Getting a Handle on My Pain

Getting a Handle on our Pain
Luke 22:31-32

1. A Description of Pain

4 primary words used in Bible:
"tribulation"
"trials"
"sufferings"
"distress"

2. The Sources of Pain

Satan, as here, is seen seeking Peter. That's what he later says-- Satan, as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour...

World-- Jesus said in the world we would have tribulation..

Self--we sometimes have pain and difficulties due to decisions and life-styles we have chosen. In a word, we are reaping a harvest of sin. These things going on in our life are direct result of "sin" sown in the field of our life. We forget that wild oats are the only seed that never have crop failure.

3. The Purposes of Pain—when we want to ask why

__Validates______ our faith
" these things have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine..." (1 Peter 1:7 NIV)

Expands our faith –
"you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance ..." (James 1:3 NIV)

Purifies our faith
These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire... 1 Peter 1:7

Activates our faith
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

Focuses our faith

These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:7
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 2 Cor 4:17
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NIV)