The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5 All Suffer False Assumptions God’s Purpose in Suffering Constructive Suffering Glory to God

All Suffer   As humans we inflict pain and we experience pain as part of our life.   We also experience death except for ….   Job 5:6,7   All suffering is not alike.   As a believer all suffering has a purpose. The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

False Assumptions   Philosophical question asked was the age- old question of the problem of pain.   Pagan assumption that suffering in this life is often retribution for sin committed in a previous life, i.e. reincarnation.   Scripture teaches against this in that the issues of eternity are settled for each person during their own lifetime. The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

False Assumptions   Assumption made by the disciples was that the suffering of the blind man was the fault of his parents.   Scripturally this is possible.  Lesson – There are no pat answers to the question of human suffering! The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

God’s Purpose in Suffering   Some of our suffering is a result of poor choices on our part – natural consequences to our sin.   First question to ask, “Is this a result of my bad choices?” The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

God’s Purpose in Suffering   Some of our suffering is corrective.   God does discipline His children.   Hebrews 12:5-7,11   Second question we should ask, “Is this God’s discipline and correction for my sin?” The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

Constructive Suffering   God sends the believer some sufferings that are constructive.   God uses this suffering to whittle away that which is unpleasing to God in our lives and form the character of Christ within us. Psalm 119:67   Third question we should ask, “What are You trying to teach me or change in my character to become more like Christ?” The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

Glory to God   Some suffering is so that the grace of God might be revealed in the life of the Christian.   Job, the blind man, and Lazarus are examples.   The last question we should ask, “How can this be used to God’s glory?” The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5

Application When suffering comes, we should always ask: Is this a consequence of a poor choice? Is this correction sent by God to return us to the right path? Is this constructive suffering to shape our character like Christ? Is this for God’s glory? The Problem of Pain John 9:1-5