Why Does God Allow Suffering?


[PDF]Why Does God Allow Suffering? - Rackcdn.com33b5dff30ce74a58be94-accad012189df735ed133bb44f33741e.r62.cf2.rackcdn.com...

1 downloads 283 Views 178KB Size

Small group questions –

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Scott Parker April 28, 2013 - 0017

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” (Genesis 1:31 NLT) “When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.” (Genesis 3:8 NLT)

1. Our

_______________________________________________________________________

is scarred

“And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering.” (Romans 8:23a NLT)

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

1 Complete the following sentence as specifically as you can: It is very difficult for me to understand why God would allow ____________ in our world. 2. Interact with the following objection: “The God of the Bible is portrayed as a God who is both all powerful and all good. If that God exists, he would not create a world filled with pointless evil and suffering. Yet the world is filled with those, therefore the God of the Bible cannot exist.” What are your thoughts? 3. Have someone read Isaiah 53:3-6 and Hebrews 4:15, both concerning Jesus. If God himself suffered excruciatingly along with us, how can it be that He doesn’t love us or that He isn’t powerful enough to stop it? Then must God have a reason to allow suffering? 4. It has been said that if there is good in the world, then there must be evil. You can’t take one out without losing the other. What do you think of this? 5. Read Romans 5:3-8 and James 1:2-3. How is it possible for us to maintain that kind of attitude?

2. Our

_______________________________________________________________________

is scarred

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” (Romans 7:15 NLT)

6. When have you seen the progression of Romans 5:3-8 displayed in your own life? 7. If you attended Sunday’s service, what is one insight from pastor Scott’s teaching that impacted you?

3. The

_______________________________________________________________________

is scarred

“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” (Romans 8:20–21 NLT)

8. The Bible is filled with the cries of people – including many biblical authors – who are deeply perplexed by the magnitude of evil and suffering. Does this encourage you or discourage you? Explain. 10. Have someone read Psalm 34:18. How does this help you? Who do you know that needs this encouragement?

4.

_______________________________________________________________________________

God

“We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan.” (Romans 8:28 NCV)

11. Pray together for those in your lives you know are suffering.