It is not certain whether he ever arrived there, and, if he did, we are not told what kind of reception he received. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Or they weakly reply, Well, we dont know why bad things happen, but we need to trust God. But those of us who start with the right foundation, Gods Word, have a solid answer that is based in the history of Gods Word. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5). Paul assumes that Christians will all share in the sufferings of Christ (see 2 Timothy 3:12). 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. They said that they felt great pain for the family, but they also added, "This was God's will," and . We are only good because He has taken our sins and is transforming us into His good image. First Corinthians 13:12 says, Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. Lesson: Why Do Bad Things Happen? (Tough Questions Kids Ask #3) Related Topics: Suffering, Trials, Persecution, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. Think of it this way. In 2 Corinthians, Paul greets the Corinthians in such a way that they will see to it that all the saints in Achaia read his second epistle. Second, we find revealed in his second epistle to the Corinthians the most human Paul we shall find in the New Testament. 21 When my heart was embittered, And I was pierced within, 22 Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before Thee. Do you cry out that you cant take any more? We are responsible for it because of our sin in Adam. We know from the Scriptures that nothing occurs without God's permission ( Ephesians 1:11 ). 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. And notice that God doesnt make this promise to everyone. He serves as worship pastor at Calvary Longmont in Colorado and spends his weekends exploring the Rocky Mountains with his family. My daughters have gone to boot camp with Teen Missions, and some of the friendships made there still continue. Ask any Bible-believing Christian and they will tell you that we still struggle with these things, but the difference is that we have hope. Suffering as saints enables us to know God as we would not otherwise know Him. Fellowship also works in the opposite direction. "Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. https://www.learnreligions.com/bible-scripture-on-when-bad-things-happen-712091 (accessed July 14, 2023). The problem of pain doesnt rest on God, it rests squarely on the shoulders of sinful mankind in rebellion against their Creator. Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? Those who deny this simply choose to read the Bible selectively and avoid the many texts which tell us to expect hard times. And, therefore, your sufferings are His sufferings; your sorrow is His sorrow. He was despised and rejected of men. As many of us were getting ready in our Sunday best to head to church and celebrate the Resurrection, we heard news that churches in Sri Lanka had been attacked. As the crowd begins to stone Paul, I very much doubt Paul is thinking to himself, Oh, well, God will no doubt keep me from dying. I am sure he thinks he will die. 2 Timothy 3:16"Everything in the Scriptures is Gods Word. Though God does not explicitly says in his word why he lets bad things happen to us, the book of Job gives a picture of why he does so. What Does the Bible Say About Eternal Life? Joba man who underwent immense sufferingreminds us that we may never know the reason why we suffer, but regardless the truth still remains that The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21), and For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth (Job 19:25). He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent." So what did Jesus die to save us from? 28 Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches. They are just tools our supposedly loving and gracious God used or allowed to bring about life on Earth. There's illness, abuse, broken relationships, betrayal, sorrow, injuries, disappointment, heartache, crime and death. In other words: look at your hand. As Ive been saying, all of us will go through pain and suffering. Why now?. Point of Light #4: Our suffering will pale in comparison to what God has in store for his followers. One last thing must be said before concluding this lesson. Let the pain of that tragedy open your heart to Christ. What we do know is that when bad things happen, we should not rage against God. This tragic error brings accusations and guilt upon the sufferer at the very time he or she most needs comfort and compassion. (NLT), Colossians 3:16"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. That day just sort of fades away., And maybe thats a good analogy for heaven. And many people are asking the question, Why? And He will yet deliver us, 11 you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, NASB). Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, Religious Affections: A Study of Paul's 2 Corinthian Correspondence. It is only then that every tear will be wiped away, and all that is bad will be forgotten. But He is still loving, merciful and compassionate. I know the one I have faith in, and I am sure that he can guard until the last day what he has trusted me with." Earth will fully receive her King when Christ comes again, to reign and to rule.. 100 Bible Verses about Why Does God Allow Bad Things To Happen Paul is more transparent here about his inward feelings and motivations than anywhere else in the New Testament: While others of Pauls epistles may be more profound, scarcely any could be more precious than this second heart-outpouring to the Corinthians. But this certainly doesnt sound like a loving or gracious Creatorit makes God out to be a wasteful ogre who doesnt