Study Questions for October 18, 2026

Sufferers - Our Sad Reality by Reid Schultheis
Read John 16:31-33; Psalm 13:1-6; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; and Genesis 3:1-19.

1. Reid opens by grounding the message in the overarching summary of the series: "Humans are embodied souls, uniquely created to be like God, who sin and suffer." Read John 16:31-33. Jesus tells His disciples plainly that in this world they will have "many trials and sorrows." How does Jesus' honest declaration directly expose the myth of the "prosperity gospel," which promises that true faith brings only health, wealth, and ease?
2. The sermon identifies two common, unhelpful ways people react to suffering: suppressing/denying it (through stoicism, machismo, or over-spiritualizing) or being completely overcome by it (making suffering our primary identity and the "bold text" of our lives). Have you ever caught yourself leaning toward one of these extremes when facing deep pain?
3. Reid introduces the biblical practice of lament, referencing pastor Mark Vroegop's definition: "a prayer in pain that leads to trust." Reid notes that about 40% of the Psalms are laments—like Ford F-150 trucks that are everywhere on the road once you start looking for them. Why do you think we often overlook the song of lament in our churches until trial or sorrow forces us to look for it?
4. Read Psalm 13:1-6. The first element of a biblical lament is calling out to God. The sermon notes that while griping or whining is directed toward ourselves or others to vent and commiserate, a true lament is an act of faith directed specifically to God. What makes taking your honest frustration directly to God an act of faith rather than disrespect?
5. The second element of lament is naming the pain—both internal anguish and external injustice. Reid shares the phrase, "We have to name the pain in order to tame the pain." Just as Adam named the animals in Genesis 2 to exercise God-given stewardship, how does naming our specific pain to God acknowledge His authority and help break suffering's grip on our hearts?
6. Read Psalm 13:3-6. In the third and fourth steps of lament, David asks for God's help—praying for God to "restore the sparkle" to his eyes—and ultimately chooses to trust in God's unfailing love. Notice that David did not start at trust; he moved from feeling forgotten to resting in God's goodness. How does giving yourself permission to process raw emotions before God pave the way for genuine trust?
7. While individual lament before God is essential, Reid points out that processing suffering in isolation is often not enough because pain can distort our view of God, ourselves, and others. How can practicing communal lament—such as sharing heart wounds in a small group or support ministry—help expose the lies we believe in the dark?
8. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Apostle Paul calls God the "source of all comfort" who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. Reid warns that if we refuse to face our own suffering and receive God's comfort, we actually rob the people around us of the empathy they need. How have you seen God use someone else's healed wound to bring comfort to your own life?
9. The sermon cautions against making suffering the "bold text" of our lives to the point that we develop a victim mentality or use "hurt people hurt people" as a hall pass for our own sin. Why is it vital to hold on to your primary identity as a saint in Christ while still being honest about your real experiences as a sufferer?
10. The sermon concludes with a two-fold charge: "Lament your own suffering AND listen to others' suffering." Which side of this charge do you find more challenging right now—taking the time to bring your own wounds to God, or staying present to listen patiently to someone else's pain without trying to fix it?
11. Close in Prayer: Thank Jesus for being the "Man of Sorrows" acquainted with grief who understands every trial we face. Ask the Holy Spirit for the courage to name your pain, the vulnerability to lament in community, and the grace to extend God's comfort to those who are suffering around you.

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Analogy for Understanding: Navigating suffering through lament is like using a pressure-relief valve on a steam boiler rather than capping the pipe or letting the vessel rupture. Suppressing pain is like capping the valve—it creates an illusion of control until the pressure inevitably bursts out through unhealthy behaviors, bitterness, or emotional breakdown. On the other hand, letting suffering define your identity is like allowing the steam to flood the entire room until you are completely blind to everything else. Lament is God's ordained pressure-relief valve. It directs the raw heat of our pain straight to the Father, allowing us to safely release our anguish, name our wounds, and regain our footing on the bedrock of His unfailing love.