Bible Study

Title: Why Adversity?
Date: Oct 14, 2005
Topic(s): Pain/Suffering
Scripture: John 15:18, John 16:33, Romans 8:17-18

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What's the point of trials and adversity? People say that it "builds character" or "makes you stronger," but that's cold comfort when you're struggling with hard times. However, God says there is a purpose to the adversity we face.

What Does God Say?

Hardship, trials and adversity are all part of the life we have today. Becoming a Christian doesn't mean you're exempt. In fact, we're told repeatedly that we can expect it because we are children of God.

In John 15:18, Jesus said, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you" (ESV). A little later, He adds, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, ESV).

Suffering is part of our inheritance as heirs of Christ, as the apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:17-18, "And if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may be glorified with Him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (ESV).

That shows us two of God's purposes in suffering--to share in Christ's suffering, and to prepare us to share in His glory. These are keys to developing the "long view"--the eternal perspective--on adversity.

My Thoughts

Read the following verses to see what God may do in your life through adversity.

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• 2 Corinthians 8:2
• 2 Timothy 2:3-6
• Hebrews 12:7-11
• 1 Peter 1:6-7
• 1 Peter 4:12-16

What do the following verses promise regarding times when we're faced with trials and adversity?

• Romans 8:26-28
• Romans 8:35-39
• John 14:26-27

My Part

List several experiences that you'd consider adversity.

• What did you learn?
• How did you view God in those times?
• Has it changed you in some way for the better? Or has it made you bitter instead?

Now review the earlier list you made on the purpose of adversity. Did any of those things show up in your recent experiences?

How can you respond better the next times you're hit with adversity?

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