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Why is there Why is there suffering in the suffering in the world? world?

Why is there suffering in the world?. Why do some suffer defeat?

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Page 1: Why is there suffering in the world?. Why do some suffer defeat?

Why is there suffering Why is there suffering in the world?in the world?

Page 2: Why is there suffering in the world?. Why do some suffer defeat?

Why do some suffer defeat?Why do some suffer defeat?

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Why do people suffer?Why do people suffer?

I.I. Suffering exists.Suffering exists.

II.II. Christ and SufferingChrist and Suffering

III.III. The Story of Job: Real suffering.The Story of Job: Real suffering.

IV.IV. Real Pain: How to survive in the real Real Pain: How to survive in the real world. world.

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Suffering happensSuffering happens

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Some try to deny or Some try to deny or downplay suffering.downplay suffering.

►1) There is physical pain.1) There is physical pain.►2) Emotional trauma- getting dumped.2) Emotional trauma- getting dumped.►3) The death of a loved one.3) The death of a loved one.►4) Fears- 4) Fears-

►Any stories you wish to share?Any stories you wish to share?

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Does sin cause suffering?Does sin cause suffering?

►1) Most times sin will cause you pain 1) Most times sin will cause you pain and suffering. But this is the direct and suffering. But this is the direct result of sin. In other words, you steal result of sin. In other words, you steal something and get caught. You then something and get caught. You then have to suffer the consequences. have to suffer the consequences.

►2) But some suffering is not directly 2) But some suffering is not directly the result of a sin. the result of a sin.

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Just to remind you of Josh. Just to remind you of Josh.

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But won’t Christ protect me But won’t Christ protect me from suffering?from suffering?

►     No, Just the opposite. From Mat 16: 21 From then on Jesus began to No, Just the opposite. From Mat 16: 21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would Jerusalem, and that he would suffersuffer many terrible things at the many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.the dead.

►       22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying 22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”to you!”

►       23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You 23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”human point of view, not from God’s.”

►       24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross,take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come anything worth more than your soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. according to their deeds.

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Colossians 1Colossians 1

►       24 -25I want you to know how glad I am 24 -25I want you to know how glad I am that it's me sitting here in this jail and not that it's me sitting here in this jail and not you. There's a lot of suffering to be you. There's a lot of suffering to be entered into in this world—the kind of entered into in this world—the kind of suffering Christ takes on. I welcome the suffering Christ takes on. I welcome the chance to take my share in the church's chance to take my share in the church's part of that suffering. When I became a part of that suffering. When I became a servant in this church, I experienced this servant in this church, I experienced this suffering as a sheer gift, God's way of suffering as a sheer gift, God's way of helping me serve you, laying out the helping me serve you, laying out the whole truth. whole truth.

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III) The story of JobIII) The story of Job

►One of the great stories of the bible One of the great stories of the bible deals directly with suffering: Job. deals directly with suffering: Job.

► Job is wealthy and true to God. In this Job is wealthy and true to God. In this story, God allows Satin to make Job’s story, God allows Satin to make Job’s life miserable to test Job. Will Job life miserable to test Job. Will Job break and go against God or will Job break and go against God or will Job stay true to God? stay true to God?

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Job 1Job 1► Sometime later, while Job's children were having one of their parties at the home Sometime later, while Job's children were having one of their parties at the home

of the oldest son, a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing of the oldest son, a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing in the field next to us when Sabeans attacked. They and the donkeys grazing in the field next to us when Sabeans attacked. They stole the animals and killed the field hands. I'm the only one to get out alive and stole the animals and killed the field hands. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened." tell you what happened."

►       16 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Bolts of 16 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Bolts of lightning struck the sheep and the shepherds and fried them—burned them to a lightning struck the sheep and the shepherds and fried them—burned them to a crisp. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened." crisp. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened."

►       17 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Chaldeans 17 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Chaldeans coming from three directions raided the camels and massacred the camel coming from three directions raided the camels and massacred the camel drivers. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened." drivers. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened."

