Life Principle 26
Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God. (Phil 3:10)
Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God. (Phil 3:10)
Life’s Questions
There’s nothing lonelier than suffering, because it feels like no one understands what we’re going through. With accomplishments and prosperity, loved ones will gather around to share in our joy and celebrate our success. But with grief, people feel distant—even when they are trying to support and comfort us—because they cannot reach in to that profound place where our pain has made its home. During those times, we may wonder, Where is God? Why has God allowed this? Has He left me alone to struggle with this by myself? Has God abandoned me? Yet, just the opposite is true.
Psalm 34:18 assures, “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Adversity isn’t a time when God is far from you. On the contrary, it is when He’s close to you and teaching you His ways. When everything goes well, you may forget that you need God, but when trouble strikes it’s only God who can comfort you to the depth of your soul. He has your full attention and can teach you the joy of His wonderful presence—which is why Life Principle 26 teaches, Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.
What the Bible Says
Read 2 Corinthians 11:23–31. What did Paul see as validating his ministry (23)?
Why does Paul boast in his adversities and infirmities (30)?
Read Philippians 3:3–11. What does Paul say about putting confidence in earthly accomplishments—or “the flesh” (3)?
*** When Paul writes about the flesh, he is speaking of our human nature—our earthly desires and inclinations. Our flesh doesn’t follow God. In fact, it’s often completely opposed to the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 7). Our flesh seeks carnal pleasures and finds importance in accomplishments, wealth, beauty, and so on. The Spirit, on the other hand, will always direct you to become more like Christ, placing His emphasis on obedience.
Why was Paul content with losing all of his earthly riches and honors (7–8)?
What did Paul find in Christ that he couldn’t obtain through possessions and titles (9)?
When Paul set himself to know Christ by faith, what did he find (10–11)?
Why do you think Paul found true life when he was conformed to Christ’s death (10–11; also see Mark 10:29–30)?
*** How precious and freeing it is to admit: I need God!
Read Philippians 3:12–21. What was Paul’s goal (12–14; also see 1:13–14, 21–26)?
What happens to those who do not share Paul’s focus, but put their trust in earthly accomplishments and wealth (17–19)?
What do adversities prepare us for (20–21)?
What It Means
Paul had everything that defined a successful and blessed life to the people of his time. From birth, he observed the law to the letter and grew to be a very prominent Pharisee. This meant that he had everything that he needed to be right with God and a man of respect in his circle of influence. Paul also enjoyed social prominence. He could trace his lineage to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, and was a descendant of Saul, the first king of Israel. He was born in Tarsus, which gave him all the rights and privileges of a Roman citizen. Very few could match Paul’s credentials and accomplishments.
Yet, no matter how pious or perfect he was, it was never enough. Paul needed Jesus. It wasn’t through his success that he experienced God, it was through his suffering and adversity. And during those times, God touched him so profoundly and intimately that Paul realized how priceless it was to experience adversity (see Rom. 5:3–5; 8:17–18; 2 Cor. 1:3–11; 12:7–10; Col. 1:24).
*** I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:18)
Life Examples
Read 2 Corinthians 4:5–16. Why has God shone His light in our hearts (5–6)?
What then is the treasure we have in us as believers (7)?
Why does God allow imperfect people to carry His precious gospel (8–10)?
Who benefits most from our adversity (15–16)?
Living the Principle
Your trials may be prolonged, intense, confusing, complicated, and stressful. At times, you may get frustrated, impatient, and even angry with God. However, the more fiercely you insist on holding on to your earthly sources of pleasure and accomplishment, the longer it will take for God to teach you that only He can heal your soul. And the farther you push Him away and rebel against Him, the lengthier your time of affliction will be.
The wisest response to your troubles is to surrender your will to God and grow in your relationship with Him. Keep your focus on Him. Trust His love, wisdom, and strength. If you respond the right way, you will know Him more deeply and intimately, and His purpose will be accomplished in you. You will see His glory in a way that you never thought possible.
How will you live out Life Principle 26 this week? Have you experienced God’s profound comfort and presence in your life? Discuss the trials that you are facing and how He is reaching deep within your soul to bring you closer to Himself. Then spend time in prayer, asking God to draw you into intimate communion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.
