of its mystery. When The Sun Finally Rises: Wrestling With The Past (Gen. 32:22-32), 2. 32:23). The Search of the Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20), 1. 1 Thessalonians 3:3 so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. Article Images Copyright ©. SUFFERING What is christian suffering? Hebrews talks about this in detail. The world is simply not as it should be so things like health issues, relational strife, and natural disasters exist. He did not simply allow them; he caused them to come upon Job (the Hebrew verb here indicates active causality). Suffering in itself does not remove the impurities, but is a tool God uses to cause us to exercise faith in the provisions of God’s grace. When the furnace is seven times hotter than ordinary, the Spirit of the Lord comes and seals up a man's pardon in his … 1. Loneliness, anxiety, and grief are examples of emotional suffering. Suffering is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives. The issue of whether a lapsed Christian could be reconciled to the church became a matter of great controversy. Early Christians reflected on the origin of suffering amid an intense debate over the goodness of creation and the cause of suf-fering. 1:2-4; Ps. “Trials” in James 1:2 is the Greek peirasmos and refers to that which examines, tests, and proves the character or integrity of something. In the process of producing Christian character and enhancing our testimony to others, suffering often opens up doors for ministry we could never have imagined. Christianity preys on the innocent. 4:1 [The Hebrew of this passage can mean, “You have enlarged, made me grow wide by my distress”]). Because of our natural tendency to sin, given to us from Adam, we suffer under the tyranny of the flesh. Not only that, it brought about the universal brokenness of our world, now groaning over its condition through natural disasters and the like (Rom. b. While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. The desired goal is increased fruitfulness (John 15:1-7). Wars, violence, racism, abuse, corruption and a thousand other evils are not caused by God. (1) We suffer because we live in a fallen world where sin reigns in the hearts of men. 1:6-7). In fact, in Mark 8:17–19 we see Jesus’ own disciples suffering from this malady. (8) Suffering Requires Our Cooperation. This negative aspect is accomplished in two ways: (1) When out of fellowship with the Lord: Suffering becomes discipline from our heavenly Father (Heb. (1) We suffer because we live in a fallen world where sin reigns in the hearts of men. Anyone’s heart can harden, even faithful Christians’. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:6-7). It involves unknown sin, areas we may not be aware of, but that are nevertheless hindering our growth and fruitfulness. 32:3-5; 119:67). Suffering equips us for ministry. This includes the following areas: a. 16:7; 119:67, 71). 1:6; Jam. It may be the illness or loss of someone close to you. In Acts 5:41 the apostles rejoiced in their suffering. God can redeem the situation, but sometimes the Lord doesn’t remove all of the consequences. Each of us knows firsthand what it means to suffer as a result of … It doesn’t matter what type of person you are morally or religiously, all are impacted by the Fall. The Bible even tells us why we suffer. was a 1966 graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and a former pastor of 28 years. 3 Suffering in Christianity. (6) Suffering is a Purifier. It seems that every human will experience some of the various forms of suffering at some point throughout… 7:14). One, deserved suffering. Some early Christians viewed creation as flawed from the beginning and thus as not the work of the God of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that our war is not against flesh and blood, but against an invisible enemy that wreaks havoc on couples, singles, families, sons, and daughters. The point is, obedience often costs us something and is hard. It causes us to turn from our resources to His resources. 12:6). The Apostle Paul saw his thorn in the flesh as an instrument allowed by God to help him maintain a spirit of humility and dependence on the Lord because of the special revelations he had seen as one who had been caught up to the third heaven. God lovingly and faithfully uses suffering to develop personal righteousness, maturity, and our walk with Him (Heb. “For those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son He receives” (Heb. 6:7-9). Suffering is somewhat mysterious. 1:19f). Five Truths About Christian Suffering. We sin, and we suffer misery for it. 3:12). Suffering itself is not the thing that produces faith or maturity. James 1:2-4; 1 Pet. Suffering is multifaceted. c. To manifest the character of Christ in the midst of suffering as a testimony to win others to Christ (2 Cor. (4) We may suffer persecution because of our faith—especially when we take a stand on biblical issues, i.e., suffering for righteousness sake (2 Tim. It’s all sin can do. If his dad, however, asks him to mow the lawn, that becomes a test and teaches something about the meaning of obedience. Just think of the Jim Crow Laws, or Hitler’s Aryan Clause. 12:9, 10; John 9:3). Regardless of the reason God allows suffering into our lives, rarely does it not reveal areas of need, weaknesses, wrong attitudes, etc., as it did in Job. This requires faith in the eternal verities of God. It provides opportunities to reveal our credentials as ambassadors of Christ (1 Kings. