Why is there pain and suffering? from Luke 13:1-5 and Romans 8:38-39
Picture 1: Does God Care?
- God grieves with us (John 11:35, Revelation 21:4)
Picture 2: Why Does Suffering Exist?
- Pain is real
- Imago Dei = Image of God (Genesis 1:27)
- The world is broken
- Sin (Genesis 3, Luke 13:4)
- Satan (Luke 13:16, Job 1-2)
- Sinful people (Proverbs 10:14, Luke 13:1-3, Exodus 5:1-9, John 9:1-3)
- God allows and uses suffering (John 9:1-3, Job 13:15, Romans 8:38-39)
- God uses all things in this world for his purposes (Ezekiel 18:23)
- God’s isn’t surprised by pain
- Some discomfort serves a purpose
- God often uses suffering as a means to salvation (Luke 13:5)
- Formation (Hebrews 12:5-13)
Picture 3: What Is God Doing?
- Jesus entered suffering, died and rose again giving eternal hope – now and forever.
- The church is to work against suffering and injustice as the Holy Spirit works though God’s people.
7 Different Facets Of Suffering Taught By The Bible
- God understands our suffering, loves us, and is with us in it. We see this most clearly in Jesus.
- We live in a broken world, corrupted by sin, fallen creation, human actions and, spiritual opposition.
- Staying faithful during suffering honours God and demonstrates to humans and spiritual powers that he is worthy of our trust.
- God can use suffering to form, teach, correct, and deepen our dependence upon him.
- God will ultimately defeat suffering. He will wipe away every tear.
- The Holy Spirit constrains and empowers us to address suffering whenever we see it. Times of crisis are times of opportunity, when we can show God’s love, generosity and speak gospel hope to others.
- Suffering reminds us that this life is not all there is and calls us to turn to God and live with eternity in view. God will ultimately make all things new and have the final word, in a renewed creation with no pain.
My One Thing...
What’s one thing that struck, challenged, or encouraged you today? Take 60 seconds to write it down and share it over morning tea.