OvercomingSelf.net
Help Your Self article #7
| Paul: dealing with evil and suffering |
| Triumph of Paul / Growing From Adversity / Reasons For Suffering / Glorifying God |
| On the conversion and life of Paul an apostle of Christ [ROMANS 1:1-7] Acts 9:1-31 Acts 22:1-21 Galatians 1:15-2:2 Philippians 3:4-14 |
| by Gratz Brown |
Suspension of privileges. Trouble with boss. Wayward child. Disease diagnosis. Ship lost
at sea. Loved one in crash. Flood in basement. Roof caving in. Spouse dead. It is hard to
go on very long without hitting home.
at sea. Loved one in crash. Flood in basement. Roof caving in. Spouse dead. It is hard to
go on very long without hitting home.
Never have we known all the answers to such things. But then again, we should not try
to. What we can do is understand some principles for adapting to life's twists and turns,
and even seeming dead-ends. "Seeming" because when one door closes, God may open
another.
to. What we can do is understand some principles for adapting to life's twists and turns,
and even seeming dead-ends. "Seeming" because when one door closes, God may open
another.
"Why me, Lord?" was a line in a song a while back. The words also come to millions
stung by grief or shocked by loss. When asked "Why you?" before embarking on
something, achievers of history turned it around and said, "Why not me?", to accept a
challenge others might shun. And incidentally, in that song a singer was asking what he
had done to deserve even one of the pleasures that he had enjoyed. Before we consider
the evil and suffering of this earthly life, let us not forget about being thankful for the
times of good and prosperity.
stung by grief or shocked by loss. When asked "Why you?" before embarking on
something, achievers of history turned it around and said, "Why not me?", to accept a
challenge others might shun. And incidentally, in that song a singer was asking what he
had done to deserve even one of the pleasures that he had enjoyed. Before we consider
the evil and suffering of this earthly life, let us not forget about being thankful for the
times of good and prosperity.
It is beyond the scope of this forum to examine fully the "why" of trials and suffering,
including "why bad things happen to people" (can use Web Links page, then click on BT
or AP). There may be several reasons. But it is a problem knowing where to start and
where to end. An approach that helps to answer "questions" as the years go by is, to
understand principles of growing from adversity. That is one reason Romans 5 is my
favorite Bible chapter (see esp. Rom. 5:3-8).
including "why bad things happen to people" (can use Web Links page, then click on BT
or AP). There may be several reasons. But it is a problem knowing where to start and
where to end. An approach that helps to answer "questions" as the years go by is, to
understand principles of growing from adversity. That is one reason Romans 5 is my
favorite Bible chapter (see esp. Rom. 5:3-8).
To begin with, we need to disabuse ourself of thinking we have suffered alone, or
assume we have suffered more, or to get stuck in the ditch of self-pity, or worst of all to
fight against God. On the lighter side, a cartoon captioned: "Before you brag about the
flood you survived remember there may be a Noah in the audience."
assume we have suffered more, or to get stuck in the ditch of self-pity, or worst of all to
fight against God. On the lighter side, a cartoon captioned: "Before you brag about the
flood you survived remember there may be a Noah in the audience."
About Paul. The apostle Paul (formerly Saul, of Tarsus, before name change), had a
long way to go, like 180 degrees. He went from being mighty against Christians, to being
mighty for the church. On that road to Damascus to persecute Christians, he got struck
and blinded (Acts 9:1-6), so he could begin "seeing the Light." And that would be the last
he would "kick against the goads" (Acts 9:5, NKJV). He was convicted of his sins,
repented of them, was taught the pure gospel by Ananias, and after 3 days of blindness
and fasting, received his sight back. But that is not all. Much greater, he was saved by
being baptized into Christ's church (Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27).
long way to go, like 180 degrees. He went from being mighty against Christians, to being
mighty for the church. On that road to Damascus to persecute Christians, he got struck
and blinded (Acts 9:1-6), so he could begin "seeing the Light." And that would be the last
he would "kick against the goads" (Acts 9:5, NKJV). He was convicted of his sins,
repented of them, was taught the pure gospel by Ananias, and after 3 days of blindness
and fasting, received his sight back. But that is not all. Much greater, he was saved by
being baptized into Christ's church (Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27).