►       18 -19 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Your 18 -19 While he was still talking, another messenger arrived and said, "Your children were having a party at the home of the oldest brother when a tornado children were having a party at the home of the oldest brother when a tornado swept in off the desert and struck the house. It collapsed on the young people swept in off the desert and struck the house. It collapsed on the young people and they died. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened." and they died. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened."

►       20 Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground 20 Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped: and worshiped:

   21 Naked I came from my mother's womb,    21 Naked I came from my mother's womb,    naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes.    naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes.    God's name be ever blessed.    God's name be ever blessed.

►       22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God. 22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.

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Job 3Job 3►   1 -2Then Job broke the silence. He spoke up and cursed his fate: 3 -1 -2Then Job broke the silence. He spoke up and cursed his fate: 3 -

10 "Obliterate the day I was born. Blank out the night I was 10 "Obliterate the day I was born. Blank out the night I was conceived! Let it be a black hole in space. conceived! Let it be a black hole in space.    May God above forget it ever happened.    May God above forget it ever happened.    Erase it from the books! May the day of my birth be buried in deep    Erase it from the books! May the day of my birth be buried in deep darkness, darkness,    shrouded by the fog,    shrouded by the fog,    swallowed by the night. And the night of my conception—the devil    swallowed by the night. And the night of my conception—the devil take it! take it!    Rip the date off the calendar,    Rip the date off the calendar,    delete it from the almanac. Oh, turn that night into pure    delete it from the almanac. Oh, turn that night into pure nothingness— nothingness—    no sounds of pleasure from that night, ever! May those who are    no sounds of pleasure from that night, ever! May those who are good at cursing curse that day. good at cursing curse that day.    Unleash the sea beast, Leviathan, on it. May its morning stars turn    Unleash the sea beast, Leviathan, on it. May its morning stars turn to black cinders, to black cinders,    waiting for a daylight that never comes,    waiting for a daylight that never comes,    never once seeing the first light of dawn. And why? Because it    never once seeing the first light of dawn. And why? Because it released me from my mother's womb released me from my mother's womb    into a life with so much trouble.    into a life with so much trouble.

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Job 5Job 5►   One of his friends:One of his friends:►   8 -16 "If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God, 8 -16 "If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God,

   I'd throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he's famous for    I'd throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; great and unexpected acts;    there's no end to his surprises. He gives rain, for instance, across    there's no end to his surprises. He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, the wide earth,    sends water to irrigate the fields. He raises up the down-and-out,    sends water to irrigate the fields. He raises up the down-and-out,    gives firm footing to those sinking in grief. He aborts the schemes    gives firm footing to those sinking in grief. He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks, of conniving crooks,    so that none of their plots come to term. He catches the know-it-   so that none of their plots come to term. He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies— alls in their conspiracies—    all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash! Suddenly they're    all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash! Suddenly they're disoriented, plunged into darkness; disoriented, plunged into darkness;    they can't see to put one foot in front of the other. But the    they can't see to put one foot in front of the other. But the downtrodden are saved by God, downtrodden are saved by God,    saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist. And so    saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist. And so the poor continue to hope, the poor continue to hope,    while injustice is bound and gagged.    while injustice is bound and gagged.

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Job 6Job 6► God Has Dumped the Works on MeGod Has Dumped the Works on Me►       1 -7 Job answered: 1 -7 Job answered: ►       "If my misery could be weighed, "If my misery could be weighed,

   if you could pile the whole bitter load on the scales, It would be heavier than all the    if you could pile the whole bitter load on the scales, It would be heavier than all the sand of the sea! sand of the sea!    Is it any wonder that I'm screaming like a caged cat? The arrows of God Almighty are    Is it any wonder that I'm screaming like a caged cat? The arrows of God Almighty are in me, in me,    poison arrows—and I'm poisoned all through!    poison arrows—and I'm poisoned all through!    God has dumped the whole works on me. Donkeys bray and cows moo when they run    God has dumped the whole works on me. Donkeys bray and cows moo when they run out of pasture— out of pasture—    so don't expect me to keep quiet in this. Do you see what God has dished out for me?    so don't expect me to keep quiet in this. Do you see what God has dished out for me?    It's enough to turn anyone's stomach! Everything in me is repulsed by it—    It's enough to turn anyone's stomach! Everything in me is repulsed by it—    it makes me sick.    it makes me sick.

