human suffering

HUMAN SUFFERINGMany ask – Since God is good and

created all things, Why did He create (or allow) so much suffering in the

world?

Wrong Views on Suffering

• An Illusion–Mary Baker Eddy – All pain is in your

mind– Control your mind and pain is gone

• Because of Sin– Some suffering is the result of sin– But not always – Job, Blind man

(John 9)

Wrong Views on Suffering

• Because of sin– John 9 :1-3 1 Now as Jesus passed by, He

saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

Wrong Views on Suffering

• Because of sin– Luke 13 :4-5 4 Or those eighteen on whom

the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? – 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you

will all likewise perish."

Wrong Views on Suffering

• God can't help it– Daniel 3:17-18 17 If that is the case, our

God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

Wrong Views on Suffering

• God can't help it–Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them

and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Some Answers :

• God limits Himself• Hebrews 6:18a that by two immutable things,

in which it is impossible for God to lie• James 1:13 Let no one say when he is

tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

Some Answers :

• God limits Himself• Habakkuk 1:13 You are of purer eyes than to

behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?

Some Answers :

• It is the nature of our universe• Fire – cook food, burn a house down• Cars – travel in comfort, die in accident• Steel – build bridges & buildings, a gun• Gravity – keeps us on the ground, fall to our

death

Some Answers :

• Rules are necessary• In sports – rules are necessary• In our world – rules, are also required• Some people break the rules• Steal, kill, lie, adultery• God has rules for living – breaking them will

result in suffering

Some Answers :

• We ASSUME that suffering is always evil• Are riches always good? Is poverty bad?• Suffering can teach us some lessons– Child – stove is hot, don't touch– Sickness is often a time to think

Some Answers :

• We ASSUME that suffering is always evil– 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives." – 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with

you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? – Hebrews 12:6-7

Some Answers :

• We ASSUME that suffering is always evil– 8 But if you are without chastening, of which

all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. – 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers

who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? Hebrews 12:8-9

Some Answers :

• We ASSUME that suffering is always evil

–It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.–Psalms 119:71

Some Answers :

• Suffering builds character

–And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. –Romans 8:28

Some Answers :

• Other factors involved–For none of us lives to himself, and no

one dies to himself. –Romans 14:7–Drunk driver kills innocent family–Gravity – man falls over a railing at

ballgame

Final Answer :

• Look toward heaven

–And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." –Revelation 21:4