Unjust Suffering

Definition

1-suffering as a result of my own sin/my own decisions

2-suffering unrelated to my own sin (unjust)

• Persecution

Matt 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

• Disease, tragedy, etc.

John 9:1As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

• Someone else’s sin

1 Peter 2:18Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

II. Suffering for the sin of someone else

1. God’s affectionate sovereignty
2. Jesus’ example

1 Peter 2:21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

Hebrews 1:3, : The Son is the radiance^[a] of God’s glory and the exact expression^[b] of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word…

1. Chose unjust suffering for our sakes

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

1 Peter 2:22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1. Entrusted Himself to the Father
2. Healed us through His unjust suffering
3. Our responsibility
4. Follow Jesus’ example
5. Pursue justice where possible

Romans 12: 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave itⁱ to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Maybe what stands out most is how Joseph defeated bitterness. He believed deeply in the providence of God. Even though his brothers intended to harm him, he knew that God is so powerful and in control that he can weave even the threads of others’ evil intentions into the glorious tapestry of his plan for his people.

Unpacking Forgiveness, Chris Brauns

III. Suffering as part of a broken world

1. Remember God’s character

John 9:3 - but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

1. Focus on eternity

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ⁴ and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. ⁵ You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ You rejoice in this,^[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials ⁷ so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1. Live on mission

“As with ordinary sheep management, so with God’s people, one only gains higher ground by climbing up through the valleys…the best route to the top is always along these valleys…Again and again I remind myself, “O god, this seems terribly tough, but I know for a fact that in the end it will prove to be the easiest and gentlest way to get me onto higher ground. Then when I thank Him for the difficult things, the dark days, I discover that he is there with me in my distress. At that point my panic, my fear, my misgivings give way to calm and quiet confidence in His care. Somehow, in a serene quiet way I am assured all will turn out well for my best because He is with me in the valley and things are under His control.”

Phillip Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

1 Peter 4:19 So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.

Psalm 37:3-7 Trust in the Lord and do what is good; dwell in the land and live securely. ⁴ Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans.

IV. Application/HW

1. Saturate in the character of the One asking them to walk this road.
2. Study John 13 and 1 Peter 2:21-26 and rejoice in Jesus’ unjust suffering in order to heal us.
3. Study Psalm 37:3-7. Make notecard and mark God’s responsibility vs man’s.
4. Journal thoughts daily
   1. Begin each morning journaling a praise to God – get eternally focused.
   2. Journal each evening 3 ways you saw the goodness of God.
   3. Journal thoughts when mind is not focusing on other things to learn where it goes
5. Give biblical encouragement: give them courage
   1. Pray with them over text
   2. Don’t minimize the suffering but increase the focus on God
   3. Share the hope of God’s purpose in it – help them shine
   4. Let them know they don’t have to do this alone – pray with and for them
   5. Be available to “remind them of the truth they know”
   6. Remind them that Jesus is with them and that He understands

Resources:

• Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 – Phillip Keller
• Unpacking Forgiveness – Chris Brauns,
• Suffering: Eternity Makes a Difference booklet – Paul Tripp
• Jay Adams – How to Handle Trouble
• Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life doesn’t Make Sense – Paul Tripp
• Fibromyalgia: God’s Grace for Chronic Pain Sufferers – Robert Smith
• When God Weeps – Why our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty – Joni Earickson Tada and Steven Estes
• Heaven – Randy Alcorn
• Putting your past in its place – Stephen Viars
• Suffering is never for nothing – Elisabeth Elliott
• https://www.joniandfriends.org/lessons-from-cancer/?fbclid=IwAR0d4NBtFN-oKR6MgclecZnRcTqRcAiiAp0CsU9v1Dne8wI87p0L4D350rI