This question has often been asked by us because of a lack of knowledge on our part, to which the Bible - as usual - has much for us to learn. Addressing this subject Biblically is only difficult - in this short effort - because of the abundance of things that the New Testament has to say about it.
In this age of “itching ears” and popularity contests the truth must be told here without any fear or intimidation. What does the Bible have to say about a question like this one?
In this age of “itching ears” and popularity contests the truth must be told here without any fear or intimidation. What does the Bible have to say about a question like this one?
WHY DOES GOD LET BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
• According to the New Testament, there are absolutely no Scriptures that promise us bad things will never happen to any of us. In fact, the very opposite is true. However, we’re promised God’s merciful blessing in the end.
JAMES 5:10-11
My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord,
as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure.
You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end
intended by the Lord — that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
intended by the Lord — that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
Knowing God as our healer does not mean
there will never be sickness.
Knowing Him as our provider does not mean
we will never have a need.
Knowing the Lord as Comforter does not mean
we will never need comforting.
Knowing Him as our savior does not mean
we will never need Him to save.
Knowing the Author and Finisher of our faith does not mean
we never exercise our faith.
Knowing our Redeemer lives does not mean
we would never need redemption.
Knowing Jesus as the Resurrection does not mean
none of us will ever die.
The truth is that the Bible acknowledges death as our enemy, which will one day be defeated by Jesus, whose resurrection is the assurance of our own; when He returns.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:22-26For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one
in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He
puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put
all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
As God’s people - with an eternal perspective - death should not keep us depressed for long, when we remember the promise of the resurrection of the dead. The Scriptures reveal that the dead saints of God are not really dead but rather asleep; awaiting Christ’s return, while also being present with Him; i. e. “asleep in Jesus.”
1 CORINTHIANS 15:22-26For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one
in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
24) Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He
puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put
all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
As God’s people - with an eternal perspective - death should not keep us depressed for long, when we remember the promise of the resurrection of the dead. The Scriptures reveal that the dead saints of God are not really dead but rather asleep; awaiting Christ’s return, while also being present with Him; i. e. “asleep in Jesus.”
This eternal perspective on death was alluded to by Jesus when He said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” JOHN 11:10
SO, WHY DOES GOD LET BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
• According to the New Testament, there are absolutely no Scriptures that promise us bad things will never happen to any of us. In fact, the very opposite is true. However, we are promised blessing in the end.
• According to Jesus, we will have tribulation.
JOHN 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Also check out MATTHEW 24 and LUKE 21.
• According to Paul, tribulations can develop personal strengths.
ROMANS 5:2-4
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
REMEMBER: Personal benefits can come from going through hard times.
We might gain endurance which can pay off in so many other areas of life.
Pastor John Ortberg writes about this subject in reference to parenting:
" If you could get the script for your child's life and have five minutes to edit it, what would you erase? Wouldn't you want to take out all the stuff that would cause them pain?
SO, WHY DOES GOD LET BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
• According to the New Testament, there are absolutely no Scriptures that promise us bad things will never happen to any of us. In fact, the very opposite is true. However, we are promised blessing in the end.
• According to Jesus, we will have tribulation.
JOHN 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Also check out MATTHEW 24 and LUKE 21.
• According to Paul, tribulations can develop personal strengths.
ROMANS 5:2-4
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
REMEMBER: Personal benefits can come from going through hard times.
We might gain endurance which can pay off in so many other areas of life.
Pastor John Ortberg writes about this subject in reference to parenting:
" If you could get the script for your child's life and have five minutes to edit it, what would you erase? Wouldn't you want to take out all the stuff that would cause them pain?
I am part of a generation of adults called "helicopter parents," because we're constantly trying to swoop into our kid's educational life, relational life, sports life, etc.
Many of us try desperately to make sure no one is mistreating our child and that no one is disappointing them. We want them to experience one unobstructed success after another.
One Halloween a mom came to our door to trick or treat. Why didn't she send in her kid? Well, the weather's a little bad, she said; she was driving so he didn't have to walk in the mist.
But why not send him to the door? He had fallen asleep in the car, she said, so she didn't want him to have to wake up.
