A very old question: Why do we experience suffering?

What is its purpose?	Why me?
Where is there consistency?	What is its goal?
Why NOT someone else?	It's not fair!

Suffering causes us to face ultimate realities:

  My life is _________________

    And it's not really about ______________

How does the world answer questions on suffering?

How does a follower of Jesus answer questions on suffering?

1. The cause of suffering is __________...not ___________

   For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
   Romans 6:23

2. Emphasis on community...not _____________

   All the believers were together and had everything in common.
   Acts 2:44

3. Served to advance the Gospel of Jesus...not __________

   For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
   Philippians 1:21

4. A very dangerous weapon against the _______________

   The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
   Romans 16:20

It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.