Introduction

• II Corinthians 4:16-18
• II Corinthians 11:23-28 – This is the man who talked about momentary light afflictions!

Remember that Jesus Himself shared in human suffering.

• Philippians 2:5-11
• Jesus is not asking us to do something He hasn’t already done.
• Hebrews 2:14
• Hebrews 5:8
• John 11:33-36 – Jesus wept at Lazarus’ death.
• I Peter 2:21

Don’t take this as a sign that God was punishing people.

• Luke 13:1-5 – Tragedies are not necessarily punishment for sin.
• John 9:1-2
• Sometimes bad things just happen.

God does take away our suffering … just not necessarily in this lifetime.

• Hebrews 11:13-16
• I Peter 2:11
• This is a temporary stop on the way to eternity.
• Job 3:17
• Romans 8:17-25

This is an opportunity to help.

• Luke 10:25-37
• Ephesians 4:23-24, 28 – Now, I’m generous and look to help others.
• James 1:27

When a Christian is in need, the church can jump in.

• Acts 2:44-45
• Acts 4:32-35
• Acts 6:1-3
• Acts 11:27-30
• Romans 15:25-26
• I Corinthians 16:1-3
• II Corinthians 8:3-4, 14
• II Corinthians 9:1
• I Timothy 5:16, 5