Listen "Why Do Trials Come"
Episode Synopsis
We continue our series in 1 Peter with a look at why trials often surprise us. This week's discussion questions are: March 23 Discussion Questions
Peter tells believers not to be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12). Why do we often feel surprised when we face hardships?
2. How does the idea of suffering as a "refiner’s fire" change the way we view trials? Can you think of a time when a difficult experience refined you?
3. In John 16:33, Jesus promises both trouble and victory. How does holding these two truths together shape our faith?
4. What are some common misconceptions about why people suffer? How does Jesus’ response in John 9:2-3 challenge these misconceptions?
5. The sermon discusses different views on God's providence and sovereignty. Which view resonates most with you, and why?
6. How can we trust in God’s goodness when He doesn’t intervene in the way we hope?
7. The sermon suggests that “God does not always remove hardship, but His involvement always transforms it.” How have you seen this play out in your own life?
8. Why do we often miss the subtle ways God is working? What are some practices that could help us recognize His presence more clearly?
9. What does it mean to shift from asking, “Why isn’t God acting?” to “How is God moving in ways I do not yet see?”
10. How does this understanding of suffering impact the way we pray? Should we pray differently when we face trials?
11. How can we encourage others who are struggling to see God’s hand in their pain?
12. The sermon concludes with the hope that God will one day bring an end to all suffering. How does this hope shape how we endure difficulties now?
Peter tells believers not to be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12). Why do we often feel surprised when we face hardships?
2. How does the idea of suffering as a "refiner’s fire" change the way we view trials? Can you think of a time when a difficult experience refined you?
3. In John 16:33, Jesus promises both trouble and victory. How does holding these two truths together shape our faith?
4. What are some common misconceptions about why people suffer? How does Jesus’ response in John 9:2-3 challenge these misconceptions?
5. The sermon discusses different views on God's providence and sovereignty. Which view resonates most with you, and why?
6. How can we trust in God’s goodness when He doesn’t intervene in the way we hope?
7. The sermon suggests that “God does not always remove hardship, but His involvement always transforms it.” How have you seen this play out in your own life?
8. Why do we often miss the subtle ways God is working? What are some practices that could help us recognize His presence more clearly?
9. What does it mean to shift from asking, “Why isn’t God acting?” to “How is God moving in ways I do not yet see?”
10. How does this understanding of suffering impact the way we pray? Should we pray differently when we face trials?
11. How can we encourage others who are struggling to see God’s hand in their pain?
12. The sermon concludes with the hope that God will one day bring an end to all suffering. How does this hope shape how we endure difficulties now?
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