NOTES Why? Week #2 (PAIN) Pastor Tim June 11, 2017 A World vs. A World Some of the harsh things in this world are by a God who is simply enforcing. One thing good about this world is that normally God doesn t the law of the. God is not the of evil and suffering, but he does it with. It s impossible to truly unless you have a. Though suffering is not good, God and use it to accomplish : to people to Himself to sharpen to bring about ends The day is coming when suffering will and evil will be. Any suffering we experience in this life in comparison to the good God has in store for His followers. You and I decide whether our pain in this world is going to us or us. God promises to with us our pain and suffering we will let Him.
In this world you will have trouble. (John 16:33)
Legalistic World VS Licentious World
1. Some of the harsh things in this world are initiated by a God who is simply enforcing justice.
2. One thing good about this world is that normally God doesn t violate the law of the harvest.
3. God is not the creator of evil and suffering, but he does allow it with limitations.
God is so Sovereign He can choose not to be.
God allows suffering, but he does limit it (e.g. Job 1:12; 2:6)
4. It s impossible to truly love unless you have a choice.
We can t truly love God without having the freedom to choose not to love God.
When we humans told God to shove off, He partially honored our request. Nature was cursed. Genetic breakdown and disease began. Pain and death became part of the human experience.
If God intervened every time my misused freedom was about to cause suffering for myself and others, I would not be truly free. There can be no freedom without consequences. (James Denison Wrestling with God)
5. Though suffering is not good, God can and does use it to accomplish good
5. Though suffering is not good, God can and does use it to accomplish good to draw people to Himself
The meaning and purpose of suffering in history is that it leads to repentance. Only after suffering, only after disaster does Israel, do nations, do individuals turn back to God.
Hebrews 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
God whispers to us in our pleasures, He speaks to us in our conscience, but He shouts to us in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. - C. S. Lewis
5. Though suffering is not good, God can and does use it to accomplish good to draw people to Himself to sharpen character
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)
5. Though suffering is not good, God can and does use it to accomplish good to draw people to Himself to sharpen character to bring about good ends
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20)
6. The day is coming when suffering will cease and evil will be judged.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
7. Any suffering we experience in this life pales in comparison to the good God has in store for His followers.
I would rather be in this wheelchair, knowing God, than on my feet without Him. Joni Eareckson Tada
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, & what no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
8. You and I decide whether our pain in this world is going to harden us or soften us.
If anyone could complain about the problem of innocent suffering it would be Jesus.
9. God promises to walk with us in our pain and suffering if we will let Him.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
This is what God the LORD says - the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, & life to those who walk on it... I will take hold of your hand. (Isaiah 42:5-6)
God says, I didn t create evil, but I allowed for it so that you could have the freedom to choose to love Me. And even though I don t like suffering, I can redeem it and make good come from it. And that s not my
final answer. Suffering won t always be part of the world. Someday I ll wipe it away once and for all. Someday your bliss will be so strong that your present suffering won t be worth comparing to it
In the meantime, you can decide whether your pain will make you bitter or your pain will make you better. And when you are in pain, I will be with you. I will hold your hand. I will walk with you in sorrow if you will let me.
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)