Using the topic you selected in the lesson, "Expository Writing," write an outline for a paragraph. If you need to, consult the sample outline above the paragraph box or the model above.
Sample Outline:
Topic Sentence: According to the Bible, believers suffer for many positive reasons.
I. Some Christians suffer that God might be glorified.
A. Lazarus was allowed to die so that God might be glorified, as Christ said in John 11:4.
B. Although Martha suffered greatly at Lazarus' death, God was glorified in Christ's words to her in John 11:25: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
C. When Mary and Martha stood by Lazarus' grave Martha expressed concern about rolling away the stone in front of the grave. John 11:40 records His assurance to her: Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
II. Followers of the Lord learn the value of His Word through suffering.
A. Suffering can turn Romans 8:28 into a guiding principle through life.
B. David said in Psalm 119:67, Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
C. Difficulties that bring one to the end of himself mentioned in Psalm 119:71, forced David to rely on God and His Word.
III. Hardships teach the child of God to comfort others with the comfort that he has obtained from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-6).
A. If one has suffered the loss of a child, he will listen to a friend who has gone through the same heartbreak.
B. When the Word has sustained a believer in the death of a beloved partner, he can share the Word in a special way with another human being in the same disaster.
C. If a Christian like Paul has prayed for the removal of his "thorn" in his "flesh" and been denied, he can pass on the answer God gives Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Conclusion: The Bible makes it quite clear that children of God suffer for many reasons other than discipline.
Topic sentence:
I.
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II.
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III.
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Conclusion:
