Understanding Suffering: Dealing with Difficult Problems with R.C. Sproul

God never promised that we wouldn’t go into the valley of the shadow of death. What He did promise was that He would go with us. Knowing this, how should we respond when suffering enters our lives? In this message, R.C. Sproul investigates the biblical view of suffering and explains its meaning in the Christian life.
This message is from Dr. Sproul’s 6-part teaching series Dealing with Difficult Problems. Learn more: www.ligonier.org/learn/series...

[@ligonier]

This message is from Dr. Sproul’s 6-part teaching series Dealing with Difficult Problems. Watch the entire series: www.ligonier.org/learn/series/dealing-with-difficult-problems

[@jacquiekennedy243]

Hi Hi Hi 🙋‍♂️ I Open to m Uni

[@angelagenecki8602]

Thank you

[@BradBlakemore]

I😊8

[@brandonfugate5357]

My wife and I lost our baby yesterday... This was timely.

[@youyou9198]

please be strong in the Lord🙏 God bless you

[@FelineFamilyVlogs7]

So sorry Brandon, praying for you and your wife ❤️🧡💛

[@olgaburgos7780]

We all convey are sincere condolences for your loss. Cling to God’s promises , your baby will be returned to you on the resurrection great day. Comfort yourself with this glorious truth. 📖🙏❤️

[@cherridawson9880]

So sorry for your loss. God bless you 🙏🏻

[@jaisimha7176]

Praying for you , May The LORD Comfort your family

[@Maru-pf4ie]

My husband left us because we’re Christian (he converted to Judaism), my son is in the hospital with schizophrenia, my daughter has an identity crisis, I lost my apartment, I lost my job…, my sisters stopped talking to me, most of my friends left. I know The Lord is in control. Please pray for us.

[@sarahstevens640]

Praying for you 🙏🏽

[@jacobsimba5930]

So sorry for that Maru. Will be praying for you. How are you doing now?

[@NicholasOG]

Garce be with you my sister.

[@user-pl6zk6zc4k]

Love you Maru, I’m praying for you ❤️

[@louiemorales518]

Just read this. How are you doing?​@@sarahstevens640

[@Sold4Christ]

My son died January 2023. I know God loves me and He is my Healer and Comforter. Jesus died for my son and I know I will see him again. Jesus is King of Kings

[@karintolbert7452]

I'm so sorry. 🙏

[@Johnvalkyre]

Ive been paralyzed in bed since 14yrs quadriplegic after a bike accident. And I thank God for it because he has corrected and changed me. If i didnt have this accident I would have definitely ended up a bad person dammed to hell. I still hope he wlll heal me if its his will. If not I hope I die before my mom gets old and can't no longer take care of me in this bed.

[@tonyschwartz6712]

I'm very sorry, Kenneth. I'm not paralyzed, but am pretty much bedridden by affliction. We will be whole in Heaven. I also believe a time is coming where there is going to be a great harvest of souls and many miracles will occur during that time. I pray it's God's will that you will "pick up your mat and walk" during that period of time in Jesus's name, Amen! Jesus, we trust in you!

[@gavinmillar7519]

Bless you Kenneth.

[@petrovlemashenko8631]

@@tonyschwartz6712 GOD willing, may you be healed

[@petrovlemashenko8631]

GOD willing, may you be healed

[@esdrassalgado8850]

I feel the same way brother, I had arthritis at age 21 and the Lord humbled me beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It was tough but much needed because I was on my way to hell as a proclaimed “Christian”. Now I walk a life guided by Christ, glory to him who decided to heal me from that since then but I still need to be careful I don’t get prideful again. He keeps me humble though and I pray that the Lord willing would also do the same for you, regardless we should be content with our Father in Heaven despite our circumstances. Blessing brother

[@alexacabrera85]

I have to confess this video was suggested to me by the youTube algorithm after dwelling on a Isaiah Saldivar video on demon oppression in which basically everything is caused by a demon even in the believer... and listening to RC while comparing these two different approaches on suffering I can only praise the Lord for good servants like RC which with his preaching and lectures make our heart and eyes focus on God and His glorious redemption and not on ourselves or the demons who oppress the unbelievers, how great and awesome is the Grace of our Lord Jesus. If I have to suffer in this life let it be for HIS glory and HIS glory alone.

[@kennethmoore8126]

Amen and Amen !

