The Purpose of Sufferings and Trials Part II

A Sermon by Pastor Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Providence, RI.  

The Purpose of Sufferings and Trials Part 2, with examples from the lives of King David(Psalm 36:6-7), King Uzziah(II Chronicles 26:5,15-16), and The Apostle Paul(II Corinthians 12.) 

Using Scripture to properly frame our sufferings and trials we can see that they allow us to powerfully serve others and humble us to draw closer to God.  

We often do everything to get out of the trial that we fail to get anything out of the trial.  

 

II Corinthians 1:3-11 

Comfort in Suffering

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Delivered from Suffering

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.