Paul was a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17) at Damascus, preaching Christ the Son of God
(Acts 9:20,22, 29). He was an apostle "born out of due time" (1 Corinthians 15:8), that
is, he was after the original 12 apostles. However, due to his past, Paul had been feared,
and also had years of preparation, in which he was "unknown by face unto the churches
of Judea which were in Christ" Galatians 1:22. After his conversion to Christ (Acts 9:18-
30; Galatians 1:15-2:1), Paul also went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
After three years he went up to Jerusalem and saw Peter and James. Afterwards he went
into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. Thus in Galatians 2:1 (cp 2 Corinthians 12:2) when
he later went up "again" to Jerusalem, that was "fourteen years after" he was converted
to Christ and called to be an apostle. Then his preaching journeys begin (Acts 13:1-21:7).
(Acts 9:20,22, 29). He was an apostle "born out of due time" (1 Corinthians 15:8), that
is, he was after the original 12 apostles. However, due to his past, Paul had been feared,
and also had years of preparation, in which he was "unknown by face unto the churches
of Judea which were in Christ" Galatians 1:22. After his conversion to Christ (Acts 9:18-
30; Galatians 1:15-2:1), Paul also went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
After three years he went up to Jerusalem and saw Peter and James. Afterwards he went
into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. Thus in Galatians 2:1 (cp 2 Corinthians 12:2) when
he later went up "again" to Jerusalem, that was "fourteen years after" he was converted
to Christ and called to be an apostle. Then his preaching journeys begin (Acts 13:1-21:7).
Having written about 13 (or 14 if Hebrews) new testament books, Paul is the most
prolific of all evangelists. And from the time he was converted (maybe @34 A.D.) until
he began writing epistles (@ 49 A.D. for Galatians perhaps, then other books), was
about 14 years of preparation. And this was after having been a highly religious Pharisee
(Philippians 3:4-6). Paul had preparation for he was to "preach Him among the heathen"
(Galatians 1:16). Even as he was being converted to Christ, the Lord was telling Ananias
that Paul would preach in God's name among Gentiles, kings, as well as the children of
Israel (Acts 9:15). The Lord also added: "For I will show him (Paul) now great things
he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:16). The journal of Paul's suffering reads
like a manual on human endurance. But the Lord was with Paul. And Paul's writing
gives something that we cannot - some "answers" from the Lord:
prolific of all evangelists. And from the time he was converted (maybe @34 A.D.) until
he began writing epistles (@ 49 A.D. for Galatians perhaps, then other books), was
about 14 years of preparation. And this was after having been a highly religious Pharisee
(Philippians 3:4-6). Paul had preparation for he was to "preach Him among the heathen"
(Galatians 1:16). Even as he was being converted to Christ, the Lord was telling Ananias
that Paul would preach in God's name among Gentiles, kings, as well as the children of
Israel (Acts 9:15). The Lord also added: "For I will show him (Paul) now great things
he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:16). The journal of Paul's suffering reads
like a manual on human endurance. But the Lord was with Paul. And Paul's writing
gives something that we cannot - some "answers" from the Lord:
| 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 |
8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair;
9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus,
that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus'
sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our
mortal flesh.
12. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and
therefore speak;
14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up
us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man
perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the
things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are
temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
perplexed, but not in despair;
9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus,
that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus'
sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our
mortal flesh.
12. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I
believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and
therefore speak;
14. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up
us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man
perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for
us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the
things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are
temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
| 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 |
3. Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in
much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5. In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in
watchings, in fastings;
6. By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the
Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7. By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as
deceivers, and yet true;
9. As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
10. As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many
rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
4. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in
much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5. In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in
watchings, in fastings;
6. By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the
Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7. By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as
deceivers, and yet true;
9. As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;
10. As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many
rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
| 2 Corinthians 11:21-33 |
21. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.
Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold
also.
22. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are
they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
23. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in
labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more
frequent, in deaths oft.
24. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I
suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in
the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils
among false brethren;
27. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger
and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon
me daily, the care of all the churches.
29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn
not?
30. If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern
mine infirmities.
31. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed
for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
32. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city
of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
33. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall,
and escaped his hands.
Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold
also.
22. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are
they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
23. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in
labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more
frequent, in deaths oft.
24. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I
suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26. In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in
the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils
among false brethren;
27. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger
and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon
me daily, the care of all the churches.
29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn
not?
30. If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern
mine infirmities.
31. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed
for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
32. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city
of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
33. And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall,
and escaped his hands.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, are Paul's words regarding "a thorn in the flesh" of his own.
We are not told what that was, but there are some things we are told: 1) That thorn
helped keep Paul from being "exalted above measure" and to "buffet" him. 2) He had
asked the Lord three times "that it might depart from" him. 3) God's "grace is
sufficient" and His "strength is made perfect," in [such a man's] weakness.
We are not told what that was, but there are some things we are told: 1) That thorn
helped keep Paul from being "exalted above measure" and to "buffet" him. 2) He had
asked the Lord three times "that it might depart from" him. 3) God's "grace is
sufficient" and His "strength is made perfect," in [such a man's] weakness.
In Ecclesiastes 7:14, "adversity" is translated from the Hebrew ra'. The meaning includes
affliction, calamity, grief, misery, sorrow, trouble, vexation (Strong's Concordance &
Dictionary). Ecclesiastes 7:14 (New KJV) says, In the day of prosperity be joyful, but
in the day of adversity consider: surely God has appointed the one as well as the
other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him. So many things are
included, like persecution, sickness, and bereavement. Life has days of adversity as well
as prosperity, as the verse says. Thankfully, we can grow from adversity: Instead of
weaker and bitter, let adversity make us stronger and better.
affliction, calamity, grief, misery, sorrow, trouble, vexation (Strong's Concordance &
Dictionary). Ecclesiastes 7:14 (New KJV) says, In the day of prosperity be joyful, but
in the day of adversity consider: surely God has appointed the one as well as the
other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him. So many things are
included, like persecution, sickness, and bereavement. Life has days of adversity as well
as prosperity, as the verse says. Thankfully, we can grow from adversity: Instead of
weaker and bitter, let adversity make us stronger and better.
Growing From Adversity
1) Can make a bigger place in us for joy. Psalm 30:5.
2) Can produce inner strength and maturity. Romans 5:3; 1 Peter 5:10.
3) Can bring patience and perseverance. James 1:2-4.
4) Can teach us to study the Bible and learn obedience. Psalm 119:67,71; Hebrew 5:7-9.
5) Can help purge and purify from sin. Proverbs 17:3; 1 Peter 1:7.
6) Can give you a mirror to see how God views you, and to see yourself, and to see
others, more clearly. Psalm 26:1-12; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Job 2:9-10.
7) Can prepare us for greater work. Job 42:10,12; Titus 3:8; Ephesians 4:11-16.
1) Can make a bigger place in us for joy. Psalm 30:5.
2) Can produce inner strength and maturity. Romans 5:3; 1 Peter 5:10.
3) Can bring patience and perseverance. James 1:2-4.
4) Can teach us to study the Bible and learn obedience. Psalm 119:67,71; Hebrew 5:7-9.
5) Can help purge and purify from sin. Proverbs 17:3; 1 Peter 1:7.
6) Can give you a mirror to see how God views you, and to see yourself, and to see
others, more clearly. Psalm 26:1-12; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Job 2:9-10.
7) Can prepare us for greater work. Job 42:10,12; Titus 3:8; Ephesians 4:11-16.