► Pressed Past the LimitsPressed Past the Limits►       ►       8 -13 "All I want is an answer to one prayer, 8 -13 "All I want is an answer to one prayer,

   a last request to be honored: Let God step on me—squash me like a bug,    a last request to be honored: Let God step on me—squash me like a bug,    and be done with me for good. I'd at least have the satisfaction    and be done with me for good. I'd at least have the satisfaction    of not having blasphemed the Holy God,    of not having blasphemed the Holy God,    before being pressed past the limits. Where's the strength to keep my hopes up?    before being pressed past the limits. Where's the strength to keep my hopes up?    What future do I have to keep me going? Do you think I have nerves of steel?    What future do I have to keep me going? Do you think I have nerves of steel?    Do you think I'm made of iron? Do you think I can pull myself up by my bootstraps?    Do you think I'm made of iron? Do you think I can pull myself up by my bootstraps?    Why, I don't even have any boots!    Why, I don't even have any boots!

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Job 35Job 35► My So-Called FriendsMy So-Called Friends►       ►       14 -23 "When desperate people give up on God Almighty, 14 -23 "When desperate people give up on God Almighty,

   their friends, at least, should stick with them. But my brothers are fickle as a gulch in the    their friends, at least, should stick with them. But my brothers are fickle as a gulch in the desert— desert—    one day they're gushing with water From melting ice and snow    one day they're gushing with water From melting ice and snow    cascading out of the mountains, But by midsummer they're dry,    cascading out of the mountains, But by midsummer they're dry,    gullies baked dry in the sun. Travelers who spot them and go out of their way for a drink    gullies baked dry in the sun. Travelers who spot them and go out of their way for a drink    end up in a waterless gulch and die of thirst. Merchant caravans from Tema see them and    end up in a waterless gulch and die of thirst. Merchant caravans from Tema see them and expect water, expect water,    tourists from Sheba hope for a cool drink. They arrive so confident—but what a    tourists from Sheba hope for a cool drink. They arrive so confident—but what a disappointment! disappointment!    They get there, and their faces fall! And you, my so-called friends, are no better—    They get there, and their faces fall! And you, my so-called friends, are no better—       there's nothing to you!       there's nothing to you!    One look at a hard scene and you shrink in fear. It's not as though I asked you for    One look at a hard scene and you shrink in fear. It's not as though I asked you for anything— anything—    I didn't ask you for one red cent— Nor did I beg you to go out on a limb for me.    I didn't ask you for one red cent— Nor did I beg you to go out on a limb for me.    So why all this dodging and shuffling? 24 -27 "Confront me with the truth and I'll shut up,    So why all this dodging and shuffling? 24 -27 "Confront me with the truth and I'll shut up,    show me where I've gone off the track. Honest words never hurt anyone,    show me where I've gone off the track. Honest words never hurt anyone,    but what's the point of all this pious bluster? You pretend to tell me what's wrong with my    but what's the point of all this pious bluster? You pretend to tell me what's wrong with my life, life,    but treat my words of anguish as so much hot air. Are people mere things to you?    but treat my words of anguish as so much hot air. Are people mere things to you?    Are friends just items of profit and loss? 28 -30 "Look me in the eyes!    Are friends just items of profit and loss? 28 -30 "Look me in the eyes!    Do you think I'd lie to your face? Think it over—no double-talk!    Do you think I'd lie to your face? Think it over—no double-talk!    Think carefully—my integrity is on the line! Can you detect anything false in what I say?    Think carefully—my integrity is on the line! Can you detect anything false in what I say?    Don't you trust me to discern good from evil?"    Don't you trust me to discern good from evil?"

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God answers Job: 37God answers Job: 37

►   1 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: 1 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said: ►       2 -11 "Why do you confuse the issue? 2 -11 "Why do you confuse the issue?

   Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about? Pull yourself together, Job!    Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about? Pull yourself together, Job!    Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you,    Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you,    and I want some straight answers. Where were you when I created the earth?    and I want some straight answers. Where were you when I created the earth?    Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!    Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!    Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured,    Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured,    and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus    and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus    and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean    and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean    when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,    when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,    and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it,    and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it,    a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose, And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.    a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose, And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.    Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'    Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.'

   12 -15 "And have you ever ordered Morning, 'Get up!'    12 -15 "And have you ever ordered Morning, 'Get up!'    told Dawn, 'Get to work!' So you could seize Earth like a blanket    told Dawn, 'Get to work!' So you could seize Earth like a blanket    and shake out the wicked like cockroaches? As the sun brings everything to light,    and shake out the wicked like cockroaches? As the sun brings everything to light,    brings out all the colors and shapes, The cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked—    brings out all the colors and shapes, The cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked—    they're caught in the very act!    they're caught in the very act!

   16 -18 "Have you ever gotten to the true bottom of things,    16 -18 "Have you ever gotten to the true bottom of things,    explored the labyrinthine caves of deep ocean? Do you know the first thing about death?    explored the labyrinthine caves of deep ocean? Do you know the first thing about death?    Do you have one clue regarding death's dark mysteries?    Do you have one clue regarding death's dark mysteries?

►       Speak up if you have even the beginning of an answer. Speak up if you have even the beginning of an answer.

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Job 38Job 38► 1 -2God then confronted Job directly: "Now what do you have to say for yourself? 1 -2God then confronted Job directly: "Now what do you have to say for yourself?

   Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?"    Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?" Job Answers GodJob Answers God►         ► I'm Ready to Shut Up and ListenI'm Ready to Shut Up and Listen►       ►       3 -5 Job answered: 3 -5 Job answered: ►       "I'm speechless, in awe—words fail me. "I'm speechless, in awe—words fail me.

   I should never have opened my mouth! I've talked too much, way too much.    I should never have opened my mouth! I've talked too much, way too much.    I'm ready to shut up and listen."    I'm ready to shut up and listen."

► God's Second Set of QuestionsGod's Second Set of Questions        ► I Want Straight AnswersI Want Straight Answers►       ►       6 -7 God addressed Job next from the eye of the storm, and this is what he said: 6 -7 God addressed Job next from the eye of the storm, and this is what he said: ►       "I have some more questions for you, "I have some more questions for you,

   and I want straight answers.    and I want straight answers.

   8 -14 "Do you presume to tell me what I'm doing wrong?    8 -14 "Do you presume to tell me what I'm doing wrong?    Are you calling me a sinner so you can be a saint? Do you have an arm like my arm?    Are you calling me a sinner so you can be a saint? Do you have an arm like my arm?    Can you shout in thunder the way I can? Go ahead, show your stuff.    Can you shout in thunder the way I can? Go ahead, show your stuff.    Let's see what you're made of, what you can do. Unleash your outrage.    Let's see what you're made of, what you can do. Unleash your outrage.    Target the arrogant and lay them flat. Target the arrogant and bring them to their knees.    Target the arrogant and lay them flat. Target the arrogant and bring them to their knees.    Stop the wicked in their tracks—make mincemeat of them! Dig a mass grave and dump them in it—    Stop the wicked in their tracks—make mincemeat of them! Dig a mass grave and dump them in it—    faceless corpses in an unmarked grave. I'll gladly step aside and hand things over to you—    faceless corpses in an unmarked grave. I'll gladly step aside and hand things over to you—    you can surely save yourself with no help from me!    you can surely save yourself with no help from me!

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Job 41Job 41► 1 -6 Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do 1 -6 Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do

anything and everything. anything and everything.    Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked,    Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, 'Who is this muddying the water,    ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my    ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, things far beyond me,    made small talk about wonders way over my head.    made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking. You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.    Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.' I    Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.' I admit I once lived by rumors of you; admit I once lived by rumors of you;    now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and    now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! promise!    I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of    I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor." rumor."

