Introduction

  • How can God allow suffering to occur?

God allows us the freedom of choice

  • Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6 – Adam and Eve had the freedom of choice.

  • Joshua 24:14-15

  • If there were no consequences, it wouldn’t really be freedom of choice.

  • Luke 23:39-43

  • Sometimes the choices of others cause our suffering. Sometimes it is our own choices.

  • I Peter 4:14-16

  • We need to make the right choices!

    • I Timothy 4:8

    • II Timothy 3:12

The world is a temporary stop on the way to eternity.

  • Hebrews 11:13-16
  • Eternity will far outshine whatever suffering we endure here.
  • I Peter 2:11
  • Job 3:17
  • Romans 8:17-18 – Suffer now, glory later.
  • II Corinthians 4:17-5:1

If our attitude is right, we benefit from suffering.

  • James 1:2-4
  • I Peter 1:6-9
  • When did you pray the hardest? When you were suffering!
  • Psalms 119:65-68
  • There is good that can come from suffering.
  • II Corinthians 12:7-10 – We can get to the place Paul was if we have the right attitude.
  • II Corinthians 1:8-10

Jesus suffered.

  • I Peter 2:21-23
  • Jesus suffered for a time and now I suffer for a time.

Conclusion

  • Let us not let suffering be a stumbling block!