10 Biblical Perspectives on Suffering (Part 1) | Ep. 213

Chasing Elephants Podcast

INTRO: Romans 8:18-22 (CSB)

Common Questions: “Why does bad things happen to good people?” Some become agnostics or atheists because they cannot come up with satisfactory answers to the question: “How is it that a loving, all-powerful God can allow the terrible suffering that is in the world?” And thus, since none of us are exempt from suffering and death, it’s important that we understand what the Bible teaches us on this difficult subject matter.

Many philosophers, theologians, and pastors have written books about suffering. Some of these books are helpful, while others can be a bit unorthodox and unconventional. However, in Romans 8:18-22, Paul provides us with the biblical perspective that we need to endure through the suffering that we will surely encounter. This is not comprehensive, but it is both helpful and practical. Paul is saying: To persevere in present sufferings with hope is to keep our eyes on the future glory that God has promised us.

In Romans 8, Paul articulates two certainties: First, the present time is marked by sufferings because of man’s fall into sin. Second, the future will be marked by glory (or victory) for believers, as God fulfills all His promises to us.

If we keep our eyes more on the future promised glory, then we can better endure the present sufferings with perseverance and hope.

Ref: John 16:33 (CSB): Jesus said, “33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

1. Suffering is the result of mankind’s sin and rebellion against God (Genesis 3). Mankind chose to reject God’s one command, the world became corrupted by sin, and humans have suffered ever since.

2. God’s chosen people (the Hebrews) suffered when they disobeyed the Mosaic Covenant (Blessing of Obedience - Deuteronomy 28:1-14) (Curses of Disobedience – Deuteronomy 28:15-68: If the Israelites failed to respect God’s law, God told them their cities, fields, fertility, and livestock would be cursed.)

3. People sometimes suffer from the wrong choices of other human beings, even though God uses the resulting suffering for good (Genesis 50:20 – “You planned evil against me [Joseph said]; God planned it for good to bring about the present result – the survival of many people”).

4. Suffering brings faithful believers into deeper understanding and relationship with Him (Job 1:20-22 – “Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: naked, I came from my mother’s room, and naked I will leave from this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Bless be the name of the Lord. Throughout all of this, Jacob did not send or blame God for anything.”).

5. Believers suffer because of the jealousy and hatred of certain people who reject the Christian faith (Acts 7:54-60 [The First Christian Marty…Stephen being stoned]– (vv. 59-60 - “While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ After saying this, he fell asleep”).