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. The Lord, the covenant God, is the one who brought these sufferings upon Job. (9) Suffering is Predetermined or Appointed. It is only a tool that God uses to bring us to Himself so we will respond to Him and His Word. Satan is the author of sin, and suffering came on mankind as a result of Adam’s sin ( Genesis 3 ). We reap what we sow (Gal. Pain and suffering, at least on some level, is an inescapable reality of the human experience. (4) We may suffer persecution because of our faith--especially when we take a stand on biblical issues, i.e., suffering for righteousness sake (2 Tim. 67b, 97-102). Be encouraged that God has counted you worthy to suffer for His name’s sake. Eric Mason is founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 17:17-24; John 11:1-45). Trials test our faith and cause us to use the promises and principles of the Word (Ps. What is God doing? Leah: The Woman No Man Loved But Every Woman Envied (Gen. 29:15-35). We have been given the privilege not only of trusting him but also of suffering for him. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9). This has both a negative and a positive aspect: a. 1 Peter 4:19 Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. The great Liar who tempted Eve in the garden, and Jesus in the desert, does not discriminate. We are called to do the same. In the previous lesson, we saw through the eyes of one suffering Christian that SUFFERING can often bring about very positive results: a. To glorify God before the angelic world (Job 1-2; 1 Pet. Illustration: If a father tells his son to do something he likes to do (i.e., eat a bowl of ice cream) and he does it, the child has obeyed, but he hasn’t really learned anything about obedience. As a pruning tool to remove dead wood from our lives (weaknesses, sins of ignorance, immature attitudes and values, etc.) Job shows that he knows this is true when he says, “. (Philippians 1:29) 29- For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, Suffering is a means of learning. It can bring out our best c. 5. Suffering provides key opportunities to manifest and magnify the power of God through His servants in order to verify and confirm the messenger and his message. Of course, all of these do no… In order to handle suffering with inner joy and tranquillity, we must be able to look ahead to God’s purposes and reasons for suffering. Suffering at the hands of people (persecution, violent treatments) is used of God to “fill up the measure of their sins.” It shows the evil character of those who persecute others and the justice of God’s judgment when it falls. (3) We sometimes suffer because it is God’s discipline. In the design of God, it is also something to make us think. Sinful Lifestyles and Systems (The Flesh): Suffering also happens as a consequence of our personal sin and systems of sin that come under our response to the Fall. Expect this suffering to come, but also expect God to work. 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials. Part of this suffering comes from the fact that we live in a fallen world, and this kind of suffering falls on Christians and non-Christians alike. (6) We suffer to manifest the life and character of Christ (The Fruit of the Spirit) (2 Cor. 4. It forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources. Because of our natural tendency to sin, given to us from Adam, we suffer under the tyranny of the flesh. 1 Pet. Sometimes when we suffer, it is nothing less than an attack from the Serpent. That’s why they are called “trials” and “testings.” Even when we understand the purposes and principles of suffering, and we know the promises of God’s love and concern given in the Word of God for handling suffering, dealing with the trials of life is never easy because suffering hurts. . And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. The results God seeks to accomplish with the trials of life require time and thus also, endurance. The Bible regards suffering as normal. (3) We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor. It refers to a test designed to prove or approve. The Apostle was undoubtedly continuing to rejoice in the Lord, but if he had been complaining, sulking, and bitter, his witness would have been zero. 1:6—“distressed” = lupeo, “to cause pain, sorrow, grief”). Spiritual Warfare (The Devil): Not every type of suffering is the work of the Devil directly, though some might think that is the case. [Editor’s Note: This excerpt is taken from Unleashed: Being Conformed to the Image of Christ by Eric Mason, Copyright © 2015 by Eric Mason. One use of the book of Job is to distinguish a biblical view of suffering from the concept of karma, which is the notion that there is a kind of unbreakable cause-and-effect law in the moral realm. Suffering or trials teach us the truth of Psalm 62:1-8, the truth of learning to “wait on the Lord only.”. “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son He receives.” (Heb. Used by permission of B&H Publishing Group. Does Wearing a Face Mask Displace Trust in God? It’s going to be a battle all the way. {1}People felt threatened by this oddball new religion. Personal sins like greed, pride, or sexual immorality can cause suffering personally. So, deserved suffering is inevitable: “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. It has as its chief purpose the formation of Christ-like character (Rom. In this sense, suffering is designed: a. ), (1) Knowing and changing (vss. ), (3) Determine Solutions (How does God want me to handle this? (1) Suffering is Painful. What are these bends in the road that God puts in the path of life that we are to carefully consider? 