Finding Hope and Healing in Suffering
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to New Hope Christian Church. Today, we explore the profound question, "God, why don't you just heal me?" This question often arises in times of suffering and pain, and it challenges our understanding of God's role in our lives. We began by recounting a personal story of a man burdened by his wife's chronic illness, questioning why God doesn't simply fix everything with a divine "easy button." This led us to the core idea that theology has consequences, and bad theology has victims. What we believe influences our actions, and our actions shape who we become.
We delved into the Gospel of John, examining the story of a royal official whose son was healed by Jesus. This miracle, or "sign," was not just an act of compassion but a confirmation of Jesus' divine authority and identity. The miracles of Jesus serve as signs pointing to a greater message—the message of eternal life and reconciliation with God. We also explored the story of Lazarus, whose resurrection brought people together in their brokenness, opening the door for Jesus to demonstrate His power and love.
The sermon emphasized that while temporary miracles are significant, they are not the ultimate goal. The ultimate miracle is knowing Jesus and experiencing a love relationship with the Creator. We often come to God with a list of immediate needs, but the true journey is about knowing Jesus and understanding that He is enough. Pain and suffering are not to be avoided at all costs; instead, they can be pathways to experiencing God's presence and power.
We concluded by discussing the power of healing as described in James 5:13-16. The prayer of faith can make the sick person well, but this wellness is deeply connected to salvation and eternal life. God always answers prayers for healing, though not always in the timing we expect. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our hope, transforming what might seem like a cop-out into our greatest assurance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Theology Shapes Actions: What we believe about God influences our actions and ultimately shapes who we become. Bad theology can lead to harmful actions and consequences, while good theology can guide us toward a life that reflects God's love and truth. [35:44]
2. Miracles as Signs: The miracles of Jesus are not just acts of compassion but signs that authenticate His divine authority and identity. These signs point us to the greater message of eternal life and reconciliation with God. [38:43]
3. The Power of Brokenness: Pain and suffering can bring people together and open the door for God's presence and healing. In our brokenness, we are more receptive to experiencing God's power and love. [47:43]
4. Temporary vs. Eternal Healing: While temporary miracles are significant, the ultimate miracle is knowing Jesus and experiencing a love relationship with the Creator. Our focus should be on the eternal healing that comes through salvation. [43:17]
5. God's Presence in Pain: The Gospel does not promise a pain-free life but assures us of God's presence and purpose in the midst of pain. Jesus' own suffering and resurrection provide the ultimate hope and assurance that God is with us in our struggles. [59:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:11] - The Question of Healing
[35:44] - Theology Has Consequences
[37:14] - The Royal Official's Son
[38:43] - Signs and Wonders
[40:08] - The Meaning of "Simeon"
[41:46] - Authenticating Jesus' Identity
[43:17] - The Greater Miracle
[44:39] - Temporary vs. Eternal Healing
[46:10] - The Resurrection of Lazarus
[47:43] - The Power of Brokenness
[49:16] - The Temporary Nature of Miracles
[50:52] - Pain and the Gospel
[52:42] - The Story of La Arche
[54:41] - Embracing Brokenness
[56:31] - The Power of Healing in James 5
[57:51] - The Promise of Being Made Well
[59:35] - God's Answer to Pain
[01:01:02] - The Reality of Jesus' Resurrection
[01:04:27] - The Power of Empathy
[01:06:17] - Jesus in the Pit with Us
[01:07:51] - Purpose in Pain
[01:09:13] - Invitation to Healing and Community
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 4:46-54
2. John 11:41-44
3. James 5:13-16
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 4:46-54, what was the royal official's initial request to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond?
2. How did the royal official demonstrate his faith in Jesus' words? What was the result of his faith? [38:43]
3. In John 11:41-44, what did Jesus do before calling Lazarus out of the tomb, and what was the significance of His actions?
4. According to James 5:13-16, what are the instructions given to believers who are in trouble, happy, or sick?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the need for signs and wonders for belief in John 4:48? How does this relate to the concept of faith? [37:14]
2. How does the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11:41-44 illustrate the power of brokenness and the opportunity for God's presence to be revealed? [47:43]
3. In James 5:13-16, how is the prayer of faith connected to both physical healing and spiritual salvation? What does this suggest about the nature of wellness in the Christian faith?
4. The sermon mentioned that theology has consequences and that bad theology has victims. How can our beliefs about God influence our actions and shape who we become? [35:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you questioned why God didn't heal you or someone you love. How did this experience shape your faith and understanding of God's presence in pain? [34:11]
2. The sermon emphasized that the ultimate miracle is knowing Jesus and experiencing a love relationship with the Creator. How can you shift your focus from seeking temporary miracles to deepening your relationship with Jesus? [43:17]
3. Pain and suffering can bring people together and open the door for God's presence and healing. How can you support someone in your life who is currently experiencing brokenness? [47:43]
4. James 5:13-16 talks about the power of prayer and community in healing. How can you actively participate in your church community to support others in their times of trouble and sickness?
5. The sermon mentioned that God always answers prayers for healing, though not always in the timing we expect. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when facing difficult situations? [59:35]
6. The story of La Arche highlighted the power of embracing brokenness and community. How can you create a supportive environment in your small group or church that acknowledges and embraces brokenness? [52:42]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is with us in our struggles, as illustrated by His empathy and presence in the pit. How can you practice empathy and be present for others in their times of need? [01:06:17]
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
#### Day 1: The Impact of Theology on Our Lives
Description:
What we believe about God profoundly influences our actions and shapes who we become. Good theology, rooted in the truth of God's Word, guides us toward a life that reflects His love and truth. Conversely, bad theology can lead to harmful actions and consequences, creating victims of misguided beliefs. Understanding the importance of sound theology helps us align our lives with God's will and purpose, leading to a more authentic and compassionate Christian walk. [35:44]
Bible Passage:
"Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:16, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a belief you hold about God that influences your daily actions. Is this belief rooted in Scripture? How can you ensure your theology aligns with God's truth?