have the skill or wisdom to create without using death and suffering. (3) Suffering as a saint is Gods means of drawing us into closer communion with Him. Yet there is a lovely rainbow shining through it all, for in his dire distress and deep disappointments he is discovering more than ever before that the Father of mercies is the God of all comfort, and that the heavenly Masters strength is made perfect in His servants weakness.1, What an admirable Epistle, he [George Herbert] exclaimed, is the second to the Corinthians! Bad things happen because sin is written in our DNA. But it is often true that God graciously brings suffering into the life of the non-Christian as a means of drawing him or her to faith in Christ. Some might argue that Christian belief is . Matthew 5:45 notes, "For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Acts 14:17 adds, "Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." Second, we often only see the good that . He provides us with what we need. He later remarried and eventually nursed his second wife until she died. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. We know that this demonic affliction would not have been gentle but would have been purposed for his spiritual and physical destruction. Jesus himself never answers the question of why bad things happen in this world, other than to confirm that they will continue to happen. Lee has graciously given us permission to post it here on Bible Gateway. (CEV), 1 Peter 1:23"Do this because God has given you new birth by his message that lives on forever." And the 21st Century didnt start any better. But in heaven, after 354,484,545 days of pure bliss and with an infinite more to come if someone asked, So, how has your existence been?, youd instantly react by saying, It has been absolutely wonderful! Since righteous suffering is experiencing the sufferings of Christ, we should remind ourselves that, since our Lord was without sin, His sufferings were innocent and undeserved (see 1 Peter 2:18-25). NIV Quest Study Bible: Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen? Even in the Garden of Eden in paradise, before Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit Satan was . When God created mankind, He intended for us to live in perfect harmony with Him, without pain, suffering or evil. God doesnt want you wondering. Weve all seen examples of how the same suffering that causes one person to turn bitter, to reject God, to become hard and angry and sullen, can cause another person to turn to God, to become more gentle and more loving and more tender, willing to reach out to compassionately help other people who are in pain. (4) Suffering is Gods means of equipping us to minister to others (verses 4, 6). 12 So death works in us, but life in you (4:8-12, NASB). 1. Why Bad Things Happen to God's People (2 Cor. 1:1-11) - bible.org If death has existed since the dawn of life, then death came before sin. Why do bad things happen to good people? | Bibleinfo.com Some Christians handle the problem of suffering in yet a different way. Through His own suffering and death, He has deprived this world of its ultimate power over you. We may never know how God is working through our pain and mourning, but even in the midst of excruciating, unspeakable pain we can be confident that he is present and active. It was hard. And if God is good, what exactly is good? To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God." God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is now our Father because of the work of His Son (see John 1:12; 1 Peter 1:17). 30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. To revolt against God is to fall prey to the devil. But God, out of His love for the world He had made (John 3:16), provided a solution to our problem. In the deepest struggles of life, and even in death, Pauls joy and desire is for Christ to be glorified. We see how God brought calamities upon the lives of Jews while they left him and followed after the idols. As G. G. Findlay says: Corinth appeared to be in full revolt against him. 29 Who is weak without my being weak? 7 J. Sidlow Baxter, Explore the Book, vol. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. 74 May those who fear Thee see me and be glad, Because I wait for Thy word. These men and women (like Corrie Ten Boom and others not so well known) have depth and maturity that surpass those who have not suffered. Paul says in Philippians 1:3, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Did someone betray you? As He was rejected by men, so we too will be rejected and persecuted. >>What is sin? But I am not ashamed! And more than this, he is convinced he will die from so great a death. I am not sure the words peril of, supplied by the translators of the NASB, are necessary or accurate. Contributing Writer. (ESV), John 3:16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4). When Asaph entered the sanctuary of God, he began to see that there was no need for him to be envious of the prosperity of the wicked because their prosperity is an illusion. (NIV), Isaiah 55:11"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Instead of reading Genesis as literal history, many Christians have added in mans ideas about evolution and millions of years. In 1 Corinthians, Sosthenes is with Paul at the time of his writing. Genetic breakdown and disease began. Firstly: the question both acknowledge that God is sovereign, but at the same time it questions His sovereignty. He currently works at Calvin College. Understanding why He allows evil and suffering isnt easy. His sufferings were also those which the Father willed (see Matthew 26:39) and were thus prophesied in the Old Testament (see Isaiah 52:1353:12). Please, Lord Jesus, lead my