The Precious Purpose of Pain

Pastor David Reagan
Antioch Baptist Church
09/07/2003

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Scripture References:

• 2 Corinthians 11:23-30

Sermon Notes:

1. Pain Defines Life's Existence -- Not Joy
   
   
   1. A Life Full of Trouble (Job 14:1)
   2. Days of Sorrows (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23; Genesis 3:16-17)
      
      
2. Pain Defined the Life of Christ
   
   
   1. A Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3)
   2. He Came to Die (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 3:18)
      
      
3. Pain Defines the Life of the Christian
   
   
   1. We are Called to Suffer (1 Peter 2:21; John 15:18-19; 2 Timothy 3:12)
   2. As Opposed to the Wicked (Psalm 73:3-5; Jeremiah 12:1)
      
      
4. Pain Brings Us into Fellowship with Christ
   
   
   1. The Fellowship of His Suffering (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13)
   2. The Privilege of Suffering for Him (Philippians 1:29)
      
      
5. Pain Enables the Life of Christ in Us
   
   
   1. Through Death We Live (Romans 6:3-8; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Galatians 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:11)
   2. We Seek This Death (1 Corinthians 15:31; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
      
      Vl. Pain Prepares Us for Greater Service
      
      
      1. It Makes the Heart Better (Ecclesiastes 7:3)
      2. It Allows Us to Bear More Fruit (Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 12:10-11)
         
         VlI. Pain Lasts But for a Moment
         
         
         1. Joy Comes in the Morning (Psalm 30:5)
         2. God Rewards Our Suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17; Timothy 2:12)
         3. God Wipes Away All Tears (Revelation 21:4)

CONCLUSION:

Is the pain in your life fulfilling its purpose?