Backtrack Note: We may think it profound when we make our little lists. But if we
know how to read God's Word, we can multiply real wisdom, as by a more careful
re-reading of apostle Paul's inspired auto-bio as quoted above ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-18;
6:3-10; 11:21-33; For Bible Study Tips, see Lesson #12 on A-B-C Of Learning What
Scripture Means).
know how to read God's Word, we can multiply real wisdom, as by a more careful
re-reading of apostle Paul's inspired auto-bio as quoted above ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-18;
6:3-10; 11:21-33; For Bible Study Tips, see Lesson #12 on A-B-C Of Learning What
Scripture Means).
Neither the evil that is sown or reaped in the world, nor the suffering that afflicts, shall
be in vain if one overcomes their own self, obeys and is saved by Jesus Christ. As
Romans 8:18 says, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
be in vain if one overcomes their own self, obeys and is saved by Jesus Christ. As
Romans 8:18 says, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Three reasons for suffering have been offered by Bible students, hearkening back to
Adam And Eve. Wise men add a fourth reason: [for more in-depth analysis, consider
Web Links page: Link to BT, search there for "Why do Bad Things Happen to
People?"; Link to AP, search there for "Evil and Suffering."]
Adam And Eve. Wise men add a fourth reason: [for more in-depth analysis, consider
Web Links page: Link to BT, search there for "Why do Bad Things Happen to
People?"; Link to AP, search there for "Evil and Suffering."]
1) Sin of the sufferer himself. Example - the murderer in 1 Peter 4:15. The suffering of
going to prison, execution, was a consequence of his shedding of innocent blood.
(Whether or not caught, sinner must answer to God.) In John 5:14, Jesus connects "sin
no more," to avoid bringing "a worse thing."
2) Sin of the sufferer's neighbors. Example - those killed, hurt or left bereaved by a
drunk driver. Luke 17:3 shows also that a Christian might be sinned against by a brother
who needs to repent of it. If so, then the transgressor should be forgiven. But go back
and read Paul's suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:26 regarding "false brethren." It does not
take a genius to see that some of Paul's sufferings was the result of those within religion
who would not likely repent of it because they were "false." So suffering is caused by
the falsely religious, along with the wickedness and rebellion of unbelievers all over the
world.
3) Sin of people in the past. Example - deformed new born babies around town
because of illegal hidden hazardous dumps polluting the untested ground water. General
worldwide corruption from sin is why "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
together until now," Roman 8:20-22. Romans 5:12 is helpful here: "Wherefore, as by
one man [Adam] sin entered the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned." All of us have inherited the consequences of Adam's
sin. (We have not, as some religions teach, inherited the guilt of Adam's sin. The Bible
teaches no such thing as "Adamic" or "original" sin, and thus no rationale for baptizing
babies; see Ezekiel 18:20, and "Salvation" on Goal Page.) The guilt later becomes the
individual's own doing.
going to prison, execution, was a consequence of his shedding of innocent blood.
(Whether or not caught, sinner must answer to God.) In John 5:14, Jesus connects "sin
no more," to avoid bringing "a worse thing."
2) Sin of the sufferer's neighbors. Example - those killed, hurt or left bereaved by a
drunk driver. Luke 17:3 shows also that a Christian might be sinned against by a brother
who needs to repent of it. If so, then the transgressor should be forgiven. But go back
and read Paul's suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:26 regarding "false brethren." It does not
take a genius to see that some of Paul's sufferings was the result of those within religion
who would not likely repent of it because they were "false." So suffering is caused by
the falsely religious, along with the wickedness and rebellion of unbelievers all over the
world.
3) Sin of people in the past. Example - deformed new born babies around town
because of illegal hidden hazardous dumps polluting the untested ground water. General
worldwide corruption from sin is why "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain
together until now," Roman 8:20-22. Romans 5:12 is helpful here: "Wherefore, as by
one man [Adam] sin entered the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all
men, for that all have sinned." All of us have inherited the consequences of Adam's
sin. (We have not, as some religions teach, inherited the guilt of Adam's sin. The Bible
teaches no such thing as "Adamic" or "original" sin, and thus no rationale for baptizing
babies; see Ezekiel 18:20, and "Salvation" on Goal Page.) The guilt later becomes the
individual's own doing.
