Subject: Suffering Title: Why Suffering? Text: Job 5:1-19

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1 Subject: Suffering Title: Why Suffering? Text: Job 5:1-19 Bulletin Blurb Friedrich Nietzsche ( ) was a German philosopher who is well known for the statement God is dead. Nietzsche said, What really raises one s indignation against suffering is not suffering intrinsically, but the senselessness of suffering. Nietzsche also said, That which does not kill us makes us stronger. These last two quotes seem contradictory to me. Nietzsche put his finger on one of the purposes for evil and suffering, they have the potential to make us stronger! However, is this all there is to suffering? The big question goes well beyond Nietzsche s seeming contradiction. The real question is this If God is good, why is there evil and so much suffering in this world? This may be one of man s most often asked philosophical questions. If you have not already, you will ask this someday! Introduction When we examine the Bible s perspective on evil, we learn that its essence is a refusal to accept the true God as God. Instead, evil elevates someone or something else in God s place (essentially idolatry). This is rebellion against God. Moral wrongdoing = primary evil Suffering = secondary evil Here s the Question: If God is good and all-knowing and all-powerful, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world? Surely He wants to prevent it, and has the ability to prevent it. So, why doesn t He? The Big Picture * Creation, Genesis 1:1 - Lucifer s Rebellion (Isaiah 14) * Fall - Genesis 3 - The Word became Flesh (John 1:1) * Redemption (Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead), I Corinthians 15:1-4 - The Gospel - Matthew 28:19, 20 Restoration - (Resurrection, New Heavens, Earth, Jerusalem) - Revelation 21 1

2 Free Choice God did not create evil, but He allowed for the potential of evil, free will. He afforded His creatures free will. Sin is the violation of God s nature, character, integrity and will. He gave His celestial and terrestrial beings free choice. This opened the door for rebellion. This is sin. This is what we might call primary evil. Sin is simply choosing against the nature, character, holiness, integrity and will of God. Why choice? God desires worship that is the direct result of one s choosing. He does not force choice, one way or the other, for or against Him (John 4:23). Three will options: - Determinism - a free act is caused by another - Indeterminism - uncaused - Self-determinism - caused by oneself Evil is not a creation in itself, it is the absence of something in something that was created good. Nothing is totally evil. Why Suffering? * Some suffering is brought on directly by our own free choice. The choice to abuse my body can result in sickness. * Some suffering is brought on indirectly by free choice. The choice to be lazy can result in poverty. * Some physical evil to others can result from our free choice as in the case of spousal or child abuse. * Others suffer indirectly because of our free choice. Alcoholism can lead to poverty that can result in depriving one s family of sustenance. * Some physical evil may be a necessary by-product of a good process. Warm air + cold air = a tornado! * Some physical evil may be a necessary condition for attaining a greater moral good. God uses pain to get our attention. Many have come to faith through suffering. * Secondary evil - suffering, trouble, trials, tribulation, problems, are the result of primary evil - i.e., immoral choices. 2

3 The consequences of the Fall of Man from Genesis 3: - Predicated on lies and half truths - Reinforced by human nature - good for food, pleasant, desire, etc. - Misery loves company 1. Eyes opened: - They knew they were deceived. - Their self-awareness changed - they were naked. - They tried to cover the consequences. 2. They hid from God: - Their relationship with God was changed to one of dread and fear. They sought to escape God s presence (atheism). 3. Blame shifting: - Shirking moral responsibility 4. Broken relationships - God & man; man to woman 5. Cursed ground - Creation Genesis 3:22 man knows evil - rebellion against the nature, character, integrity, holiness and will of God. Primary evil is the exercise of one s free will contrary to the nature, character, integrity, holiness and will of God - SIN. Secondary evil is the result of the immoral choices of free will. It is the direct and collateral damage brought to bear on a race of people who have made and make immoral choices. Even the very creation is directly affected by the immoral choices of man (hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, etc. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the fi rstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 3

4 Is Suffering Senseless? Job 5:6 Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; 7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. 8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: 9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: 10 Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: 11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety. What really raises one s indignation against suffering is not suffering intrinsically, but the senselessness of suffering. Nietzsche The Biblical Doctrine of Suffering - Is suffering senseless?? 1. The bad days of life cause us to appreciate the good ones: Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. All days are not created equal: weather, seasons, running, health 2. The random tragedies of life remind us how fragile, how vulnerable our lives are. These produce humility. Why do you think you re above problems? Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 3. Trouble causes us to realize that we are pawns on a great chessboard. It makes us aware of the fact that this thing called life is bigger than any of us. Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 4. The troublous times of life afford us the opportunity to experience and understand the pain and anguish of others. Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 4

5 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 5. The troubles of life are often times perceived as a warning that we have left the paths of righteousness. It causes introspection and self-examination. Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 6. Trouble causes us to seek help outside of ourselves, Psalm 102 Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the affl icted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. 2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. 4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. 5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. 8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, 10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11 My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. 12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. 13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come. 14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. 15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. 18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. 19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; 20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; 21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; 22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. 23 He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. 24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 5

6 25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. 28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee. 7. Trouble brings patience, experience and hope. Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 8. Trouble causes us to pool our resources; it can bring us together. 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 9. Trouble can position us exactly where God wants us to be so that we can be used by Him: Humble, broken, meek, open. Psalm 51:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justifi ed when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 6

7 16 For thou desirest not sacrifi ce; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifi ces of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifi ces of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. TROUBLE CAN MAKE US BITTER OR BETTER 10. Trouble affords us the opportunity to be Christ in someone else s life. * By offering help - The Good Samaritan * By showing hope - Paul, II Timothy 4, fought a good fi ght Predictors - They help mold the future. Reminders - We are not self sufficient. Opportunities - They cause us to think creatively. Blessings - They open doors we would not necessarily go through. Lessons - Each new challenge is our teacher. Everywhere - No place or person is excluded. Messages - They warn us of potential disaster. Solvable - No problem is without a solution. It doesn t matter so much what happens TO ME as what happens IN ME. 7