Category: Suffering

Sermon by Josh Cox.

Using Job as an introduction, this lesson explains the proper response a Christian should have to the problem of personal suffering.

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It has been said three things typically contribute to anxiety in a person. They are feelings of insecurity, helplessness and isolation. Something bad is imminent, I can’t do anything about it, and no one can help me. For the Christian, the reality is very different:

While he may feel insecure, in reality the faithful child of God is very secure. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

While he may feel helpless, in reality the faithful child of God has great help when in distress. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Finally, while he may feel isolated, in reality the faithful child of God has his Father always at his side! “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

For the child of God, there is no reason to be anxious!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

(thoughts taken from Mark Copeland’s outline, “The Problem of Anxiety”)

Why do men suffer? Is suffering caused by sin? Is suffering inevitable? What part does God play in man’s suffering? Is God to blame? Can suffering be profitable? All of these questions are answered by Wayne Goforth in this lesson.

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Men have commonly struggled with the existence of suffering in the world, and with the specific example of Job, whose suffering resulted from a conversation between God and Satan. In this lesson, Stan considers the problem of suffering from a scriptural perspective.

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