A. Suffering: Its Inevitability

1. All humanity suffers due to sin

Gen. 3:16-19, Rom. 8:20-23, Rev. 21:1-4, Job 5:6-7, Job 14:1-2, Eccl. 2:23

2. All Christians are called to a life of suffering

John 16:33, Luke 9:23, Acts 14:19-22, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:12-13

B. Suffering: The Sovereignty of God

1 Chron. 29:10-13, Dan. 4:34-35, Acts 2:22-24

1. God does not just allow suffering but sends suffering

Job 42:1-2, Eccl. 7:13, 1 Thess. 3:1-4, Phil. 1:29-30, Ps. 88:6-8, Ps. 88:16-18, 2 Cor. 1:8-9

2. God uses suffering as a primary teaching tool

Isa. 30:20-21, Ps. 119:67, Ps. 119:71, Ps. 119:75

3. God controls the length of the suffering

1 Peter 5:10