Ep 132 (S7E17) Hope in Grief: God is Good

References:Grief, suffering, hardship, pain… These are not signs of God’s abandonment or condemnation.Romans 8:35, 37-39Counter cultural The promise that allows people of faith to grieve differentlyPaul’s last letter, near the end of his life (martyrdom)2 Timothy 2:1-14The reality of discipleshipWhat witness do you bear when you are suffering?Endurance - κακοπαθέω (kak-op-ath-eh'-o)to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles), to be afflictedUsed 4 times in NT3X in 2 Tim1X in James 5:13Three images, metaphorsSoldier - command and obedienceAthlete - coach and trainingFarmer - bearing fruit and receiving the blessingVs 7 - Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.The trustworthy saying - vs 11-13If we die with Him… - baptism?If we endure hardship… - the Christian witness?If we deny Him… - a full comprehension of and rejection of grace?If we are faithless… - even when I can’t trust Him, He remains trustworthy.2 Tim 2:14’s words!λογομαχέω (log-om-akh-eh'-o) logomachyLogomachy - a dispute, argument, or "war of words" centered on the meaning, usage, or interpretation of words rather than on substantial issues.A compound of logos (words) and machomai (strive or fight)A NT hapax legomenonκαταστροφή (kat-as-trof-ay') catastropheIn 2 Timothy 2:14 and2 Peter 2:62 Timothy 4:9-18Paul is sufferingBut not despairingWhat about you and me?