If God is good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world? In this message, we look at a question that has kept many people from God and has caused others to fall away from God. We explore what the Bible has to say about the cause and purpose of suffering. If you've got your own questions about suffering or are having trouble answering other's questions, invest some time in listening to this message.
Why Is There Suffering?
GodQuest – Part 4
Life Church St. Louis – October 23, 2011
Pastor Dan Walker
Acts 17:11 (NIV) Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
1. God’s good creation included ______________
Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV) And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."
A.____________ were given choice
2 Peter 2:4 (NIV) For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment.
B. Mankind made the ____________ choice
Genesis 3:17 (NIV) To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.
2. Wrong choices bring pain and ________________
A. _____________ is the cause of suffering
Job 1:1 (NIV) In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.
Job 1:12 (NIV) The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
B. God works ___________ through suffering
Hebrews 5:8 (NIV) Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
3. God will one day ____________ suffering
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
A. Hell’s suffering is reserved for _______________
Matthew 13:41-42 (NIV) The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
B. Heaven’s glory is reserved for _______________
Matthew 13:43 (NIV) Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.