[@herald_of_truth]

Yes sis.... for Christ alone ☘

[@bongekandlovu1150]

We grew up being told lies that we deserve prosperity and suffering is a curse or when you suffer there must be a greater sin you've committed. This is hard teaching that the world could never accept 🤞

[@lb476]

The first of this year I received a heartbroken call that my daughter-in-law died from Covid-19...she wasn't fifty. The first of May my Social Security Office sent me a letter telling me their sorry for my loss, I was now receiving my husband's survivor's income now that I was known as a widow...he was 75. If Jesus didn't call me way back when I was a young mother of three little children this year's tragedies would have killed me. But because I answered His calling I'm thrilled to know I have that chance to see my loved ones again. Don't wait to answer God's call.

[@Aquarious57]

Very encouraging sermon .right now,l m fighting the suffering as mentioned.pls pray for me n my wife.l m from lndia.

[@youyou9198]

i'm fighting anxiety,fear and panick attacks🥲my name is Maria please pray for me🙇‍♀️i hope the Lord heal me tonight because i'm so tierd

[@tonyschwartz6712]

In Jesus's name, we bind the spirits of fear and anxiety upon Maria and loose faith and peace at this moment. Lord, your word promises us that you have not given us a "spirit of fear, but spirits of power, spirits of love and spirits of sound minds". Lord, we pray Maria will recognize and fight the battlefield which is going on in her mind right now and the unclean spirits which are exhausting her reserves. "In the multitude of our anxieties, your comforts delight our soul". Lord Jesus, please help Maria to know the authority she has in your name to overcome any obstacle put in her pathway. She will not be overcome. She will be an overcomer and have an amazing testimony. She will have peace of mind as RC Sproul mentions in Jesus's name, Amen. You will get through this, Maria. Better days are ahead!

[@olgaburgos7780]

Maria, Jesus is in you, nothing can hurt you, His angels are always around you so do not fear, when bad anxious thoughts come, start praying the “the our Father prayer” focusing on its words, and keep your mind on them, and keep doing it until the calmness comes and His love embraces your mind, read in the Bible Isaiah 41: 10,13, memorize it and when fear comes , read it or think it or by mouth say it aloud and He will give you His peace. I talk by my own experience. .God blessed His children and that we are . 🙏📖✝️❤️🌷

[@youyou9198]

@@tonyschwartz6712 thank you so much🙏your prayer is so beautiful that make me cry🙇‍♀️i will be a testimony for the Lord🙏i know his power can bear anything and everything i'm just weak and with problem believing😢maybe that the reason i'm fighting this

[@tonyschwartz6712]

@@youyou9198 Yay, Maria, fight! God has great plans for you. That's why the enemy is fighting so hard against you. I actually am concerned right now, for those who seem to have life so easy. The one thing I should have mentioned, is that as awful as panic attacks are, they can be gifts because they force you to figure out what in your life needs to change. My spouse was an alcoholic. I had a panic attack one morning and knew from others in the past, that they stopped if we address whatever needs to change in our lives. I told my spouse I had to leave if the drinking did not stop. I knew it was the cause of my panic attack. I'm female. This is my husband's account. He quit drinking as a result and lost 70 pounds and got off of all medications. On 3/2/22, he has been sober with no relapses for 10 years! God granted the miracle of his sobriety, for my faith and obedience. He had sugar cravings for a month, but no rehab. I'm trusting your testimony will be a miraculous. Without that panic attack, the alcohol would have destroyed us both. I pray this testimony is an encouragement for you. :)

[@youyou9198]

@@comfortandjoy9489 thank you very much🙏

[@HannahDunnFilms]

3:21 26:57 I needed to hear this today. Thank you, R.C. May he rest in peace. I offer my condolences to anyone struggling with pain, suffering and mourning in their lives today. May you have peace with Jesus, and may you abide in Christ, and he in you. Keep your head up high, and God will pull you through.

[@hendriknonody2018]

Be kind to everybody because everybody is fighting some kind of battle

[@hummit]

Wonderful lecture on siffering by Dr RC Sproul! May God mould us through the sufferings He allows into our lives!

[@al-lv1no]

There are many narcissistic, abusive people in my life right now that are constantly trying to affect my life negatively. I have tried my best to be silent in response to their bullying but they have continued to do things to try and harm me and even try to provoke me to the point of purposely orchestrating situations where they can be in the same room with me or force me into conversations with them when I have made it clear that I do not want to be in contact with them anymore. They have taken advantage of certain situations in my life or mistakes that I have made and tried to blackmail me into not defending myself from their harassment or telling other people what they are doing to me. In the process of trying to harm me, they have also done hurtful things to other people as well. I am so tired of it. This has been going on for years. Please pray for me.

