When The Negative is Necessary | Javon Ruff

Sunday, April 21

Key Scriptures

Luke 9:18-22; Luke 24:7; Luke 24:26; John 12:24; Isaiah 55:11; James 1:3-4; II Kings 6:15-17; Numbers 13:32; Matthew 5:10; Proverbs 24:10; Romans 5:3-4; I Peter 1:6-7; Psalms 119:67; Psalms 40:1-3; Genesis 50:20; II Corinthians 4:17-18; Hebrews 12:1-3 

Introduction

Today, we're going to explore Pastor Javon Ruff's sermon titled "When the Negative is Necessary." We'll delve into the unavoidable negative experiences in our lives—those challenges that we cannot simply wish away or pray away. We'll discuss how these adversities are not merely obstacles to endure, but essential components of our spiritual and personal growth.  

These experiences shape us into the individuals God intends us to be and equip us to fulfill the purposes He has for us.  

Let's examine why these challenging moments are necessary and how they can ultimately lead to our development and success in God's plan. 

• What stood out to you from Sunday’s message? 

The Necessity of Suffering 

Let’s explore the necessary suffering of Jesus. This helps us understand how our own challenges and adversities are not just random misfortunes but are essential parts of our spiritual journey and growth. 

Luke 9:18-22 18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 

19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” 

20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 

Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” 

21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 22 And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” 

Here, Jesus predicts His own suffering and rejection. This prophecy is crucial as it sets the stage for the fulfillment of His messianic purpose. 

• How does this prediction help the disciples, and us too, get ready for the challenges of spiritual and personal growth? 

• Can anyone share a personal experience where a particularly challenging or negative situation led to unexpected spiritual growth or insight? 

Jesus suffered many things on the Cross because they were necessary for his purpose. 

The next verse illustrates the principle of sacrifice and multiplication, showing how Jesus's death was necessary to bring forth a greater good. 

John 12:24 “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” 

• Discuss ways in which this principle of 'dying to produce many seeds' can be applied in our daily lives and spiritual practices. 

Just as Jesus’s sufferings were foretold and necessary for the salvation of many, our personal trials are often the fertile ground for spiritual renewal and deeper faith. 

Everything that Christ had to go through was a part of accomplishing God’s ultimate plan! 

Negativity Is a Catalyst 

In electrical terms, power cannot exist without both a positive and a negative. Without both, there would be no flow of electricity. Let’s compare this to spiritual experiences where both blessings (positives) and challenges (negatives) are necessary to propel spiritual growth. 

God’s intent is to shape us into well-rounded disciples, rather than shield us from all adversity. 

James chapter one supports this idea: 

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Instead of lamenting our challenges, we should view them as chances for personal development.  

• Why is it essential to acknowledge and thank God for His presence and support during difficult periods? 

• Discuss how a hopeful demeanor ("consider it pure joy") is crucial during difficulties.  

Remain patient, as God will not abandon you but will offer his support and guidance. Express gratitude to God for his companionship during tough times. 

Joy, emerging from adversity, is more about choosing an outlook rather than a mere feeling. 

Heavenly Perspective Through Suffering 

The encouragement to us is to have a heavenly perspective even while dealing with things on earth. This can influence our handling of earthly challenges. 

• Read Matthew 5:10 and talk about how dealing with negative reactions or persecution can show that you are truly living by your faith. 

Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

• How often do you consider the example you’re setting for others while you suffer?  

• Have you ever won someone to Christ while setting a good example?  

Persecution can be proof of our faithfulness. Living for God sometimes means you must be willing to say and do what seems strange to the world!  

Group Activity: Group brainstorm: Identify current adversities faced by group members and discuss potential hidden opportunities for growth and notoriety. 

Refined Like Gold 

Negativity refines your character. Bad experiences refine you like gold. The impure things won’t come out of you until you get into the fire. Let’s talk about how God refines us with the goal of seeing His reflection in us. 

Persecution refines us by making our faith purer and stronger. 

1 Peter 1:6-7 

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

• What do you think Peter means by the "proven genuineness of your faith"? How can faith be tested like gold? 

• How does the analogy of gold being refined help us understand God’s role in our struggles? 

The next passage we’ll look at shows the change that negativity (“afflicted”) can bring about. Notice how the psalmist links affliction with obedience. 

 Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. 

• How does adversity lead us to a deeper obedience and understanding of God’s word? 

• Encouragement in Trials: How can we support each other when someone is facing a "refining fire"? 

Discipline may be painful, but it's beneficial. We are reminded by Solomon that the Lord corrects those he loves (Proverbs 3:11-12). The author of Hebrews encouraged his readers to endure discipline from the Lord (Hebrews 12:5-6). Embracing it can correct our course and guide us back when we stray from God's path. It's a valuable gift that keeps us from being irretrievably lost. 

Good Out of Bad 

Mexican Boll Weevil Story 

[Group leaders, you or someone share this unique story:]  

There is a statue in Enterprise, Alabama, dedicated to the boll weevil, an insect that significantly impacted the region's agriculture in the early 20th century. Initially, the boll weevil devastated the cotton crops in Southeast Alabama, leading to severe agricultural and economic challenges, exacerbated by the Great Depression. However, this crisis forced local farmers to switch from cotton to peanuts, a crop better suited to the region's climate. By 1917, this switch had proven so successful that the area became known as the "peanut capital of the world." In gratitude for the unexpected prosperity brought about by this agricultural shift, the people of Enterprise erected a statue in honor of the boll weevil. The monument recognizes the insect for its role in catalyzing economic transformation and prosperity in the region. 

The inscription of the statue reads: 

"In profound appreciation of the Boll Weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama." 

Sometimes negative events can lead to positive outcomes. Remember, God is for you and not against you!  

• How has today’s discussion challenged you? 

The Enemy may intend to harm you, but God can re-purpose negative life events for your good! See Genesis 50:20! 

Application 

You can endure the negative by trusting in God’s sovereignty, keeping an eternal perspective in a temporal world, and knowing God is for you, not against you.  

As we close this discussion, let's also reflect on how we can support each other in times of trial. Read this verse out loud together. 

Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV) 

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. 

Conclusion 

Everything we endure has a place in God’s ultimate plan for our lives. Recognizing this can help us endure difficulties with faith and patience, knowing that like seeds, our trials can lead to a fruitful harvest of spiritual maturity and blessings. 

Remember, the story of Jesus is not just one of suffering, but also of triumph and resurrection—promises that hold true for each of us in our journeys. 

Resources

YouTube

Audio Podcast