Blessed: The Biblical Theology of Suffering – Oct 9th 2022

Message Text: Rom 5:3-5, 1 Peter 4:12-14, John 15:18-20, Phil 1:6, James 1:12, 2 Cor 4:17, Gen 3:17-19, Deut 28:15-68, Isaiah 53, Matthew 5, Rev 1-2

#Blessed: The Biblical Theology of Suffering – Oct 9th 2022

Bro Ryan Manieri – Shiloh Baptist Church AM Service

#Blessed

“I do not think that means what you think it means”

 

1. American Theology of Suffering is weak
   1. Pew Survey of over 6.400 people cites that 71% believe that suffering is the consequence of one’s own actions.
   2. “The American church is astonishingly unconscious on this topic” – Helmut Thielicke
2. Suffering as a consequence of sin
   1. Genesis 3:17-19 – an example of curse due to the Fall
   2. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 –  an example of curse due to disobedience
3. Suffering as a means of blessing
   1. Salvation – Isaiah 53:4-5
   2. Sanctification – General NT Theme
   3. The Beatitudes – Matthew 5
      1. 5 of the 9 blessings are to those who are suffering
   4. The churches of Revelation
      1. 5 of the 7 are suffering and the other 2 are dead/lukewarm
4. Application
   1. For self:
      1. Is your suffering as a result of your own sin?
         1. If so, confess
      2. Is your suffering a result of someone else’s sin?
         1. If so, forgive
      3. What is God saying to you through this?
      4. What does God want me to do?
   2. When witnessing others’ suffering:
      1. Don’t judge.  You do not know the reason for their suffering
      2. Ask yourself if there is a way to bear this burden with them