4) Reasons we do not know. As the above three reasons attest, the main cause,
indirectly as well as directly, is sin. So while sin is the reason, it is not always the sin of
the sufferer. The child struggling with spina bifida did not sin to be born that way. And
John 9 shows that the fault may neither be the sins of the parent. It is for this cause and
more, that the wise among us add a fourth reason for suffering: Reasons we do not
know. But we do know we are called to glorify God.
indirectly as well as directly, is sin. So while sin is the reason, it is not always the sin of
the sufferer. The child struggling with spina bifida did not sin to be born that way. And
John 9 shows that the fault may neither be the sins of the parent. It is for this cause and
more, that the wise among us add a fourth reason for suffering: Reasons we do not
know. But we do know we are called to glorify God.
There are some present things we figure out, and then some things to be made known
later (Romans 8:18). As one of the spiritual songs goes, "... We'll understand it, all by
and by." Deuteronomy 29:29 informs that God has revealed things, and kept things
secret to Himself, according to His eternal will. Although God has told us the truth we
need (John 8:32), some secrets of the Lord are not given to us. Even in the book of
job, God never explained "why" to Job. We as readers are given insights into Job's
sufferings at the hands of Satan. Job was so righteous, God knew he could keep his
faith. God told Job who HE IS, but God did not, and does not, owe any of us an
"explanation." God is not so obligated. God is worthy to be served because He is God.
No ifs, ands, or buts. No conditional strings attached. Sometimes we humans must have
the props kicked out from under us in order to get that message and "overcome self."
When self is overcome the enlightened soul will not try to "negotiate" with God as
though He were a "managing partner," but rather honor and reverence Him as the Holy
Monarch that He is.
later (Romans 8:18). As one of the spiritual songs goes, "... We'll understand it, all by
and by." Deuteronomy 29:29 informs that God has revealed things, and kept things
secret to Himself, according to His eternal will. Although God has told us the truth we
need (John 8:32), some secrets of the Lord are not given to us. Even in the book of
job, God never explained "why" to Job. We as readers are given insights into Job's
sufferings at the hands of Satan. Job was so righteous, God knew he could keep his
faith. God told Job who HE IS, but God did not, and does not, owe any of us an
"explanation." God is not so obligated. God is worthy to be served because He is God.
No ifs, ands, or buts. No conditional strings attached. Sometimes we humans must have
the props kicked out from under us in order to get that message and "overcome self."
When self is overcome the enlightened soul will not try to "negotiate" with God as
though He were a "managing partner," but rather honor and reverence Him as the Holy
Monarch that He is.
God's servant Job was the most righteous on earth (Job 1:8). Then he went through the
worst sufferings: loss of children, servants, livestock, possessions, esteem (even the
hooligans would spit insults to his face, Job 30:1-10), and sickness head to foot (Job
1:13-2:7). And this was a man who formerly, when he walked into town, the young men
would hide and old men stand up, in awe of his virtue (Job 29:8). But the icing on the
affliction cake was when Job discovered his real wife. Buckling under the pressure, Mrs.
Job questioned Job why he held on to his integrity, and why not just "curse God and
die" (Job 2:9-10). Job would have none of it. He told his wife she spoke like one of the
foolish women. Then he uttered a principle that helped make him the trooper he was.
"What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all
this did not Job sin with his lips" (Job 2:10). Earlier in his trials, Job had said, "... the
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).
And verse 22 says, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
worst sufferings: loss of children, servants, livestock, possessions, esteem (even the
hooligans would spit insults to his face, Job 30:1-10), and sickness head to foot (Job
1:13-2:7). And this was a man who formerly, when he walked into town, the young men
would hide and old men stand up, in awe of his virtue (Job 29:8). But the icing on the
affliction cake was when Job discovered his real wife. Buckling under the pressure, Mrs.
Job questioned Job why he held on to his integrity, and why not just "curse God and
die" (Job 2:9-10). Job would have none of it. He told his wife she spoke like one of the
foolish women. Then he uttered a principle that helped make him the trooper he was.
