Surviving In A World Of Pain

Face up to:

I. Stark Reality (vs. 2-3, 5)

A. Bad things DO happen to good people

1. The Psalmist expected them

2. John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation;

but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”

3. Matthew 5:45, “He makes His sun rise on the evil

and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on

the unjust”

B. Sin in our world affects everyone

1. The curse of sin is all-encompassing

2. Our sin is not God’s fault

3. The consequences of our sin are not God’s fault

Guard against:

II. Sinful Reactions (vs. 7-9)

A. Blaming God

1. John 11:21, “Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if

You had been here, my brother would not have died”

2. John 11:25-26, “Jesus said to her, “I am the

resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me,

though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives

and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe

this?”

3. Lazarus was allowed to die for a greater purpose –

“that you may believe” (vs. 15)

4. God asked Job “Where were you?” (Job 38)

5. Have we any right to question God?

B. Taking Vengeance

1. Hebrews 10:30, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,

says the Lord”

2. Governments have the responsibility of seeing that

justice is done – not individuals

3. We must exhibit the fullness & fruit of the Spirit

4. Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies,

bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate

you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and

persecute you”

5. Through Scripture & prayer allow God to change

your heart

Make a:

III. Significant Response

A. Pray

B. Give blood

C. Volunteer

D. Give

E. Encourage

F. Contribute to the missionary endeavor