Why does God allow bad things to happen

Intro: If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be and why ?

Study

  1. Ecc 1:4, 1 Cor 13:12 One of the greatest questions this generation has is “Why would a good God allow bad things to happen?”
    1. Jer 3:22 Many people grow bitter at God and backslide over this question, usually because something bad happened to themselves, or someone they love.
      1. Gen 3:6-7 Evil came into the world when Adam and Eve sinned, free will allows people to do evil to other people, which was never Gods intent.
      2. John 10:10, Job 1:6-12 Satan, not God, is the author of all the evil in this world, he must seek permission from God before he can do anything.
    2. Isaiah 55:8, Job 38:1-4 God doesn’t owe us an explanation of why he has allowed certain things to happen, we may or may never know why.
  2. John 14:1,Prov 3:5-6 God asks us to trust him, when we don’t understand, and for those who do, over time, they see that God has great plans and purposes for them
    1. Rom 8:28, Rev 12:11 For all who trust in God, he will heal all hurt and pain, and use all our painful experiences as a testimony to minister to others.
      1. Luke 1:37 It doesn’t matter what you have faced, if you have been abused, beaten, hurt, parents divorced etc… God can redeem all of it.
      2. 1 Cor 1:26-29 How we started this life has no say on who we can become, or what we can do if we surrender to God, and serve him with all of our hearts.
    2. Rom 1:17,John 16:33 God doesn’t promise us that every thing in life will make sense or be easy, but he does promise he will be with us, take care of us, meet all of our needs, and anoint us to do great things in the kingdom of God.

Discussion

  1. Why do you think God is able to use people in great ways who surrender completely, despite what they have been through?
  2. Who can give an example of bad that happened to you, that you surrendered to God, and he has brought about good in your life?
  3. How should we minister to others who we know are bitter towards God or others because of things that have happened?
  4. Are there any here who are struggling with bitterness towards God over things that have happened in your life?

End: Pray for those who have struggled with this question, then pray with any who need to accept Christ and take requests.