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A Theology of Suffering

A Theology of Suffering. Job 1:13-22 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. Suffering. Pat Robertson and Haiti (2010) Pretty Unbelievable Not loving Untrue? Psalm 1 “Righteous prosper, the Wicked suffer” Is the reverse true? “The one who prospers is righteous; the one who suffers is wicked”.

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A Theology of Suffering

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  1. A Theology of Suffering Job 1:13-22 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

  2. Suffering • Pat Robertson and Haiti (2010) • Pretty Unbelievable • Not loving • Untrue? • Psalm 1 • “Righteous prosper, the Wicked suffer” • Is the reverse true? • “The one who prospers is righteous; the one who suffers is wicked”

  3. Suffering of Job • Story of Job has an answer • Job’s Story • Satan before God • God boasts about Job • Satan challenges • Satan attacks • Job persists • Satan before God again • Satan Attacks again

  4. Suffering of Job • So we’ve covered 3 of 42 chapters • Before we see the rest of Job’s story • There is a place for Lament/Sadness/Being Upset • Job tears his robe and shaves his head (1:20) • Yet it says that Job did not sin (first hint at our answer)

  5. Suffering of Job • Most Job deals with his “Consoling” friends • Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar with an appearance from Elihu • They start out well, sitting with him 7 days (2:13) • Giving him space, just being there • Job does finally open up, and Laments his birth • The flood gates open and the “advice” flows • They go back and forth for 28 chapters • Then Elihu criticizes everyone for a few more

  6. Suffering of Job • A few chapter headers to highlight • Zophar Speaks: You Deserve Worse (11) • Eliphaz Speaks: Job’s Wickedness is Great (22) • The kind of friends we all hope for right? • So the crux of their argument is that Job sinned • Since he sinned, he is now being punished

  7. Suffering of Job • It was commonly believed that • Suffering meant Punishment for sin • Blessing meant God is happy with you • So since Job suffered he needs to confess • Imagine hearing that when you’re suffering • Not mention Job hadn’t done anything wrong • Does this bring any group to mind? • Prosperity Gospel?

  8. God Makes Himself Known • God eventually shows up to answer Job • God rebukes Job • He asks a series of questions (Where you there when?) • Leviathan and Behemoth • He tells the friends He’s mad they misrepresented Him • I’ve always been a little confused, is God mad and Job for questioning and if so why does Job get everything back?

  9. God Makes Himself Known • God not upset at being questioned • Job in self pity claims God unjust • So God answering reveals that He ultimately can not be understood • Isaiah 55:8 “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

  10. God Makes Himself Known • God is mad at Job’s friends though • “My anger burns against you…for you have not spoken of me what is right…” (42:7) • Putting to bed the idea of suffering = Punishment • God does want to bless the righteous • Suffering can play a different role altogether • Sometimes that role is revealed to us

  11. Paul and His Thorn 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

  12. Paul and His Thorn • Let’s have a look at Paul’s example • What was the thorn? • First things, notice Paul prayed 3 times • Again it’s ok to be troubled an seek relief • No need to be defeatist • We all know of miracle healings • So what role does suffering play here?

  13. Paul and His Thorn • We are blessed to be used by God • Trouble is people sometimes take credit • Paul might have “boasted” in his success (did before) • So the thorn was a reminder for him, probably others • Paul’s acceptance and struggle spoke to others

  14. 1 Corinthians 10:13 • Meant as an encouragement • Believers struggling with idol worship • My own interaction with passage • New outlook, Do you see the difficult aspect of the passage? • “beyond your ability” • “beyond what you can bear” (NIV)

  15. Our Suffering • Ask yourself • How much can I bear? • What am I being asked to handle? • Two other examples • Foxe’s Book of Martyrs • Grandpa Seabrook

  16. Final Thoughts and Encouragement • God loves all of us, most righteous to biggest sinner • He has a plan • You may never know it, but your suffering is speaking to someone • We get to pray for comfort, remember that a no doesn’t mean punishment or lack of love

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