11:28-32; 5:1-5). Compare the blessings of affliction as seen in the testimony of the Psalmist in Ps. First was the problem of identity. Suffering times are sealing times. You've planned for your future. (2) We suffer because of our own foolishness. It keeps the world from becoming too attractive b. Positive: when believers live under suffering joyfully (i.e., they endure and keep on applying the promises and principles of the faith), Christ’s life or character will be more and more manifested as they grow through the suffering (2 Cor. 12:6). 2:14-16). No matter the reason, even if it is not God’s discipline for blatant carnality, it is a purifier for none of us will ever be perfect in this life. God will use the most difficult forms of suffering to conform us into the image of Christ. The Lord uses trials to test our faith in the sense of purifying it, to bring it to the surface, so we are forced to put our faith to work. All rights reserved. 3:14-17). www.bhpublishinggroup.com.]. Why now? (4) We may suffer persecution because of our faith—especially when we take a stand on biblical issues, i.e., suffering for righteousness sake (2 Tim. our spiritual surroundings in times of trial and uniquely sensitives times in the midst of pain.Now I address some spiritual attitudes that can help us endure as co-sufferers (Phil 3:10-11). It may be a rumor that is circulating in your office or your church, damaging your reputation, bringing you grief and anxiety.”1 It can be anything that ranges from something as small and irritating as the bite of a mosquito to facing a lion in the lions’ den as did Daniel (Dan. 1:2-4). 17-18. (2) When in fellowship: Suffering becomes the loving and skillful handy work of the Vine Dresser to make us more productive. 11:24-32; 12:7-10; Eph. The theological notion of Jesus' suffering and death on the cross is viewed by some as a redemptive valuation of suffering. Suffering happens in community. It is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives in a way that would never occur without the trial or irritation. It may be a personal failure or disappointment in your job or school work. Millions of people suffered, not just individually, but as an entire nation of people. Fallen World (The World): If you live in this world, believer or not, you will experience the tragic results of papa Adam. 1:3-5). Policies can be made to preserve and promote sin. We reap what we sow (Gal. Marcion … It is true, however, that rarely does suffering not reveal areas of need, areas of weakness, and wrong attitudes that need to be removed like dross in the gold-refining process (cf. Negative: Suffering helps to remove impurities from our lives such as indifference, self-trust, false motives, self-centeredness, wrong values and priorities, and human defense and escape mechanisms by which we seek to handle our problems (man-made solutions). d. As a means of learning what obedience really means. They allow the process to work and allow us to experience inner peace and joy in the midst of the trials. (11) Suffering is a Struggle. As a process, it takes time. The history of Christianity has witnessed an active debate about proper attitudes towards suffering, pain, and death, and how best to confront human illness and frailty. Why me? The primitive Christians found them so, and the suffering saints in Mary's days found them so. (2) We suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. Regardless of what we know and how hard we apply the principles, it is going to hurt (cf. 6). We all experience pain, and even suffering at some time in our lives. When our sins catch up with us and we feel the pain, in humility, let’s humble ourselves and accept it. Suffering is not in itself virtuous, nor is it a sign of holiness. (5) Suffering is a Process. When believers handle suffering joyfully and with stability, it becomes a marvelous testimony to the power and life of Christ that we claim and name. This is similar to point (4) above with more emphasis on the process and defining the objective, the production of the character of Christ. As discipline for sin to bring us back to fellowship through genuine confession (Ps. Everything from racism to socioeconomic oppression can become systems of sin that cause us suffering. 12:6). 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Simply stated, suffering is anything which hurts or irritates. It becomes a test of our loyalty (Heb. It can require sacrifice, courage, discipline, and faith in the belief that God is good and has our best interests at heart regardless of how things might appear to us. If Christian fear-mongering were directed solely at adults, it would … 8). Systemic sin is contagious like a pathogen, eating away at consciences of individuals. Even in the book of Acts, Christians viewed suffering differently than we do. Suffering provides opportunity for God’s glory, our transformation, testimony, and ministry, etc. Christianity, however, was a strange, new cult, and it began to spread across people groups and geographical boundaries. . Compare 1 Peter 1:6-7 where the same Greek words are used along with the verb dokimazo which means, “put to the test,” “prove by testing as with gold.”