life because from this moment on, I am Yours. As the loving Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, God sent Him to the cross of Calvary to suffer for our sins in ways we cannot even fathom. This can help us to be more compassionate people overall. This lesson is directed toward believers in Jesus Christ, just as this passage is written to true believers (see 2 Corinthians 1:1-2). The third s was suffering: Suffering is the tool which God employs in the life of the Christian to make him a leader. But the Bible says that God is light; in him there is no darkness at all . There was 9/11 and now the Syrian slaughters, and on and on. Proud member Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? It tells us that God knows what we're going through, and He loves us and wants to help us. In answer to a question about the significance of the death of some Galileans at the hand of Pilate, Jesus replied, Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? If any unbeliever who is suffering asks the question, Why me? the answer is simple: We deserve it. We deserve none of Gods blessings and the worst punishment we can imagine. Death of a Christian: The Pain and Joy of Final Farewell. But to give us the ability to love, God had to give us free will to decide whether to love or not to love. Those who experience the sufficiency of God in times of suffering do not resent their affliction but treasure it as Gods appointed means of drawing men close to Him, the Father of mercies. Asaph learned this lesson, as did Job. First, some of those rebuked by Paul have repented. One of the most common questions believers and unbelievers alike ask is why a loving and all-powerful God would allow bad things to happen. Are you despised? In this episode, you'll . Why does God let bad things happen to Christians? - Quora Suffering is divine because ultimately it comes to us from the hand of God. And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice." Death doesnt have the last word anymore. Galatia was falling away to another Gospel. He had narrowly escaped from the enraged populace of Ephesuswild beasts with whom he had long been fighting, and at whose mercy he had left his flock in that turbulent city. He sometimes appears almost above and apart from other Christians, and certainly from us. Any close friend can sit beside you and comfort you and empathize with you. He used the suffering of our Savior to forgive our sins. 10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. I believe Paul is saying he not only is certain he will die, but he will die a great death. It is a burden so great he does not have the strength to endure it. 8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 27 For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee. Our response to such calamities should be the same as Jesusto urge others to repent before their time comes and they perish too. The answer to our question can be found in several statements which sum up several reasons Gods people suffer at the hand of a God who is both good and great. It was frightening! The same theme occurs in Philippians 1: For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:19). The apostle Paul said, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV). But death is supposed to be the penalty for sin (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. This comes about in two different ways, as I understand 2 Corinthians. To say that death was part of Gods original creation is to impugn the very character of God. Many of these creatures died in the supposed five major extinction events, each of which is assumed to have killed at least three-quarters of the species on Earth at the time. His affliction is such that he loses any hope of surviving the ordeal. Its this disobedience that caused sin and death to enter the world, and mankind to be separated from God. All through the Gospels, we see the sick and the suffering coming to Christ for healing and deliverance. 2 Timothy 3:16. If it were not for sin, we could not know the grace of God manifested in the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ. The key to seeing suffering as we should is found in the Person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And perhaps youve been asking the question, Why? Thank you Father for everything, especially for ur love nd grace upon me ND my family Did people turn from you? 12 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:3-13). After all, in the world of evolution the strong survive, and tough for you if youre born weak or less fit. He stepped in and fixed the mess we had made because of our sin. The other alternative is that God is good but not great. Even Billy Graham couldn't fully explain it. But if you doubt Gods promise, listen to what a wise man said to me when I was researching my book The Case for Faith: God took the very worst thing that has ever happened in the history of the universe deicide, or the death of God on the cross and turned it into the very best thing that has happened in history of universe: the opening up of heaven to all who follow Him. He sometimes allows bad things in our lives so that we can come closer to him. Beyond this, I believe those who suffer well bless us even more broadly. Second Corinthians reveals a very human Paul with whom we can identify. Are your most tender relationships broken? Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen? - The Church of Jesus Christ Third, the Bible tells us that in the meantime, God can give us victory over evil. He does not simply fear he will die; he is convinced he will die. It was programmed to say those words. 1:1-11) 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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