A Scriptural View of Suffering

Suffering Is a Part of Life We all must die and leave loved ones We all get sick from time to time Natural disasters Wars Famine Economic crises Problems with other people Victims of crime Oppression

We ask, “Why?” Especially in light of God’s goodness, power, and love Job asked and did not receive an answer Job 3:11 “Why?” was asked 28 times in Job What difference would it have made? Job refused to curse God anyway Job 1:20-22, 2:3-10 God tells us of some causes of suffering But this knowledge should strengthen our love for God and faith in God

Causes of Suffering All physical death is because we do not have access to the Tree of Life Genesis 3:22-24 Ground is cursed because of man’s sin Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 8:18-28 Natural disasters are indirect consequence of the Flood Genesis 1:6-8, 8:22, 9:8-17 Others may cause us to suffer Gen. 6:11 God may cause us to suffer John 9:1-3, Job 2:3; 1:12 We may suffer because of ourselves Luke 13:1-5

Reasons for Suffering To make us less worldly minded Romans 8 To develop patience Romans 5:1-5 To develop humility 2 Cor. 12:7 To glorify God 2 Cor. 12:7-10, John 9:1-3 Consequences of our actions 1 Peter 4:15 To learn other lessons Galatians 6:7, Amos 4 To be an example to others Proverbs 19:25

Reasons for Suffering Suffering may be a test Job 1:20-22, 1 Cor. 11:19, 2 Cor. 8:8, 9:12-15 We may suffer so that others may not suffer John 15:13-14, Romans 5:6 Sharing in Christ’s sufferings is a necessary condition of sharing Christ’s blessings Romans 8:17 Better to suffer now than later Luke 16:19-31 Suffering increases the weight of the reward 2 Cor. 4:16-18

An Opportunity Christ is the best example of blessings through suffering Hebrews 12:1-2 We should have the same attitude as God’s children Hebrews 12:3-11 Let us glorify God by faithfulness and even joy in the face of suffering Colossians 1:11-12 Resolve not to blame God or doubt Him as Job did not Be faithful until death