[@Tmoney_85]

Rc still speaking truth even though he is in heaven

[@katielee4892]

This sermon got sent to me after I spent the weekend in hospital, with my only child having seizures. We've been going through tribulations on/off for the last 3 years. Christians tend to be so focused on the last days tribulation (that affects the whole world) that they forget we all go through tribulation that affects our own world. Romans 5:3 "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." I've found it helps to remember God's promise, that He will never put us through anything we can't handle in Him. 1 Cor 10:13

[@josephg3231]

The Psalmist said Hope deferred maketh the heart grow sick, Kathy

[@davidgrant1886]

AMEN

[@lchapman4427]

I love the comment live by Katie Lee a year ago. What encouraging words were included in that comment. Thanks to Katie Lee and things to RC Sproul who is the best teacher of God's word that I've heard. I know he's no longer with us but his words still endure.

[@kingdomrunt]

_When I've done all i should & all i should not, it's not the suffering that overtakes me but the lack of His presence that causes me to rather die. Maranatha_

[@jessyjonas4988]

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.” Isaiah 55✝️

[@charlenelaguer7072]

This message was truly inspiring to me and very helpful in my spiritual walk with Christ. I now understand the true meaning of my sufferings through Him! Thanks for sharing!

[@pauldoddy9714]

Thanks for this timely message! God's perfect timing again.

[@jimjordan7834]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@jessyjonas4988]

Seek the Lord while He may be found A negative view of life Where life is meaningless is of the enemy There is a purpose to our lives The God who created us has a purpose for us

[@gavinmillar7519]

It's great to be reminded of that Jessy.

[@jessyjonas4988]

@@gavinmillar7519 May the Lord continue to bless and keep you

[@luceliapretorius4155]

Thank You Lord for your word!!! This was a great message. Love R.C. Sproul.

[@garyrodriguez8414]

This is the best sermon I have heard to date on this subject and relates in many ways as to the suffering going on throughout our world today, as one who has suffered unbearable pain for forty years due to failed neck surgery and then the loss of both parents,followed by neck cancer,and then covid and having to learn to swallow and even walk again and still the neck pain I have also been one to ask humbly why God! This answers alot of questions, thank you R.C. your wisdom in the word has given me cause to continue in hope.

[@miriamwood4162]

Excellent encouragement and of great blessing. Praise God!

[@jairowardaddy358]

Wow he preached what many preachers are afraid to preach. He’s right on. The real Christian life is expected to go through pain, the day of suffering is coming.

[@williamjayaraj2244]

An excellent message by Dr. R. C. Sproul on suffering and pain. A reminder of what we read in the Bible that in this world you will have trials and tribulations but be of good cheer that I have overcome the world. So it is a mandatory thing for every believer to overcome the world and not get bogged down by it by exercing the faith.

[@AndradeM]

Looking unto Jesus!

[@hangryturtle9006]

Such a relevant message for America today!

[@ericnazario8486]

Powerful!!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@danielrussell4235]

Brilliant talk!!! Thanks

[@pattihawks353]

Thank you! Amen!

[@deotan6294]

Praise God for this message, Thank you RC

[@gavinmillar7519]

Wonderful teaching.

[@felixbaquillas8069]

This is one of the best.

[@jabeskumar4942]

Praise The Lord. May God bless Ligonier Ministries.

[@rcunninghsm9686]

1 peter 5:10 and the God of grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.. may the Lord bless you, and keep you!!

[@truegodchurch9902]

Thanks dear godly and gifted man Love you . I put your name to my son as R.C SPROUL. THanks to ligonier

[@kevinclint7588]

PRAISE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST IN EVERYTHING,……………AMEN

[@stevekeeley39]

Closer to our Lord everyday❤️🙏

[@craigmartin5484]

I love you R C, see you, soon.

[@mikekatz6024]

Very good perspective

[@cabhisek6308]

Amen, Amen.

[@GodnMe]

TY

[@reynoldsamara218]

Thy Rod and Staff Comfort Me 🙏

[@AndreaEllis-dp9yl]

Remember we wrestle not with flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness so it is Satan sees something in you that you don't see yet get away from Satan's people and keep the faith the Lord will see you through all things work together for good Jesus said in this world you shall have trials and tribulation forgive them don't allow your ❤ become bitter 🙏 for them that they will be delivered from the devil 😈

[@christiantheo1]

Great 👍

[@nereida116]

Eternal Sisters and Brothers, my question is not suffering, but why some lives are full of suffering for many consecutive years... if not a lifetime. I don't understand and simultaneously I am afraid to ask and be punished further. Some of us, in essence, suffer from birth with multiple forms of suffering. It's not anger. I'm not feeling angry... it is never knowing why, which causes extreme mental and physical exhaustion. Lord, forgive me -for I know you love me.

[@mikekatz6024]

Disagree with God is the causation, we hurt ourselves with the decisions we make, God cautions us, one reaps what one sows.