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Job 42Job 42

►God: My friend Job will pray for you, and I will God: My friend Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer. He will ask me not to treat accept his prayer. He will ask me not to treat you as you deserve for talking nonsense about you as you deserve for talking nonsense about me, and for not being honest with me, as he me, and for not being honest with me, as he has." has."

►       9 They did it. Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the 9 They did it. Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did what Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did what God commanded. And God accepted Job's God commanded. And God accepted Job's prayer. prayer.

►       10 -11 After Job had interceded for his friends, 10 -11 After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it! God restored his fortune—and then doubled it!

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So what’s the point?So what’s the point?

► 1) Job’s suffering was not directly explained. 1) Job’s suffering was not directly explained. Instead the idea is that God has his reasons Instead the idea is that God has his reasons for acting and we should not think we have for acting and we should not think we have better answers. better answers.

► 2)We should be humble and admit we do 2)We should be humble and admit we do not know why some things happen, but not know why some things happen, but there is a plan.there is a plan.

► 3) The power of God chastised Job and Job 3) The power of God chastised Job and Job could only ask for God’s forgiveness.could only ask for God’s forgiveness.

► 4) God forgave Job and restored his fortune.4) God forgave Job and restored his fortune.

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James 5James 5

►   10 For examples of patience in 10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

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What might be the point of all What might be the point of all this?this?

►Why did Christ have to suffer?Why did Christ have to suffer?►Why do we have to suffer?Why do we have to suffer?► Job clearly states God’s plan is not Job clearly states God’s plan is not

knowable. We don’t know all the knowable. We don’t know all the reasons for suffering. reasons for suffering.

►Why does God not end all the suffering Why does God not end all the suffering and just get it over and have Jesus and just get it over and have Jesus come a 2come a 2ndnd time? time?

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So you see God is waiting on So you see God is waiting on us.us.

►He wants the max number to have the He wants the max number to have the change at repentance. The max change at repentance. The max number to hear the Word of God. The number to hear the Word of God. The max number to get to heaven.max number to get to heaven.

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Should we seek suffering?Should we seek suffering?11stst James 2 James 2

► 19 For God is pleased with you when you do 19 For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. 20 Of course, you get no unfair treatment. 20 Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patientlyand endure it patiently, God is pleased with , God is pleased with you.you.

►       21 For God called you to do good, even if it 21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.in his steps.

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11stst James 4 James 4►     1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with 1 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with

the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.

► 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

►       14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the 14 So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. 15 If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? 18 And also, also,

►    “   “If the righteous are barely saved,If the righteous are barely saved,      what will happen to godless sinners?”      what will happen to godless sinners?”

►       19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what 19 So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.you.

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IV) So how to survive in the real IV) So how to survive in the real adult world.adult world.

►1) The goal when suffering hits is to 1) The goal when suffering hits is to persevere. persevere.

►2) But there is something you can do 2) But there is something you can do NOW to help prepare: Daily Bible NOW to help prepare: Daily Bible Reading.Reading.

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Why is daily Bible Study Why is daily Bible Study important?important?

►1) Like an athlete who trains to get 1) Like an athlete who trains to get through the ‘big’ game you need to through the ‘big’ game you need to train to get through life.train to get through life.

►2) Just like you study before a test, you 2) Just like you study before a test, you have to study the bible. The test is real have to study the bible. The test is real life often involves suffering. life often involves suffering.

►3) The routine of a daily bible study 3) The routine of a daily bible study provides incredible comfort when you provides incredible comfort when you have to suffer and in bad times.have to suffer and in bad times.

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How about an example?How about an example?

► "It Is Well with My Soul""It Is Well with My Soul" is a very influential is a very influential hymnhymn penned by hymnist penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss.Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss.

► This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. S.S. Ville du HavreVille du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business , but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

► The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor.

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► It Is Well With My SoulIt Is Well With My Soul► When peace like a river, attendeth my way,When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;When sorrows like sea billows roll;Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,It is well, it is well, with my soul.It is well, it is well, with my soul.

► Refrain:Refrain:It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,It is well, it is well, with my soul.It is well, it is well, with my soul.

► Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Let this blest assurance control,Let this blest assurance control,That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,And hath shed His own blood for my soul.And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

► My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!My sin, not in part but the whole,My sin, not in part but the whole,Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

► For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:If Jordan above me shall roll,If Jordan above me shall roll,No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

► But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,The sky, not the grave, is our goal;The sky, not the grave, is our goal;Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

► And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,Even so, it is well with my soul.Even so, it is well with my soul.

► Horatio SpaffordHoratio Spafford

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So listen to the song and hear So listen to the song and hear the words of a person who went the words of a person who went

through real suffering.through real suffering.

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Why?Why?

I.I. Suffering exists.Suffering exists.

II.II. Christ and Suffering.Christ and Suffering.

III.III. The Story of Job: Real suffering.The Story of Job: Real suffering.

IV.IV. Real Pain: How to survive in the real Real Pain: How to survive in the real world. world.

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► If Only Someone Would Give Me a Hearing!If Only Someone Would Give Me a Hearing!►       ►       24 -28 "Did I set my heart on making big money 24 -28 "Did I set my heart on making big money

   or worship at the bank? Did I boast about my wealth,    or worship at the bank? Did I boast about my wealth,    show off because I was well-off? Was I ever so awed by the sun's brilliance    show off because I was well-off? Was I ever so awed by the sun's brilliance    and moved by the moon's beauty That I let myself become seduced by them    and moved by the moon's beauty That I let myself become seduced by them    and worshiped them on the sly? If so, I would deserve the worst of punishments,    and worshiped them on the sly? If so, I would deserve the worst of punishments,    for I would be betraying God himself.    for I would be betraying God himself.

   29 -30 "Did I ever crow over my enemy's ruin?    29 -30 "Did I ever crow over my enemy's ruin?    Or gloat over my rival's bad luck? No, I never said a word of detraction,    Or gloat over my rival's bad luck? No, I never said a word of detraction,    never cursed them, even under my breath.    never cursed them, even under my breath.

   31 -34 "Didn't those who worked for me say,    31 -34 "Didn't those who worked for me say,    'He fed us well. There were always second helpings'? And no stranger ever had to spend a night in the street;    'He fed us well. There were always second helpings'? And no stranger ever had to spend a night in the street;    my doors were always open to travelers. Did I hide my sin the way Adam did,    my doors were always open to travelers. Did I hide my sin the way Adam did,    or conceal my guilt behind closed doors Because I was afraid what people would say,    or conceal my guilt behind closed doors Because I was afraid what people would say,    fearing the gossip of the neighbors so much That I turned myself into a recluse?    fearing the gossip of the neighbors so much That I turned myself into a recluse?    You know good and well that I didn't.    You know good and well that I didn't.

   35 -37 "Oh, if only someone would give me a hearing!    35 -37 "Oh, if only someone would give me a hearing!    I've signed my name to my defense—let the    I've signed my name to my defense—let the       Almighty One answer!       Almighty One answer!    I want to see my indictment in writing. Anyone's welcome to read my defense;    I want to see my indictment in writing. Anyone's welcome to read my defense;    I'll write it on a poster and carry it around town. I'm prepared to account for every move I've ever made—    I'll write it on a poster and carry it around town. I'm prepared to account for every move I've ever made—    to anyone and everyone, prince or pauper.    to anyone and everyone, prince or pauper.

   38 -40 "If the very ground that I farm accuses me,    38 -40 "If the very ground that I farm accuses me,    if even the furrows fill with tears from my abuse, If I've ever raped the earth for my own profit    if even the furrows fill with tears from my abuse, If I've ever raped the earth for my own profit    or dispossessed its rightful owners, Then curse it with thistles instead of wheat,    or dispossessed its rightful owners, Then curse it with thistles instead of wheat,    curse it with weeds instead of barley."    curse it with weeds instead of barley."

►       The words of Job to his three friends were finished. The words of Job to his three friends were finished.

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Job shows this clearly.Job shows this clearly.►

Passage Job 31 :Passage Job 31 :Job 31Job 31

► What Can I Expect from God?What Can I Expect from God?►       1 -4"I made a solemn pact with myself never to undress a girl with my eyes. So what can I expect from God? 1 -4"I made a solemn pact with myself never to undress a girl with my eyes. So what can I expect from God?