Life Lessons to Remember
There’s nothing lonelier than suffering, because it feels like no one understands what we’re going through. With accomplishments and prosperity, loved ones will gather around to share in our joy and celebrate our success. But with grief, people feel distant—even when they are trying to support and comfort us—because they cannot reach in to that profound place where our pain has made its home. During those times, we may wonder, Where is God? Why has God allowed this? Has He left me alone to struggle with this by myself? Has God abandoned me? Yet, just the opposite is true.
Psalm 34:18 assures, “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Adversity isn’t a time when God is far from you. On the contrary, it is when He’s close to you and teaching you His ways. When everything goes well, you may forget that you need God, but when trouble strikes it’s only God who can comfort you to the depth of your soul. He has your full attention and can teach you the joy of His wonderful presence—which is why Life Principle 26 teaches, Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.
What the Bible Says
Read 2 Corinthians 11:23–31. What did Paul see as validating his ministry (23)?
Why does Paul boast in his adversities and infirmities (30)?
Read Philippians 3:3–11. What does Paul say about putting confidence in earthly accomplishments—or “the flesh” (3)?
*** When Paul writes about the flesh, he is speaking of our human nature—our earthly desires and inclinations. Our flesh doesn’t follow God. In fact, it’s often completely opposed to the Holy Spirit (see Rom. 7). Our flesh seeks carnal pleasures and finds importance in accomplishments, wealth, beauty, and so on. The Spirit, on the other hand, will always direct you to become more like Christ, placing His emphasis on obedience.
Why was Paul content with losing all of his earthly riches and honors (7–8)?
What did Paul find in Christ that he couldn’t obtain through possessions and titles (9)?
When Paul set himself to know Christ by faith, what did he find (10–11)?
Why do you think Paul found true life when he was conformed to Christ’s death (10–11; also see Mark 10:29–30)?
*** How precious and freeing it is to admit: I need God!
Read Philippians 3:12–21. What was Paul’s goal (12–14; also see 1:13–14, 21–26)?
What happens to those who do not share Paul’s focus, but put their trust in earthly accomplishments and wealth (17–19)?
What do adversities prepare us for (20–21)?
What It Means
Paul had everything that defined a successful and blessed life to the people of his time. From birth, he observed the law to the letter and grew to be a very prominent Pharisee. This meant that he had everything that he needed to be right with God and a man of respect in his circle of influence. Paul also enjoyed social prominence. He could trace his lineage to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, and was a descendant of Saul, the first king of Israel. He was born in Tarsus, which gave him all the rights and privileges of a Roman citizen. Very few could match Paul’s credentials and accomplishments.
Yet, no matter how pious or perfect he was, it was never enough. Paul needed Jesus. It wasn’t through his success that he experienced God, it was through his suffering and adversity. And during those times, God touched him so profoundly and intimately that Paul realized how priceless it was to experience adversity (see Rom. 5:3–5; 8:17–18; 2 Cor. 1:3–11; 12:7–10; Col. 1:24).
*** I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom. 8:18)
Life Examples
Read 2 Corinthians 4:5–16. Why has God shone His light in our hearts (5–6)?
What then is the treasure we have in us as believers (7)?
Why does God allow imperfect people to carry His precious gospel (8–10)?
Who benefits most from our adversity (15–16)?
Living the Principle
Your trials may be prolonged, intense, confusing, complicated, and stressful. At times, you may get frustrated, impatient, and even angry with God. However, the more fiercely you insist on holding on to your earthly sources of pleasure and accomplishment, the longer it will take for God to teach you that only He can heal your soul. And the farther you push Him away and rebel against Him, the lengthier your time of affliction will be.
The wisest response to your troubles is to surrender your will to God and grow in your relationship with Him. Keep your focus on Him. Trust His love, wisdom, and strength. If you respond the right way, you will know Him more deeply and intimately, and His purpose will be accomplished in you. You will see His glory in a way that you never thought possible.
How will you live out Life Principle 26 this week? Have you experienced God’s profound comfort and presence in your life? Discuss the trials that you are facing and how He is reaching deep within your soul to bring you closer to Himself. Then spend time in prayer, asking God to draw you into intimate communion with Himself and to transform your life, so that you can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.
Life Lessons to Remember
- When adversity strikes, we should immediately turn to God (see Ps. 40:1–3).
- Adversity is a tool which God uses to shape His servant for service (see 1 Peter 1:6–7).