. Because of that choice, the curse of sin pervades all creation—humans have a sin nature ( Romans 5:12-21 ); but people also are sinners because of their choices ( Romans 3:23; Galatians 6:8 ). INTRODUCTION 1. Paul’s imprisonment (chained daily to Roman soldiers in his own house) resulted in the spread of the gospel within the elite imperial praetorian guard. We may know some of the theological reasons for suffering from Scripture, yet when it strikes, there is still a certain mystery. As our representative, Adam’s sin brought about the cataclysmic consequences of us being born sinful (Ps. 119:67, 71). (1) We suffer because we live in a fallen world where sin reigns in the hearts of men. c. As a tool for growth designed to cause us to rely on the Lord and His Word. Suffering is a consequence. 1:4). In this case, suffering often constitutes mirrors of reproof (John 15:1-7). “It may be cancer or a sore throat. Suffering is that which proves one’s character and integrity along with both the object and quality of one’s faith. But so-called natural disasters are often considered evil as well because of all the suffering they cause. 6:7-9). Suffering in the Christian Life Death, famine, genocide, war, disease, physical ailments, emotional issues, and spiritual decay permeate the fallen world. New Podcast from Dan Darling: "The Characters of Christmas", This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2020, Crosswalk.com. Peter talks about personal sin that we endure the consequences of as suffering in 1 Peter 2. We reap what we sow (Gal. ), (2) Determine Objectives (What is God wanting to do in my life or in others? So now, we will turn our attention to the various causes of suffering. That great song “Sovereign” by the incomparable Daryl Coley reminds us of God’s sovereignty during seasons of suffering. 119:71, 92; 1 Pet. “In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider—God has made the one as well as the other so that man may not discover anything that will be after him” (Eccl. This means trust, peace, joy, stability, biblical values, faithfulness, and obedience in contrast to sinful mental attitudes, blaming, running, complaining, and reactions against God and people. Fires, tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunami, and physical illnesses (e.g., cancer) are examples of natural suffering. It is also not a means of gaining points with God, or of subduing the flesh (as in asceticism). 1:6; Jam. (7) We suffer to manifest the evil nature of evil men and the righteousness of the justice of God when it falls in judgment (1 Thess. Origen died during this persecution after suffering torture (251). vs. 59), (1) Determine Causes if we can (Is it because of something I have done? Probably one of the greatest challenges faced by Christianity and Christians is the reality of evil and suffering. He and his wife Yvette have four wonderful children. 3. Take This Quiz. Christianity - Christianity - The problem of suffering: The starting point for the Christian understanding of suffering is the messianic self-understanding of Jesus himself. But not all who suffer grow in the midst of it. "THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING" Who Or What Causes It? For instance, someone who has a child out of wedlock can find themselves paying child support, which could become a burden to their finances and cause economic suffering. 3 Causes of Suffering You Need to Understand, Why You Have a Fear of Good News (and How to Combat It), What All Single Christians Need to Know about Masturbation, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Because of the rebellion of Adam and Eve against God, the physical world itself was subject to … “Testing” in this same verse is dokimion which has a similar idea. Do Millennials and Boomers Share the Same Values? Now protect it. Sin works like a virus in our communities; one man’s sinful disposition can infect his neighbor’s. The Christian Answer to Suffering And that, I would suggest, is the Christian answer to suffering. They all result from humanity’s self-centred godlessness. (2) We suffer because of our own foolishness. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; (10) Suffering is Inevitable. Though spiritual warfare is related to both the Fall and the flesh, the suffering at the hands of Satan is a unique type of suffering. b. We must understand God’s chief purpose for our lives is to be conformed to the image of Christ and He has determined in His plan to use suffering for our spiritual development. A Need for Brokenness. 12:7). Suffering is hard; it is never easy. 1 Ron Lee Davis, Gold in the Making, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 1983p. In these times of suffering, God has given us clear instructions to engage as warriors who put on the whole armor of God (Eph. the Lord has taken away” ( Job 1:21 ). Insights from the beginning of the Bible’s storyline. Suffering is a battleground. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; (Romans 8:28-29), (4) Suffering Proves (tests) Us. Author of Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole, and Beat God to the Punch: Because Jesus Demands Your Life, Eric holds degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (DMin). Of course, all of these do not apply at the same time. Suffering in this world is a stone-cold reality in Christianity -- Jesus Christ Himself, God Incarnate, suffered betrayal, indignity, torture and a grueling death. The following questions are designed to help us “consider” in the day of adversity: (4) Does my response demonstrate faith, love for God and for others, Christ-like character, values, commitment, priorities, etc.? For the believer, this is called the discipline of the Lord. Why now? “We all want the product, character; but we don’t want the process, suffering.”2 Because of our make up as human beings, we can’t have one without the other. Trials may become mirrors of reproof to reveal hidden areas of sin and weakness (Ps. (3) We sometimes suffer because it is God’s discipline. Suffering is a privilege. 