By Few Other Means Hebrews 12:3-16 pg 1870 pg 1190

Why do bad things happend to good people? Why do bad things happend to good people? If God is all powerful and loving, how can he allow these things to happen (to me)? If God is all powerful and loving, how can he allow these things to happen (to me)? Life is Hard 4

Romans 3:10-11 Romans 3:10-11 None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God. None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God. Conclusion: There are no good people. So therefore, God is punishing all people for their rebellion against him. Everyone is getting what they deserve! Conclusion: There are no good people. So therefore, God is punishing all people for their rebellion against him. Everyone is getting what they deserve! Why do bad things happen to good people? 5 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Ezekiel 33:1 As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; Ezekiel 33:1 As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live;

Every time something bad happens to a “good” person, it’s because that person did something to deserve it! Every time something bad happens to a “good” person, it’s because that person did something to deserve it! Job’s friends Job’s friends Why do bad things happen to good people? 6 Job 11:13-15 (Zophar) “If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. Job 11:13-15 (Zophar) “If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

God is tempting people to see if they will sin against him. God is tempting people to see if they will sin against him. James 1:13-15 James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. Why do bad things happen to good people? 7

God doesn’t really care about people. They are a nuisance to Him. He created everything good, man messed it up and now man has to deal with the mess on his own! God doesn’t really care about people. They are a nuisance to Him. He created everything good, man messed it up and now man has to deal with the mess on his own! John 3:16 - “For God so loved...” John 3:16 - “For God so loved...” Hebrews 13:5 - “Never will I leave...” Hebrews 13:5 - “Never will I leave...” Why do bad things happen to good people?

Jewish Christians who had & were again experiencing tough times Jewish Christians who had & were again experiencing tough times Likely struggling with the question, “Why do these bad things keep happening to us (good people)?” Likely struggling with the question, “Why do these bad things keep happening to us (good people)?” Had a very narrow, self-focused view of God’s working on earth! Had a very narrow, self-focused view of God’s working on earth! Hebrews Background 9

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 10

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 11

Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12:3-4 12

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6 Hebrews 12:10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always for our good, so that we might share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always for our good, so that we might share in his holiness. 13

Discipline Corrective measure Corrective measure Done out of love Done out of love For the good of the person For the good of the person Not necessarily in response to behavior Not necessarily in response to behaviorPunishment Retribution (pay back) Retribution (pay back) Done out of dislike (condemnation) Done out of dislike (condemnation) For the harm of the person For the harm of the person Always in response to behavior Always in response to behavior Discipline vs. Punishment Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son... Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son... 14

Outer Man (mortal flesh/baggage) Life of Christ

Outer Man (mortal flesh/baggage)

Outwardcircumstances Life of Christ

“I’m sick of my parents. I’m going to move in with some Christian roommates” Life of Christ Outer Man (mortal flesh/baggage)

Life of Christ “I’m sick of my parents. I’m going to move in with some Christian roommates” Outer Man (mortal flesh/baggage)

“I’m sick of these selfish guys. I’m going to get married!” Life of Christ Outer Man (mortal flesh/baggage)

“I’m sick of these selfish guys. I’m going to get married!” Life of Christ Outer Man (mortal flesh/baggage)

The process of life out of death The spiritual baby

The process of life out of death A teenage believer

The process of life out of death A mature believer Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Because God loves us... Because God loves us... He uses it to discipline/train us He uses it to discipline/train us He allows it for our good He allows it for our good He produces the life of Jesus through us when we submit to His discipline He produces the life of Jesus through us when we submit to His discipline Why do bad things happen to good people? 25

God is always with us God is always with us Hebrews 13:5 “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you!” Hebrews 13:5 “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you!” The Holy Spirit is in us The Holy Spirit is in us Romans 8:15 - “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 - “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Gospel Promises

The power of Jesus works within us The power of Jesus works within us Colossians 1:29 - “That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” Colossians 1:29 - “That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” Gospel Promises 27

12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Hebrews 12:

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 29

15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Hebrews 12:15 30

15...Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. Hebrews 12:

The Christian life is a marathon... The Christian life is a marathon... We must keep our mental focus on Jesus and remember his life as motivation and encouragement We must keep our mental focus on Jesus and remember his life as motivation and encouragement In this race, we will experience discipline from God because He loves us. This is meant to help us jettison extra baggage so we can run better In this race, we will experience discipline from God because He loves us. This is meant to help us jettison extra baggage so we can run better Conclusion

The Christian life is a marathon... The Christian life is a marathon... In response to God’s discipline we are called to In response to God’s discipline we are called to keep on the right path in the race keep on the right path in the race help others stay on the right path help others stay on the right path live in the good news of God’s awesome grace live in the good news of God’s awesome grace Conclusion

Comments/Questions?

Corporate Prayer