#### Day 2: Miracles as Signs of Divine Authority
Description:
The miracles performed by Jesus were not merely acts of compassion but served as signs that authenticated His divine authority and identity. These signs pointed to a greater message—the message of eternal life and reconciliation with God. By understanding the purpose behind Jesus' miracles, we can see them as more than just temporary fixes but as profound revelations of who Jesus is and what He offers us. [38:43]
Bible Passage:
"Jesus said to him, 'Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.' The official said to him, 'Sir, come down before my child dies.' Jesus said to him, 'Go; your son will live.' The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way." (John 4:48-50, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a miracle or answered prayer in your life. How did it point you to a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and His message of eternal life?
#### Day 3: The Power of Brokenness
Description:
Pain and suffering have the unique ability to bring people together and open the door for God's presence and healing. In our brokenness, we become more receptive to experiencing God's power and love. The story of Lazarus, for example, shows how Jesus used a moment of profound grief to demonstrate His power and love, bringing people together in their shared sorrow. Embracing our brokenness allows us to encounter God's grace in ways we might not otherwise experience. [47:43]
Bible Passage:
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a time when you experienced pain or suffering. How did it bring you closer to God or to others? How can you embrace your brokenness today to experience God's presence?
#### Day 4: Temporary vs. Eternal Healing
Description:
While temporary miracles are significant, the ultimate miracle is knowing Jesus and experiencing a love relationship with the Creator. Our focus should be on the eternal healing that comes through salvation, rather than just seeking immediate relief from our problems. This perspective helps us understand that the true journey is about knowing Jesus and recognizing that He is enough, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. [43:17]
Bible Passage:
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider an area of your life where you are seeking temporary relief. How can you shift your focus to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and the eternal healing He offers?
#### Day 5: God's Presence in Pain
Description:
The Gospel does not promise a pain-free life but assures us of God's presence and purpose in the midst of pain. Jesus' own suffering and resurrection provide the ultimate hope and assurance that God is with us in our struggles. Understanding this helps us to see our pain not as something to be avoided at all costs but as a pathway to experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. [59:35]
Bible Passage:
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a current struggle or pain in your life. How can you invite God's presence into this situation and trust in His purpose and plan for you?
Quotes
1. "There are times you don't need a sermon, but you need a small group leader who will walk with you through life. You need a friend who will be faithful to say, hey, during this season, I'm with you, and yet at the same time, I don't want to overlook the power of theology, because I believe, to my core, that this idea is true, that theology has consequences, and bad theology has victims. What I mean by that is what you believe influences what you do, and what you do over time becomes who you are." [34:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The gospel is not this Sunday thing that we isolate, and keep alone, and pull out like a business card when we're at church, and then put away when we go out to the world. No, and it's integrated into our life. Now, if you read the New Testament, if you read the biographies about Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there's no doubt you'll find at times Jesus healing people. He hits that easy button, and suddenly the lame person is walking, the blind person is seeing, the dead person is raised back to life." [35:44] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See, there is no greater miracle than meeting Jesus. There's no greater miracle than having a love relationship with the creator of the universe. And I started to think about it this week. I said, wait a second, if the temporary healing is meant to make life better in the short term, and if the message is greater than just the miraculous sign, it must mean that the message has the power to make life better, fuller, wholer, forever. There's something in the message that we absolutely need to hear, knowing Jesus becomes paramount in this journey." [43:17] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Don't settle today for Jesus, God, fixing your temporary problem, miss out on the eternal problem that we are separated from God. That in his love for you, man, he wants to be with you, man. Think about that. The God of the universe knows all of your baggage, right? Like, he sees you before you put on makeup in the morning. He sees you with your love handles. I almost fell off the stage. Got close. He sees us when we're teetering on the edge, and he says, I still want relationship with you. I still love you." [44:39] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The gospel is that in the midst of pain, our God shows up, does something about it, and offers us the path to wholeness. See, Paul does something wild. He has pain. He is a laundry list. If you think your pain resume is long, Paul's probably is longer. And he comes to God, and he says, listen, God, fix it. Hit the easy button. And God says, no. You guys remember what he said? What did he say? I don't think that's right. He said, my grace is sufficient for you. My grace is sufficient for you. In other words, I'm enough. If you have nothing, but me, you have everything. I'm enough." [50:52] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Anyone who offers you a pain-free gospel is lying. Anyone who offers you peace and prosperity forever, always upwards to the right, is a liar. Jesus shows us that he goes through the pain. See, the prosperity gospel wouldn't have made sense to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, John, Andrew, Thomas, Simeon, and all the rest. It never would have made sense. The pain-free gospel wouldn't have made sense for the first 350 years of the Christian faith." [01:01:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But do me a favor in the midst of our discussion of the theology around pain and suffering and God's ability to hear, don't allow the pain to drive you away from God. Allow it to run to the God. Don't let it run to you. Don't let it run to the God who has been authenticated. Allow it to draw you close to the body, the church, the ark. Allow it to drive you to be part of Jesus' bride. And I can't offer you pain-free today. I never would. But instead, I can offer you purpose in the midst of pain. I can offer you truth in the midst of confusion." [01:07:51] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And so today, if you consider yourself a believer, understand what gift God has given you. Don't underestimate it. If you're out there and you're saying, should I actually follow this Jesus that you're talking about? My challenge to you is this. Invite God to be with you. Be your Lord and Savior. Invite Him to be your King and watch what happens when He brings you into a different kingdom. Know that as a church, one of the things we long to be is a spiritual hospital for the hurting." [01:07:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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