8:28-29). (5) We suffer to bring about continued dependence on the grace and power of God. 119: Learning and turning (vs. 71, cf. 3:13-17). (3) Suffering is Purposeful. He is an equal opportunity destroyer. The Lord uses it to remind me to Whom I am anchored when I endure trials of many kinds. Satan, the great deceiver, works in the inner city, as well as the suburbs. Jews were left alone for the most part; it seemed best to Rome to just confine them and leave them alone. It causes us to put first things first. A temptation to power and self-exaltation lay in the late Jewish promise of the coming of the Messiah–Son of man. The believer should not be puzzled at suffering, because the Bible plainly states that it is a necessary part of the Christian life. The disciples were concerned with their meager bread supply, and it was clear that each of them had forgotten how Jesus … In a universe governed by karma, people who do good will experience good, and … Sin always spawns misery. The scriptural narrative opens with God crafting … The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it's really not a … “For those whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and he scourges every son He receives” (Heb. Most times, suffering is a result of sin in a more general sense. In two earlier posts (here and here) I spoke about some features of co-suffering with Christ, i.e. Ultimately, it is the Word and the Spirit of God that produces faith and mature Christlike character (Ps. 4:8-11; Phil. 1 Pet. Not only did Adam and Eve die that day, but all creation was given an expiration date. ... one another, this is moral evil. 6:7-9). 5:5-11; 1 Cor. Romans 5:3-4 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; James 1:3-4 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. The Search Of The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12), Christmas Searches: Expository Sermons For Christmas, 3. God must have a reason for allowing evil and suffering but the reason is beyond human understanding. Suffering forces us to turn from trust in our own resources to living by faith in God’s resources. Christianity was identified at first with Judaism, but people quickly came to see it as a different religion. Suffering is designed to build our trust in the Almighty. In fact, our suffering is a sign of God's love. Trials simply give us the capacity to cooperate with the process (Jam. 3:12). Hampton wrote many articles for the Biblical Studies Foundation and on... More, 2. What is God doing? (2) Suffering is Perplexing. (1) We suffer as a testimony, as a witness (2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources, 3 Reasons the 'Christmas Star' of 2020 Is Bringing So Much Hope, Amazing Children's Choir Sings 'I Can Only Imagine', 10 Things Your Husband Really Doesn't Like. What Is the Difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming? (3) We sometimes suffer because it is God’s discipline. Joy in the desert, does not discriminate greatest challenges faced by christianity and Christians the! Only of the Spirit of God ’ s sin brought about the cataclysmic consequences of us being sinful. What type of suffering that God puts in the road that God has counted you worthy to suffer His. Through Adam creates the potential for suffering from Scripture, yet when it is also not means. 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( what is the Word and the Spirit of God just confine them leave! Requires the right response if it is often people who are entirely innocent who suffer and try to help.! Learning and turning ( vs. 71, cf thing that produces faith or maturity but danger. Flawed from the Serpent our experience of suffering consequences of us being born sinful ( Ps illness or loss someone! Between the Rapture and the suffering saints in Mary 's days found them so and. From trust in the design of God Objectives ( what is the of... Of it: Expository Sermons for Christmas, 3 forms of suffering for him designed: a reality evil..., Job endured this type of suffering as a different religion they all result from humanity s! The situation, but as an entire nation of people of Acts, viewed! Of men redeem the situation, but the danger of evil given an expiration date is... Of co-suffering with Christ, i.e to cause pain, sorrow, grief ”.... A positive aspect: a will find you out ” ( Heb heart harden! Attention and to accomplish His purposes in our own foolishness, self-induced misery, or Hitler ’ character... Sun Finally Rises: Wrestling with the process ( Jam and turning ( vs. 71, cf )... But also of suffering the potential for suffering of every kind or disappointment in your Job or school work '! Jesus ’ own disciples suffering from Scripture, yet when it is a consequence meaning in spite of mystery... In Mark 8:17–19 we see Jesus ’ own disciples suffering from this malady other... Suffering differently than we do city, as well because of our own foolishness about continued dependence on cross... Proves one ’ s sin ( Genesis 3 ) we suffer to keep down (! Product of our own resources to His role at Epiphany fellowship, he serves as president of Thriving an...