Evil and Suffering - Part 3

 The Christian Response to Evil and Suffering

Mark = "Jesus has all authority....."
Why then is there Evil and Suffering??  - Question has been asked for years.

Even though there is no totally satisfying answer,
there are many good, helpful partial answers.
God did not create evil, but he capacity for evil.

For example:  evil and suffering exist because freewill brings about sin which brings about a fallen world.
AND, anything contrary to God's will and design is detrimental   (which results in some kind of suffering!!)

Also, (example)  God uses all things to create some good!  - Rom. 8:28

So... suffering can serve to protect us, get our attention, to prune us, teach us, develop us ... example:  temper

Now .... one more message in the Series:  (this = more of an application)

ie:  How is a Christian (a believer) to React to pain and suffering?
ie:  how to respond (behave) in light of its presence and continuance?

(the first 2 messages were more about understanding)   (today = more about responding .. practical application!!)

#1.  Accept the (universal) fact of suffering - there's never going to be a utopia or nirvana here on this earth!
1 Pet. 4:12 - context = suffering for the faith!!   But .. a broader application = same thing!!
(Christian) life also = pleasure, joy, expectation!!  BUT... following Christ does not exempt from suffering!!

#2.  Develop a Biblical (not personal) View of evil and suffering. 
On one hand, the Bible does NOT have all the answers!  However, it does have some very good answers!! 
Example:  the "pie" from last week

Be prepared to SHARE that Biblical viewpoint!
1 Peter 3:15 - this takes a bit of responsibility

#3.  Feel free to lament evil and suffering
ie:  both personal and universal!
Example:  Psm. 88:1-3, 6-8, 13-14, 18 - Roughly 1/3 of the book of Psalms = laments

Laments = Scriptural and acceptable because
      (1) we cry out when we hurt!
      (2) we cry out when we are confused!
      (3)  our Father understands BOTH (cries and confusion)

Allow others to lament - Prov. 25;20, 1 Pet. 3:15 - "with gentleness and respect"

Contrast:  challenging God (when in pain and confusion) - (whole book of Job) with Rejecting God because of pain and confusion.

#4.  Suffer well (properly - as Christians)
Example:  1 Thess. 4:13 - not called to suffer, are called to suffer properly!!
Suffering well benefits you, those around you, AND testifies to the Faith!

#5. Suffer with those who suffer
Rom. 12:15, 11 Cor. 1:3-5
This not necessary to give answers!! - often just means be a supporting presence!!

#6.  Be willing to suffer for others  (redemptive suffering)
Gal. 6:2, 10 - be willing ot sacrifice own comfort to relieve sufferings of another!

#7.  Don't waste your sufferings (you ARE going to suffer)
Put them to work for you ...  let God use them for you ... to make you better!

Maybe while intense leads you to weep, cry, mourn, and question, BUT eventually??? stay there?  or move on?

#8.  Remain Hopeful (in the Christian sense of hope)
ie:  ending with confidence!!!  example:  Psm. 13:1-6 - lament Psalm  (most laments END as Vs. 6)
This = terrible but temporary... God will compensate and eradicate..... I'll be satisfied!!

#9.  Seek His Presence
On one hand, scream, cry, plead... however, when over .. cling to (trust) the Father!

#10.  Trust His goodness (His timing, wisdom, etc.)
This is not always easy!!  BUT - Rom. 11:33
I don't understand, but He does!!

In the end, will you trust Him?  commit to Him?
This is the Christian Faith!!!

Closing Scripture:

2 Cor. 4:16-18