I felt like saying, "Why don't you eat all his candy and get his stomach ache for him, too—then he can be completely protected!"
If you could erase every failure, setback, suffering, and pain — are you sure it would be a good idea? Would it cause your child to grow up to be a better, stronger, more generous person? Is it possible that in some way people actually need adversity, setbacks, maybe even something like trauma to reach the fullest level of development and growth?"
John Ortberg, "The Good News amid the Bad News,"
LeaderJournal.net (3-9-09)
• According to Peter, trials should not be seen as strange things but rather that we should rejoice in the opportunities they give us; which includes our being able to identify with Jesus’ sufferings as well as increasing our capacity to experience joy in the future.
1 PETER 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent
that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed,
you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
• According to James, the testing of our faith perfects us.
JAMES 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Around 1970, Walter Mischel launched a classic experiment. He left a succession of 4-year-olds in a room with a bell and a marshmallow. If they rang the bell, he would come back and they could eat the marshmallow. If, however, they didn't ring the bell and waited for him to come back on his own, they could then have two marshmallows.
In videos of the experiment, you can see the children squirming, kicking, hiding their eyes—desperately trying to exercise self-control so they can wait and get two marshmallows. Their performance varied widely. Some broke down and rang the bell within a minute. Others lasted 15 minutes. The children who waited longer went on to get higher SAT scores. They got into better colleges and had, on average, better adult outcomes. The children who rang the bell quickest were more likely to become bullies. They were more likely to have drug problems at age 32.
Mischel concluded that children may be taught "that it pays to work toward the future instead of living for instant gratification." Learning to persevere pays off.
David Brooks, "Marshmallows and Public Policy,"
The New York Times (5-7-06)
SO, WHY DOES GOD LET BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
I do not want to minimize anyone’s pain here because you know it is very real, but the above question is based on the assumption that if God is good, then He should somehow make sure our lives on earth are all heavenly experiences, especially if we are good.
Jack Nicholson is misquoted to have asked in a movie that I do not recommend, “Can you handle the truth?”
Here is the truth.
The earth is not Heaven, where God’s will is being done 24/7; where there is no pain, nor sorrow or sighing. Therefore, let’s face it, there is and there is going to be hardship here.
The real question that should be asked by us all is, “What should I remember - as a Jesus follower - when facing and dealing with suffering of any kind?”
8 THINGS FOR BELIEVERS TO REMEMBER FROM ROMANS 8
1. Remember who you are - in spite of your suffering - including your future inheritance and glory from God and with Christ.
ROMANS 8:16-17
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,
if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
2. Remember your story is not over. It’s going to become glorious in the future; which is something that creation also looks forward to.
ROMANS 8:18-19For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
3. Remember our world has been subjected to futility by God so that people will put their hope in Him for a better world. (This truth is so little known; perhaps you should check out this amazing passage in other translations).
ROMANS 8:20-21For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
4. Remember we are not alone in this struggle and that all of creation is laboring with us, hoping for the hoped for redemption of our bodies. (If everything were already perfect today, there would be no need for hope).
ROMANS 8:22-2522) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does
one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see,
we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
5. Remember the Holy Spirit has come to help us in our weakness, with intercessory prayers that are in alignment with God’s will.
ROMANS 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
6. Remember all things work together for good - according to God’s predetermined purpose - which is to make us all more like Jesus.
ROMANS 8:28-29
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed
to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
7. Remember that God is for us, no matter what it looks like. He has proven His loyalty to us in the gift of His Son, who died for us and is now alive making intercession for us. If your suffering is the result of your having sinned, do not forget that Jesus died for you too. (Repent and receive His forgiveness and forgive yourself).
ROMANS 8:31-34What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
8. Remember that no matter what happens to us, we will never ever be separated from the love of God that has already been revealed.
ROMANS 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36) As it is written: "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG;
WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER."
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I HOPE THESE EIGHT RICH TRUTHS WILL MINISTER TO YOU AND EMPOWER YOU TO MOVE FORWARD AS WE ALL CONTINUE TO REACH FOR THE PRIZE OF FULFILLING OUR UPWARD CALLINGS, NO MATTER WHAT OBSTACLES WE FACE.
