SOAR DISCUSSION GUIDE

In our world of pain and suffering we will often ask ‘Where is God?’ / ‘Why doesn’t He do something about it?’

Here are some thoughts and discussion questions based on the Sunday message that may help you make some sense of suffering.

1. We all suffer – pain alerts us that something is wrong!
   • The primary source of suffering is the result of us exercising our ‘free will’ – wanting to ‘be our own god!’ Genesis 3:16 – 19.
   • As a result all people suffer and even creation suffers. Romans 1:18 – 31, 8:18 – 21.

Share some of the suffering that you have seen or experienced? How does it affect you? How much is self inflicted? How much is the result of living in a ‘fallen world’?

2. God knows about suffering.
   • He is totally aware of our suffering and comes to be with us. Exodus 3:7,8.
   • God’s suffering becomes the key to our salvation. Isaiah 53:10,11.

Do we really believe God enters into our suffering – have you experienced that?

3. God works in our suffering.
   • John Ortberg used research that ‘confirmed Christians said they grew more spiritually during seasons of loss, pain and crisis than they did at any other time’.
   • God saves us from suffering – sometimes. We call it a ‘miracle’, because it is not ‘normal’. Jesus ministry of healing, raising the dead, stilling storms etc.
   • God Strengthens us in suffering – every time. He is the ‘I am with you’ God! God’s promise to Paul 2 Corinthians 12: 9,10. Psalm 23.
   • God shapes us thru our suffering – all the time. He refines faith and Christ-likeness. 1 Peter 1:6-9.  Romans 8:28,29

Share from your times of suffering how God has been at work in your life.

Do you agree with Ortberg’s research? In what areas did you grow spiritually?

4. Responding to suffering.
   • We need to deal with any disobedience. Ps. 119:67,71. 1 Cor. 11:28-31.
   • Seek the heart of God – spend time asking how he wants to use our suffering for our good.
   • Hold onto God every day – trust him for strength and hope.
   • Comfort one another. 2 Cor. 1:3-5.

What do you make of 2 Cor 4:16 – 18  and  Rev 21:3,4.?

Where do you spend more time – ‘fixed on the seen or the unseen’?

Who needs your comfort? How might it be expressed?

         Conclude by praying for and encouraging one another in the Lord.

This week – Dale Sheppard will be our special guest speaker Sunday 9:00am & 11:15am. Dale grew up at Clayton, he had a terrible accident in his late teens that has confined him to a wheelchair. You will be inspired by his journey of suffering and faith. Don’t miss it!