Introduction
- How can God allow suffering to occur?
God allows us the freedom of choice
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Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6 – Adam and Eve had the freedom of choice.
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If there were no consequences, it wouldn’t really be freedom of choice.
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Sometimes the choices of others cause our suffering. Sometimes it is our own choices.
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We need to make the right choices!
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!