Job: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Missio Church - Bismarck

Verses Used:

• Job 1
• John 9:1-3

Takeaways:

• There is a simple answer to why we experience suffering in the world and it’s that we live in a sinful world that is broken.
• The book of Job is a fascinating story because it gives us perspective on suffering, God’s sovereignty and some very important lessons for us to learn about how to handle suffering.
• There are themes in the book of Job such as God’s sovereignty, suffering, and faith amidst trials.
• Satan has the ability to approach God. He has some access to God in heaven as God allows him to.

1. It’s Not That Simple

• Often times when someone faces a bad circumstance, bad health, financial struggles, or whatever the trial may be, that maybe God is punishing them.
• We have to stop trying to come up with simple answers for things we don’t fully understand.
• We don’t see the spiritual realm, we don’t know all that is going on, therefore, we don’t have all the answers.

2. We Choose Our Response

• There is a freedom in just being able to admit that we don’t have all the answers.
• Remember, Job didn’t know what was going on. He had no idea of the fact that Satan had gone before God and asked to harm him.
• Job is able to worship in bad circumstances because he is sure of who God is.

• The Book of Job gives us a perspective about suffering, the unseen realm, and a bigger picture of what God is up to. It’s helpful for us, and can be comforting because it reminds us of how big and powerful God is.
• The good news for us is that God knows suffering, Jesus suffered too.
• Bad things do happen to good people, and the worst things happened to the best person, Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

• What is your typical response to suffering or bad situations in your life?
• What good does worshiping through suffering do for our hearts?

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