Introduction

Expectation Gap – What you expect and what you experience.

Do’s and Don’ts of Suffering

Don’t go looking for suffering. - Suffering is not in itself virtuous, nor is it a sign of holiness. It is also not a means of gaining points with God, nor of subduing the flesh (as in asceticism). When possible, suffering is to be avoided. Christ avoided suffering unless it meant acting in disobedience to the Father’s will.

Don’t be surprised by suffering - Realize it’s bound to happen.
- v.12 Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come to test you.

Don’t be scared by suffering - Rejoice when it does happen.

- Suffering purifies me. v.12

- Suffering draws me closer to Christ v.13

- Suffering means God’s Spirit is seen in my life. v.14

- Suffering reminds me of whose name I bear v.16

Do be selective in suffering - Remain faithful to God.

- v.15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

3 types of suffering

1. Common: Because I’m a human being.

2. Carnal: Because I sin.

3. Christian: Because I’m a follower of Jesus Christ.

- Suffering in this world makes us long for heaven. This world is all the heaven that some will ever know.

Do be sensitized by suffering - Refocus on the faithful creator.

- v.19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator

- Time does not heal all wounds, God Heals

- Life does not get easier, but we get stronger.

Continue to Do Good.

- V.19 and continue to do good.

John 9 (NIV)
9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Even when life does not meet my expectations, I will continue to do good.

Discussion Questions:
Sunday, October 25, 2020
GateWay Church

Have you experienced the expectation Gap in your life? Take a few seconds and think about when you became a follower of Christ. What was your expectation of Life? What was one of the first trials you faced as a Christian? How did you handle it? How does that differ between how you handle trials and suffering now?

Why are we scared of suffering? For the early church suffering was a way of life. For the most part in America we have not faced the type of suffering they endured. Do you think we will come under more persecution in America in the days to come? How should we embrace suffering and persecution for Christs sake in the 21st century?

Choosing Joy in the midst of suffering has got to be one of the most difficult things in life. How does choosing joy defeat discouragement in the midst of suffering? What brings us the most joy in life? Have you felt the Spirit of Glory resting on you? God does not leave us in our suffering rather he reveals himself.

When we go through suffering, we have the tendency to self-diagnosis. When we do this, we don’t allow God to work through our suffering like He wants. We need to embrace the process of our “faithful creator.” How has suffering changed you to be more like Christ? Where have you self-diagnosed and need to let God work in your heart?

“Continue to do good.” What does that mean in your life? What good does God have for you to do in your sphere of influence? How can you glorify God in your family, community, and workplace?