DISCERNING SUFFERING’S SOURCE: DISCIPLINE, DISORDER, OR DIABOLICAL?

•    living in a world of hurt
•    Discipline: sin can lead to painful consequences
•    Disorder: creation frustrated, decaying ever since Adam’s / Eve’s rebellion
•    Diabolical: righteous persecuted, Job was needlessly attacked
•    can suffering make sense? Meaningless randomness? Capricious gods of mythology?
•    Jesus acknowledges life is tough: each day has its own trouble

MEANING – THEN

•    Paul ‘rejoices’ in sufferings / imprisonment
•    Christ suffered, now apostle taking his turn at bat
•    Jesus really suffered in fleshly body, not just pretend (Docetists)
•    Christ unique, identifies with us: other gods don’t suffer for humans
•    purpose: to present us holy in God’s sight, for eternity
•    heavenly reward; character; eternal glory; perseverance; maturity; eventual honour

MEANING – NOW

•    unpacking the mystery: Christ dwells in hearts through faith, lives in believers
•    struggle, but with help of Christ’s energy working in us
•    treasure in clay jars: reveals Jesus’ life in our mortal body
•    allow God to unpack His mystery inside you!