[@susangoins3412]

Thank you for your obedience and courage to share Gods words of mercy and mystery of pain message. Oh how I love Jesus!!! Sir, excellent presentation.

[@jairowardaddy358]

Not to mention the apostle Paul and Elisha weren’t healed although they had the power of the Holy Spirit to raise the dead!

[@sarahsoobramaney1700]

Im struggling with anxiety and fear of losing my husband..of being alone and there is this negative voice that tells me to keep feeling this way..this negative voice is becoming crippling

[@AndreaEllis-dp9yl]

Oh my Lord I 🙏 you believe that our loving God has not turn from you remember Joseph think on that always repent in Jesus God have things plans for you he had to take the Israelites through the wilderness to see what was in their heart nothing is wrong to say God just don't linger there so your heart bitter against our merciful God I have been through a lot my self but I stick to God after all no one can help us but so hold on keep praying everything will work out don't lose heart no matter what he is always there he never leave❤❤😊

[@stuartjohnson5686]

We live in a fallen universe. Bad things happen because of sin, sin brings more sin and ultimately ends in death, death of indidvuals, death of families, death of cultrures/nations. It would be unnatural for Christians not to suffer in fallen world.. Scripture says God takes evil and turns it to good, for his adopted children.

[@mirandarogers3595]

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

[@MrPatdeeee]

"Understanding Suffering: Dealing with Difficult Problems with R.C. Sproul" Kind belated Sir...I commend you, for you are one of the few pastors that understands: that when we get saved (Born Again); we are NOT going to have much better than it was already. And the simple reason is this: From birth to death; we ALL sin and sins abominably, regardless. Thus God (who IS Jesus) Punishes us for EVERY Sin X 7. But Jesus X 70 if it's abominable! And that is what causes EVERY "tear, sorrow, pain and finally Death"! For the wages (all of our sins) is why we die. From Creation to the END of the World. However, Jesus blesses us untold; for every good deed! Believe it or not. ...In any case Brethren, Please Pray OFTEN and Praise Jesus OFTEN; for He is the ONLY true "God Almighty"; there will ever have been. And may Jesus bless you and yours always. AMEN!

[@subratee.banerjee]

💚

[@jamespython5147]

Certainly we DON'T feel that God is with us when we suffer. That was a major part of Job's complaint, that he brought his case to God but God did not hear, nor was he the least bit concerned.

[@liliacoreth317]

This is 🤌🏻

[@laundrybest2290]

East

[@mikekatz6024]

The bartender becomes the defacto Priest.

[@chriscravens8318]

Why do these say live when they are not?

[@Yesica1993]

I'm not sure where it says "live." But if it does, obviously it means it was filmed live, before an audience/class. (As opposed to him being alone in a studio and recording it.)

[@jamespython5147]

The FACT remains, that suffering does NOT makes us love God. What then is its purpose?

[@lulamadagada7340]

Sanctification and we share in the suffering of Christ.

[@neartheendoftime3669]

All who live godly understand suffering and need it not to be explained by a pastor.

[@jamespython5147]

To say that we are upheld in the arena of pain is false. In fact part of our very soul is destroyed through suffering. Our spirit is broken and we become as living death.

[@k8aik8ai]

Turn to God and put your trust in The Lord Jesus Christ and you won't have to worry about a "part of your soul" being destroyed since it will be completely and eternally saved.

[@jamespython5147]

I turned to God 15 years ago. God is now like an enemy. He is impossible to love. He no longer hears prayer.

[@iBi_uBu]

Pain makes us face our own sin (including the consequences) and then choose to accept what Jesus has done on the cross or not. Want to keep doing it our way - pride - fall... or be born again and truly see everything spiritually - salvation - loving Father - eternal life. Jesus is the way, the truth and the LIFE who has come to restore us back to who we are created to be ❤ Jesus changed my life - my heart. God bless you💕

[@jamespython5147]

You speak not by experience but simply what you think is true, but it's not a reality.

[@jamespython5147]

Should we be glad that God hates our life more than we do? This is hardly convincing of Gods "love" if he wants to make us suffer more than what our minds are ready to comprehend. How convenient that to say that suffering is for our "good" yet never in all scripture nor in life's experience do we see thee benefit of it.

[@TheNarrowPath40]

Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice in our sufferings and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

[@jasons3601]

This doesn't make sense.

[@rockycomet4587]

How so?

[@jasons3601]

@@rockycomet4587 What exactly are you looking for?

[@rockycomet4587]

@@jasons3601 An undefensible platitude that I can easily slap down.

[@jasons3601]

@@rockycomet4587 Like the claims of the bible?

[@rockycomet4587]

@@jasons3601 no