Why Do Good People Suffer?

Bruce Waltke gives a Biblical analysis of suffering, both deserved and undeserved.

Introduction

• Title of the sermon: "Why Do Good People Suffer?"
• Psalm 44
• Acknowledgment of personal struggle with the topic

The Universality of Suffering

• Suffering as a universal experience
• Introduction to Job as an example of suffering
• The question of why suffering exists and its purpose

Types of Suffering

• Deserved vs. Undeserved Suffering
  • Deserved Suffering: Consequences of violating laws (state, natural, moral)
  • Undeserved Suffering: Innocent suffering and suffering of good people
• Examples of undeserved suffering (innocent child, missionaries)

Psalm 44: A Case Study in Undeserved Suffering

• Structure of Psalm 44
  • Four parts: Confidence, Complaint, Protest, Petition
• Israel’s experience of undeserved suffering in battle
• Analysis of Psalm 44’s content and its structure

Theological Insights from Psalm 44

• The psalmist’s lack of understanding of the cause of suffering
• Importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty despite not knowing the reason for suffering

The Sovereignty of God in Suffering

• Recognition of God’s control over situations of suffering
• Biblical examples (Moses, Job, Paul) emphasizing God's sovereignty

The Loyal Love of God

• The concept of God's "hesed" (loyal love)
• The relationship between God's love and the suffering He allows
• The role of suffering in God’s perfecting work

Illustrations of God’s Work in Suffering

• C.S. Lewis’ analogies: Artist and artifact, shepherd and sheep, father and son
• The idea that God’s love and perfection involve suffering

Application

• Encouragement to trust God in suffering
• Avoiding responses of fear and distrust
• Holding onto God’s sovereignty and loyal love during trials

Conclusion

• Prayer for strength and trust in God during suffering

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.