Click here to see the sermon discussion questions or see them listed below. We highly encourage you to listen, think, and talk about the sermon. These are questions you can reflect on by yourself, with your family, or with your small group.

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think we question God’s sovereignty and/or goodness when we suffer? 

2. The image of Paul being stoned to death is a brutal one. How is it possible for people to develop such evil passion and hatred against another human being?  Do you think you could ever become so hateful?  If not, what makes you different? 

3. How was God able to use even a terrible thing like Paul being nearly stoned to death, for His glory and the advancement of the gospel? 

4. How does coming close to death bring clarity to the things that are most important in life?  If you were put into that situation, what do you imagine the most important things in life would be for you?  What were they for Paul?

5. Would you agree that affliction “weans us off of this world” and draws us closer to Jesus?  Explain your answer.  Does this make suffering good?  Should we want to suffer?

6. How should Christians view suffering in the light of a good almighty God?

7. Is it wise to praise and highlight the sacrifice, hard work, courage, and commitment of a missionary?  Explain your answer.  How should we appropriately encourage missionaries and acknowledge their efforts?