TEXT: I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration, but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33(AMPC)
From Genesis to Revelation, we have examples of people who experienced troubles, trials, distress, and frustrations. Jesus did not leave his disciples in the dark about the existence of troubles in Life. Instead, he armed them with the right attitude toward problems.
At creation, God made a perfect world where everything functioned well. However, there was an evil influence that deceived the first man and woman. Their disobedience to God’s commandments brought a curse upon man, woman and the earth. The result of the curse was the onset of pain, hardship, disease, and disaster. (Genesis 3)
Another result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve is that it produced a sinful nature in all men, and so each of us is born with a capacity to sin, making us accountable for our choices. Some problems are a result of sinful acts. (John 5:14, Romans 3:23)
Some problems are caused by forces outside our control, such as natural disasters, the actions of other people, and God’s tests. The Bible records several cases of famine, flood, and earthquakes that caused a lot of pain for families. Today, there are cases of sicknesses like COVID-19, Ebola, Bird flu and cancers, financial situations with global impact, and military conflicts that create untold hardships for the young and old.
Our own mistakes in judgment and desire to obey God can cause life problems. Daniel chose to pray despite knowing there was a law prohibiting it. His three friends also took a stand for their faith even though they knew the consequences. (Daniel 3:16-18)
God allows some problems in our lives to purify us, prove our faith, form the image of Christ in us, teach us to lean on Him and prepare us to help others. These tests are not meant to break us, but to transform us into stronger, more compassionate individuals.
Application
- Mention some examples of problems caused by a sin-damaged world.
- Give examples of people who suffered because of their sins.
- Mention biblical examples of actions of people that have caused problems for others. Mention other examples around you of ways the actions of others can cause problems.
- How can our problems be related to mistakes in judgment?
- God does not tempt but tests us. What is the difference? (James 1:12-14)
- How does God use our problems to prepare us for service to others? (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
- Compare 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 with 1 Corinthians 10:13. Identify the principle emphasized in both scriptures.
- Make a list of problems you are facing right now, and identify the source of each issue. Determine to turn each issue into a testimony by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Pick a verse of scripture from this study to memorize.
I pray this familiar song lifts your spirit:https://youtu.be/57xKb-PDk_I?feature=shared
I believe that our problems can be related to mistakes in judgement because when we do not follow God’s plan for our lives, we often go through needless toiling and struggles. In a bid to do things on our own we may misjudge people and situations that end up causing problems for us .
very true
Thank you Jesus for overcoming the world for me. I receive grace to live a life of obedience to your Word. Abundant grace to go through whatever may come my way🙏.
Amen
Some examples of problems caused by a sin -damaged world.
â—¦ Us having to work hard for food: When Adam was created, God gave him the trees as his source of food Gen 2:16. Following sin, the ground was cursed and God said through painful toil will man be able to eat from the ground Gen 3:17-19
â—¦ Murder: Sin in Cains heart led him to murder his brother Gen 4:6
2. Give examples of people who suffered because of their sins. Some examples
â—¦ Adam and Eve ( sin caused them to be cast out of the garden)
â—¦ Samson ( disobedience led to him losing his power and eventually his life)
â—¦ Lots wife ( sin of disobedience led to her becoming a pillar of salt)
â—¦ David and Bathsheba ( sin of adultery led to the death of their child)
â—¦ Saul ( sin of pride led to him and his lineage losing the kingship of Israel)
Indeed, the examples you have mentioned are spot on. Unfortunately, people are still repeating the same mistakes today and blaming others.
This is a matured Christian community where we are encouraged to express/communicate freely which out being judged and using the bible as the standard