   What do I deserve from God Almighty above? Isn't calamity reserved for the wicked?    What do I deserve from God Almighty above? Isn't calamity reserved for the wicked?    Isn't disaster supposed to strike those who do wrong? Isn't God looking, observing how I live?    Isn't disaster supposed to strike those who do wrong? Isn't God looking, observing how I live?    Doesn't he mark every step I take?    Doesn't he mark every step I take?

   5 -8 "Have I walked hand in hand with falsehood,    5 -8 "Have I walked hand in hand with falsehood,    or hung out in the company of deceit? Weigh me on a set of honest scales    or hung out in the company of deceit? Weigh me on a set of honest scales    so God has proof of my integrity. If I've strayed off the straight and narrow,    so God has proof of my integrity. If I've strayed off the straight and narrow,    wanted things I had no right to,    wanted things I had no right to,    messed around with sin, Go ahead, then—    messed around with sin, Go ahead, then—    give my portion to someone who deserves it.    give my portion to someone who deserves it.

   9 -12 "If I've let myself be seduced by a woman    9 -12 "If I've let myself be seduced by a woman    and conspired to go to bed with her, Fine, my wife has every right to go ahead    and conspired to go to bed with her, Fine, my wife has every right to go ahead    and sleep with anyone she wants to. For disgusting behavior like that,    and sleep with anyone she wants to. For disgusting behavior like that,    I'd deserve the worst punishment you could hand out. Adultery is a fire that burns the house down;    I'd deserve the worst punishment you could hand out. Adultery is a fire that burns the house down;    I wouldn't expect anything I count dear to survive it.    I wouldn't expect anything I count dear to survive it.

   13 -15 "Have I ever been unfair to my employees    13 -15 "Have I ever been unfair to my employees    when they brought a complaint to me? What, then, will I do when God confronts me?    when they brought a complaint to me? What, then, will I do when God confronts me?    When God examines my books, what can I say? Didn't the same God who made me, make them?    When God examines my books, what can I say? Didn't the same God who made me, make them?    Aren't we all made of the same stuff, equals before God?    Aren't we all made of the same stuff, equals before God?

   16 -18 "Have I ignored the needs of the poor,    16 -18 "Have I ignored the needs of the poor,    turned my back on the indigent, Taken care of my own needs and fed my own face    turned my back on the indigent, Taken care of my own needs and fed my own face    while they languished? Wasn't my home always open to them?    while they languished? Wasn't my home always open to them?    Weren't they always welcome at my table?    Weren't they always welcome at my table?

   19 -20 "Have I ever left a poor family shivering in the cold    19 -20 "Have I ever left a poor family shivering in the cold    when they had no warm clothes? Didn't the poor bless me when they saw me coming,    when they had no warm clothes? Didn't the poor bless me when they saw me coming,    knowing I'd brought coats from my closet?    knowing I'd brought coats from my closet?

   21 -23 "If I've ever used my strength and influence    21 -23 "If I've ever used my strength and influence    to take advantage of the unfortunate, Go ahead, break both my arms,    to take advantage of the unfortunate, Go ahead, break both my arms,    cut off all my fingers! The fear of God has kept me from these things—    cut off all my fingers! The fear of God has kept me from these things—    how else could I ever face him?    how else could I ever face him?

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Why does God allow the Why does God allow the suffering to continue?suffering to continue?

►We know at some point this world will We know at some point this world will cease to exist. We know that Christ cease to exist. We know that Christ will come again. will come again.

►A pastor in California recently gave a A pastor in California recently gave a sermon that in part dealt with the sermon that in part dealt with the topic.topic.

►So in itunes we will see an excerpt So in itunes we will see an excerpt from that sermon. from that sermon.

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The emotion of suffering will The emotion of suffering will overwhelm logic.overwhelm logic.

►When you face really bad suffering, no When you face really bad suffering, no logic in the world will heal the pain. logic in the world will heal the pain.