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Points to Ponder

These questions are intended as a study aid, to spur further thought on the concepts discussed in this lesson and to help you apply them on a personal level. We suggest you take the time to write your answers to these questions and compare them to the scriptures given. Please feel free to write us with any comments, questions or suggestions about the course or this lesson.

• Does God force us to conform to His will? Or does He allow us to make our own decisions as to whether we will follow His ways? (Deuteronomy 30:19).

• Does freedom of choice allow for good and evil outcomes? (Romans 3:15-17; Numbers 14:18).

• Wrong choices bring sorrow. What is the result of following the lead of the Spirit of God and making right choices? (Galatians 6:7-8).

• Our innermost character is important to God. What power does He offer us to enable us to follow His ways and have character like His? (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

• Christ suffered so we can be justified and reconciled to God. What do Christians need to learn from Jesus' sufferings? (1 Peter 2:19, 21; Philippians 1:29).

• Who is behind much of mankind's suffering? (1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:19).

• Throughout history God's followers have suffered for their faithfulness. What can we learn from their examples? (James 5:10; Hebrews 11:24-26).

• How do our daily sufferings compare with the future that awaits us if we are among the faithful of God? (Romans 8:18).

• Are we told to avoid certain activities and thus avoid bringing on ourselves unnecessary suffering? (1 Peter 4:15; Proverbs 1:29-32).

• God provides help and comfort for sufferers. What is the ultimate comfort and assistance provided by Christ's sacrifice? (Hebrews 2:17-18, 1 John 1:7-9; 2:1-2).

• What is the permanent reward for those who suffer for righteousness' sake? (Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:11-12).