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God and Suffering (1)

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

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As we continue an examination of problems Christians face, last month we began answering some of the challenges we face as we try and reach others.     Since we have been emphasizing our need to give a defense for the hope that is in us, I want to address some of the arguments the world uses to question God and the Bible.   Some of these questions are a genuine challenge to people.   Those who want to condemn the Bible, are more than happy to bring these things up. And, if truth be known, even we as Christians struggle to answer some of these problems – whether it be trying to help someone else, or maybe even in our minds, either consciously or sub-consciously.

So in the coming lessons of this study I want to addresses some of these difficult questions in great detail.   Tonight, we begin by asking, Why is there so much suffering in the world?

1.   The problem presented
   1. One of the arguments presented by skeptics to discredit the character of God.   In fact, this is one of the most used attacks against God, and specifically the God of the Bible.     And it shakes the faith of many.
   2. The “dilemma” presented:
      “You say that God is all powerful and all good.   If so, why is there so much suffering? IF God is all good – He would not allow so much (or any) suffering.   IF God is all powerful then he could remove this suffering.   But He doesn’t. Therefore, God is either not good or not all powerful.”   And this is used to reject the existence of God, OR the God of the Bible.
   3. This is also related to evil in the world. The same arguments, and basically the same answers.
      Plus, as we consider suffering, we will address how much of it is the product of evil and sin.
   4. Often this is personal – sometimes there is anger and blame with God because of suffering in one’s own life, or the lives of their loved ones, or observations about it that he/she perceives to be unfair.     Plus, we just see so much of it in the world, we are deeply disturbed and grieved. To many, what we see just doesn’t make sense with God.
   5. In this, I will admit that I do not have all the answers.   And neither does anyone else, EXCEPT God.
2.   Some considerations about suffering
   1. First of all, this is a question that neither proves, nor disproves God. Just logically think about the argument. It has NOTHING to do with the existence of God.
      But it does address His character – Who He is.
      And in all honesty, suffering and evil are a greater dilemma for the atheist who has NO answer other than, “well, it is part of life”.   And even more problems with suffering caused by evil – because he has rejected a God given moral standard.   How can a naturalist impose a moral standard for mankind?
   2. But having said this, there is suffering (and evil) because God allows it.
      The book of Job gives an example of this where God allows Satan to afflict Job (Job 1 & 2).
      But the question is WHY? Are there reasons? I am fully convinced there are reasons.
      I may not (fully) understand them, but there are (plausible) reasons.
   3. Much of the evil and suffering in this world is a product of the fall of man.
      This IS what we inherit from Adam’s sin (not his original sins) – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.
      In Genesis 3, after the first sin we read of the curse to Adam, Even and the Serpent (Genesis 3:14-19) – it involved pain, thorns, toil and ultimately, death.
      IF it seems to you that suffering is so great today – and it is – consider how much of it is the product of evil – the ungodly behaviors of men. We have rejected God as a society, but we want society to live as IF there is a moral standard greater than ourselves.     When I watch the news, I see a whole lot more sinful behavior causing suffering than natural disasters, etc.   It is not unreasonable to say that mankind as a whole, AND even much of our individual lives, has brought on most of his suffering himself.
      Satan ought to get the charge for the evil around us. He was responsible for the fall of man and the curse. No wonder Jesus called him, “a murderer from the beginning” and the “father of lies” (John 8:44).
      Romans 8:22 – the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs…   This world is not as created before man sinned.   A part of that difference is suffering.
   4. Free-will also factors into this.   While more about dealing with evil, suffering is a product of man’s free will. Man was created with the ability to choose.   God created man to worship and serve Him because he WANTED to.   But for that be possible, man has to have a choice.   Commanded to NOT eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they disobeyed God. That was rebellion and the rejection of God’s will.   Ever since then, man has continually chosen to reject Him, while SOME choose to obey Him.
      Because he has chosen to reject God and His will, over and over, we often experience suffering.
      FREE WILL is involved in suffering in many ways.
      1. Sometimes, we do wrong and face the consequences.
      2. Sometimes, we suffer because others have made wrong choices.     But then again, this is part of the world.
      3. Sometimes, we suffer as the result of decisions of our forefathers.     E.g. A society decides that cows are sacred, and children are starving because they will not eat that meat.
         You COULD factor the flood into this – the world was changed because of that catastrophic event.
         Consider this: Imagine a world where God removed suffering (perhaps from His followers only). Would we really appreciate love and sacrifice?   Would men even consider serving God?   Would the world faithfully serve God because of love for Him, or because of selfish reasons (e.g. the meals and healings – John 6:26-27, etc.)?
         Consider also: Would the laws of science be reliable?   (Think of gravity – you jump of a building…, etc.)
   5. The Righteousness of God – demands consequences.   Being a righteous God, there has to be consequences for actions.
      The “brokenness” of this world actually shows us HOW TERRIBLE sin really is. We would not appreciate that if it were not for suffering.
      Whether we like those or not, they are there.   And often we do not appreciate the consequences until later.   Consider Hebrews 12:3-11 actually gives examples of this.
   6. But what about the disasters and diseases?
      Could some of these be the cause of evil and sin (not all of them). Consider famine in third world countries. Why are they not fed?   What about the warlords and leaders who prevent access to relief?   What about greed that pillages the land?   What about greed on this side of the equation – with many organizations wasting resources, overly burdensome governments, etc.?   Don’t blame such things all on God.
      Also, are they part of the curse of this world?

• To Be continued next week