YOU CAN OVERCOME THE EVIL ONE! 1 John 2:12 I am writing to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 1 John 2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, Because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, Because you have known the Father. 1 John 2:14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the evil one.

The Problem of Pain

Introduction Why does God allow people to endure through pain in this world? If God is a God of love, why does he allow innocent people and children to be killed, have cancer, or suffer? In this lesson we want to study: 1) Why pain exists 2) What God did to resolve this problem 3) How people respond to it 4) How we can endure through it

Pain Exists Because of Sin God made a perfect paradise for Adam and Eve. There was no sorrow, suffering, or sin but only joy, happiness, and goodness until they disobeyed. God told Eve, “I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth, in pain you shall bring forth children” (Genesis 3:16). Because of sin, Adam would work by the sweat of his brow his whole life and then he would die. (Genesis 3:17-19)‏ From the womb to the tomb everyone suffers pain because of sin.

Pain Exists Because of Sin Some say, “That’s not fair that I have to suffer pain because I didn’t agree to be born or to sin! If there is a God, it must be His fault.” We all have been created in God’s image sinless to glorify God (Gen. 1:26; Eccl. 7:29; 1 Cor. 10:31). We have all chosen to sin which results in death and can’t blame God for it (James 1:13-16).‏ God is righteous and must punish sin (Romans 2:5)‏. When people suffer from disease, cancer, or an accident, remember that there was no pain before sin came into the world.

God Resolved the Problem of Pain’s Consequences through His Son’s Death God made a promise that the Seed of woman (Christ) would suffer pain by the seed of the serpent (Satan) (Genesis 3:15)‏. Through God’s grace and the painful death of Jesus, mankind can be saved from the wrath to come. (Gal. 4:4-5; Heb. 2:9; 1 Thess. 1:10)‏ But does this mean that those who choose to obey the gospel of Christ will not have to suffer any pain?

All Christians Will Suffer Pain but God will not Give Them More than they Can Bear God has not promised to remove your pain, but He has promised that you will be able to endure through it with His grace. But how? (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9)‏ If you are a Christian, you will suffer pain because you are righteous (2 Timothy 3:12). Do not be surprised when it happens to you but instead rejoice because your reward in heaven is great (1 Peter 4:12-13; Matthew 5:10-12)‏.

But you must pass the test in order to grow! (James 1:2-4)‏ Suffering Through Pain Strengthens Your Faith Which Helps You to Comfort Others Children have to suffer through growing pains and so do faithful Christians. But you must pass the test in order to grow! (James 1:2-4)‏ God is able to comfort you in your time of pain with which you are able to help others who are facing similar circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:3ff)‏. We should be willing to help all people and especially our brethren (Galatians 6:10)‏.

Dealing with Pain the Wrong Way Destructive behavior (Alcohol, Drugs, Rape, Murder, Suicide) Pleasure (Gambling, Sexual Immorality, Gluttony)‏ Your conscience could be seared so that you don’t feel the shame of sin any longer (1 Tim. 4:1-2). You will not only suffer torment if you die in your sins but it could also lead your loved ones to be condemned (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Pain Helps You Realize Your Need for God C. S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world” (The Problem of Pain). Where there is pain we know that there is a problem that needs to be resolved. The sword of the Spirit (God’s word) cut the hearts of about 3,000 Jews who had crucified their Messiah and were baptized. (Ephesians 6:17; Acts 2:37-41)

Pain Helps You Realize Your Need for God The Philippian jailer almost killed himself but instead was saved after he heard, believed, & was baptized (Acts 16:27-34). But many do not feel the pain of sin because false teachers flatter the people to enrich themselves so they not only don’t realize their need for God, they speak evil of the truth that would save their souls (2 Peter 2:1-3, 18-19). When gospel preachers teach the truth that you must be baptized in order to be saved, people don’t want to hear it (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).

Conclusion Pain is part of God’s plan to redeem you from sin. All people will suffer on earth but only Christians will be able to overcome it in heaven where there is no pain (Revelation 21:4)‏. How are you dealing with the problem of pain? Are you ignoring it, seeking after pleasure, or tempted to be destructive in your behavior? The rich man was in agony in Hades immediately after death and he couldn’t do one thing to change his eternal destiny (Luke 16:24ff)‏.

Conclusion God resolved the problem of sin’s consequences through His Son’s death on the cross so you can be saved from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9).‏ Peoples hearts were pricked years ago by hell, fire, and brimstone sermons but many don’t want to hear it today (2 Timothy 4:2-4)‏. Don’t harden your heart against the Lord. Obey the gospel now (2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Cor. 6:2). Don’t despair! You can overcome pain through Christ and remember that God will not give you more than you can bear (Phil. 4:13; 1 Cor. 10:13)!