Other Encouraging Scriptures: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-8; 4:8-10 PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13
2 TIMOTHY 1:12; 3:12-13 HEBREWS 11:36-40 1 PETER 2:19-24; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:8-9
CONCLUSION
The greatest tragedy of all, already happened; when sin was born and the human race was separated from God, Who - in His divine plan which was already in place - so loved the world that He gave His only Son, as the remedy to such an awful dilemma.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
CALL ON JESUS’ NAME AND BE SAVED FROM ALL YOUR SINS THAT SEPARATE YOU FROM GOD AND THE MANY GOOD THINGS HE HAS FOR YOU, LIKE ETERNAL LIFE AND HIS HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH WILL EMPOWER YOU FOR VICTORY IN ALL YOUR DIFFICULTIES.
I do not want to minimize anyone’s pain here because you know it is very real, but the above question is based on the assumption that if God is good, then He should somehow make sure our lives on earth are all heavenly experiences, especially if we are good.
Jack Nicholson is misquoted to have asked in a movie that I do not recommend, “Can you handle the truth?”
Here is the truth.
The earth is not Heaven, where God’s will is being done 24/7; where there is no pain, nor sorrow or sighing. Therefore, let’s face it, there is and there is going to be hardship here.
The real question that should be asked by us all is, “What should I remember - as a Jesus follower - when facing and dealing with suffering of any kind?”
8 THINGS FOR BELIEVERS TO REMEMBER FROM ROMANS 8
1. Remember who you are - in spite of your suffering - including your future inheritance and glory from God and with Christ.
ROMANS 8:16-17
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,
if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
2. Remember your story is not over. It’s going to become glorious in the future; which is something that creation also looks forward to.
ROMANS 8:18-19For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
3. Remember our world has been subjected to futility by God so that people will put their hope in Him for a better world. (This truth is so little known; perhaps you should check out this amazing passage in other translations).
ROMANS 8:20-21For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
4. Remember we are not alone in this struggle and that all of creation is laboring with us, hoping for the hoped for redemption of our bodies. (If everything were already perfect today, there would be no need for hope).
ROMANS 8:22-2522) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does
one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see,
we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
5. Remember the Holy Spirit has come to help us in our weakness, with intercessory prayers that are in alignment with God’s will.
ROMANS 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
6. Remember all things work together for good - according to God’s predetermined purpose - which is to make us all more like Jesus.
ROMANS 8:28-29
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed
to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
7. Remember that God is for us, no matter what it looks like. He has proven His loyalty to us in the gift of His Son, who died for us and is now alive making intercession for us. If your suffering is the result of your having sinned, do not forget that Jesus died for you too. (Repent and receive His forgiveness and forgive yourself).
ROMANS 8:31-34What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33) Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
8. Remember that no matter what happens to us, we will never ever be separated from the love of God that has already been revealed.
ROMANS 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36) As it is written: "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG;
WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER."
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I HOPE THESE EIGHT RICH TRUTHS WILL MINISTER TO YOU AND EMPOWER YOU TO MOVE FORWARD AS WE ALL CONTINUE TO REACH FOR THE PRIZE OF FULFILLING OUR UPWARD CALLINGS, NO MATTER WHAT OBSTACLES WE FACE.
Other Encouraging Scriptures: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-8; 4:8-10 PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13
2 TIMOTHY 1:12; 3:12-13 HEBREWS 11:36-40 1 PETER 2:19-24; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:8-9
CONCLUSION
The greatest tragedy of all, already happened; when sin was born and the human race was separated from God, Who - in His divine plan which was already in place - so loved the world that He gave His only Son, as the remedy to such an awful dilemma.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
CALL ON JESUS’ NAME AND BE SAVED FROM ALL YOUR SINS THAT SEPARATE YOU FROM GOD AND THE MANY GOOD THINGS HE HAS FOR YOU, LIKE ETERNAL LIFE AND HIS HOLY SPIRIT, WHICH WILL EMPOWER YOU FOR VICTORY IN ALL YOUR DIFFICULTIES.
A live audio version of this sermon can be heard at http://generationschurchofgranbury.sermon.net/sermonid/2276357
In the following is a video introduction to this important subject.
