The Problem of Pain

Mike MazzalongoBibleTalk.tv

The Problem of Pain

“If God is good and all powerful, why does He allow pain—Why not eliminate it?”

The Problem of Pain

“An all good and powerful God would not allow His creation to suffer and die, so therefore there must be no God since

there is suffering and death.”

The Source of Pain

Sin Causes Pain, Not God.

The Source of Pain16 The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:16-17

The Source of Pain

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

The Source of Pain

There is pain because there is sin and we are all affected by it directly or indirectly.

The Source of Pain

God exists amid the pain and through His Word He helps us understand and deal

with the pain.

The Bible & Pain

1. Pain is a Certainty

The Bible & Pain

Jesus guaranteed it.

33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

The Bible & Pain

Peter warns us not to be surprised.

12  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 1 Peter 4:12

The Bible & Pain

We can find comfort despite the pain, not avoid it altogether.

The Bible & Pain

1. Pain is a Certainty2. We are called to suffer

The Bible & Pain

21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

1 Peter 2:21

The Bible & Pain

15 Precious in the sight of the LORDIs the death of His godly ones.

Psalms 116:15

Benefits of SufferingPain brings repentance- II Cor. 2:1-9

Benefits of SufferingPain brings repentance.- II Cor. 2:1-9Pain develops empathy.- II Cor. 1:4

4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who

are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Benefits of SufferingPain brings repentance.- II Cor. 2:1-9Pain develops empathy.- II Cor. 1:4Pain draws people to God.- II Cor. 4:15

15 For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is  spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Benefits of SufferingPain brings repentance.- II Cor. 2:1-9Pain develops empathy.- II Cor. 1:4Pain draws people to God.- II Cor. 4:15Pain builds character.- Rom. 5:3

3  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

Benefits of Suffering

Pain can be anAgent for change in

ConductAttitudeFaithCharacter

The Bible & Pain

1. Pain is a Certainty2. We are called to suffer3. Pain is not for life

IE. Job

The Bible & PainGod is Fair

“ The Rock! His work is perfect,For all His ways are just;A God of faithfulness and without injustice,Righteous and upright is He.

Deut. 32:4

The Bible & Pain

God will not overburden us

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Cor. 10:13

Summary

• Sin causes pain

Summary

• Sin causes pain• Pain can be profitable

Summary

• Sin causes pain• Pain can be profitable• Pain will pass

Summary

How can the church minister to Your pain?