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