Three Questions
1. Where does suffering come from?
2. Why does God allow suffering to stand?
3. Why is there so much suffering?
The Big Idea: Suffering is a direct result of trying to do good outside of God’s prescription, promise, or plan.
Genesis 2:17 - God’s Prescription
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
2 Peter 3:9 – God’s Promise
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
1 Samuel 8:4 – God’s Plan
So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
God’s Question to You
Where in your life are you tempted to do good outside of God because you think…
He is holding out on you
He needs your help
He conforms to your culture
Three Takeaways…
1. God is not to blame
2. Hate your independence from God as much as you hate suffering
3. Channel suffering to drive you to live for eternity