"What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all
this did not Job sin with his lips" (Job 2:10). Earlier in his trials, Job had said, "... the
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).
And verse 22 says, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
Somewhere in psychology books, it says that when people cannot grasp a big complex
issue, sometimes they will reduce it to a "point" that their brain can handle. Obviously,
the danger here is the fallacy of oversimplification. When it comes to suffering of others,
some people are too quick to "explain" it ("they must have sinned.."). Interestingly, when
those same people have suffering come to their own flesh, how quickly they can change
their tune ("Others suffer because of what they themselves did; I suffer because of what
others did..."). When suffering comes to their own flesh, suddenly and amazingly they
began to voice the complex and subtle factors involved (Self-preservation of ego at
work). Now, they are "Justifying Self." This is more of why the need to overcome self
and be a Christian, coming to the knowledge of the truth.
issue, sometimes they will reduce it to a "point" that their brain can handle. Obviously,
the danger here is the fallacy of oversimplification. When it comes to suffering of others,
some people are too quick to "explain" it ("they must have sinned.."). Interestingly, when
those same people have suffering come to their own flesh, how quickly they can change
their tune ("Others suffer because of what they themselves did; I suffer because of what
others did..."). When suffering comes to their own flesh, suddenly and amazingly they
began to voice the complex and subtle factors involved (Self-preservation of ego at
work). Now, they are "Justifying Self." This is more of why the need to overcome self
and be a Christian, coming to the knowledge of the truth.
In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus addresses those who falsely supposed that the people who died in
the falling towers of Siloam were "worse sinners" than they. Well, to be sure, as in the
case of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), or in the slaughter of Sennacherib's
invading army of Assyria (2 Kings 19:32-37), there are times when God's judgment was
rained down on worse sinners. But not always. What some people have difficulty
accepting is that there are not always neat pat answers. Drawing again from the book of
Job, is the surmisings of Job's three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar). Although their
fancy speeches had some truth, their whole premise was wrong. God said they were
wrong, and God said that Job had been right (Job 42:7-8). Then God commanded them
to bring an offering for their forgiveness, saying "my servant Job shall pray for you." So
now Job is praying for those fair weather friends who had spent endless days charging
Job with sin, and telling him he better repent to cease the suffering. Simplistic and
wrong... So, here is a perspective on this matter, in 30 words:
the falling towers of Siloam were "worse sinners" than they. Well, to be sure, as in the
case of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), or in the slaughter of Sennacherib's
invading army of Assyria (2 Kings 19:32-37), there are times when God's judgment was
rained down on worse sinners. But not always. What some people have difficulty
accepting is that there are not always neat pat answers. Drawing again from the book of
Job, is the surmisings of Job's three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar). Although their
fancy speeches had some truth, their whole premise was wrong. God said they were
wrong, and God said that Job had been right (Job 42:7-8). Then God commanded them
to bring an offering for their forgiveness, saying "my servant Job shall pray for you." So
now Job is praying for those fair weather friends who had spent endless days charging
Job with sin, and telling him he better repent to cease the suffering. Simplistic and
wrong... So, here is a perspective on this matter, in 30 words:
| In the end, God will make it all right for the one who suffers, if the sufferer will seek and find and keep obedient faith in the word of Christ. -Romans 8:18.28,35-39 |
Of the three uses of the word "Christian" in the new testament, one of them connects to
suffering. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify
God on this behalf." (1 Peter 4:16; others are Acts 11:26 & Acts 26:28). Reminiscent of
Christ's death to bring everlasting life, here is a link to end all links: From suffering as a
Christian, to glorifying God.
suffering. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify
God on this behalf." (1 Peter 4:16; others are Acts 11:26 & Acts 26:28). Reminiscent of
Christ's death to bring everlasting life, here is a link to end all links: From suffering as a
Christian, to glorifying God.
Copyright © 2005 Gratz Brown Policy
"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which
suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." Hebrews 13:3
suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." Hebrews 13:3