Why suffering? Apologetics series

What do you fear? Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1-5 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1-5

“If the innocent suffer, then …” God isn’t there … so it’s survival of the fittest God isn’t loving … so we should hate him, not worship him God isn’t powerful enough to deal with it … so let’s live for ourselves

Evil implies good; suffering points to something better Frustrations, today’s news What’s wrong with the world? Tax returns, immigration, Brexit, Trump Cancer, earthquakes, drugs, global warming Terrorism, corrupt politics, war, paedophiles Death, in various forms People doing bad things

Suffering points to God Either God created humans to suffer God made us free agents who make choices with consequences – and we made bad ones

A loving God made everything good God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Gen 1:31

God promises to use the bad for good In all things God works for the good of those who love him. Rom 8:28

There will be an end to evil He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. 2Pet 3:9,10

What’s coming is better I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Rom 8:18

Suffering can be good for us now We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Rom 4:3,4

An opportunity for faith and fruit “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33