Why Is There Suffering?

Where Shall We Lay Blame?

• On God? 1 John 3:1; John 3:16

• On government?

• Shall we blame the rain, Wall Street, big business, the economy, the war in Iraq?

God Promises Answers

2 Peter 1:3

Three Reasons for Suffering

1. We suffer so that we can comfort others

• v.3- We have a God of comfort

• He gives unique opportunity, time, ability

• It is selfish to take God’s blessings and keep them to our self

Three Reasons for Suffering

2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort

• Heb. 5:9- Jesus “understood” obedience by suffering

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord

Jesus Christ

John 14:2-3

In my Father's house are many rooms. If

it were not so, would I have told you

that I go to prepare a place for you?

3 And if I go and prepare a place for

you, I will come again and will take you

to myself, that where I am you may be

also.

1 Peter 1:3-4

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his

great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is

imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Three Reasons for Suffering

2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort

• Heb. 5:9- Jesus “understood” obedience by suffering

• Suffering is easier when we can see what’s coming

Three Reasons for Suffering

2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort

• Heb. 5:9- Jesus “understood” obedience by suffering

• Suffering is easier when we can see what’s coming

• Heb. 12:10-11- We must look to see the good in discipline

Three Reasons for Suffering

3. We suffer so we will learn not to trust in self

1 Peter 3:10-12For“Whoever desires to love life and

see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from

speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him

seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the

righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. but the face of the

Lord is against those who do evil.”

Three Reasons for Suffering

1. We suffer so that we can comfort others

2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort

3. We suffer so we will learn not to trust in self

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which

shall be revealed in us.

Three Reasons for Suffering

1. We suffer so that we can comfort others

2. We suffer so that we can share in the comfort

3. We suffer so we will learn not to trust in self

Fix your hope on the author of hope, the God of

comfort.