Why Bad Things Happen to Good People

One of life’s toughest issues to deal with is explaining why bad things happen to good people. Think of some “bad” things that have happened to “good” people who you know.

Why is this such a dilemma? What questions arise? [How can a good, all-powerful God allow such things to happen to His people? Does God care? Why doesn't He do something? Technical name for this is “theodicy.”]

Several initial truths to keep in mind:

1. One may never understand the reason or purpose behind bad circumstances. However, believers should take comfort in the fact that God is sovereign and has a purpose for what He is doing. C.f., Isa 55:8-9 [show]Isaiah 55:8-9 [8]For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. [9]For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
   .

2. Bad things happen indiscriminately to both the wicked and the good. There is not necessarily a direct relationship between bad circumstances and sin or lack of faith. Sickness, death, and problems are not an accurate reflection of a person’s spirituality. See Job 1:21 [show]Job 1:21 [21]And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (ESV)
   

3. Beware of “health and wealth” theology, which asserts that faithful believers will not experience illness, financial setbacks, or other difficulties.

The Bible gives us several Reasons Why Bad Things Happen to Good People:

I. Bad circumstances are the result of original sin.

1. We live in a sin-cursed world. Thus, we are subject to suffering and death. The earth itself is under the curse. Gen. 3:14-19 [show]Genesis 3:14-19 [14]The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. [15]I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring(1) and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." [16]To the woman he said, "I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for(2) your husband, and he shall rule over you." [17]And to Adam he said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; [18]thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. [19]By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Footnotes 1. [3:15] Hebrew 'seed'; so throughout Genesis 2. [3:16] Or 'against'
   
2. Sin is an unfortunate part of life for all of us. None of us is good. Rom. 3:10, 23 [show]Romans 3:10 [10]as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; Romans 3:23 [23]for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (ESV)
   
3. Even faithful believers may be afflicted. Heb. 11:36-37 [show]Hebrews 11:36-37 [36]Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. [37]They were stoned, they were sawn in two,(1) they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- (ESV) Footnotes 1. [11:37] Some manuscripts add 'they were tempted'
   

II. Bad circumstances may be a means of testing an individual. Rom 5:3-5 [show]Romans 5:3-5 [3]More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4]and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5]and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV)

1. Job experienced testing. Job 23:10 [show]Job 23:10 [10]But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
   
2. Paul experienced testing. 2 Cor. 12:7 [show]2 Corinthians 12:7 [7]So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,(1) a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [12:7] Or 'hears from me, even because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited'
   
3. All Christians will experience testing. 1 Pet 1:7 [show]1 Peter 1:7 [7]so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV)
   

Question: For whose benefit is the testing? [The person’s.]

III. Bad circumstances may be used by God to display His power and grace.

1. 2 Cor. 12:8-10 [show]2 Corinthians 12:8-10 [8]Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. [9]But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10]For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (ESV)
   
2. John 9:3 [show]John 9:3 [3]Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. (ESV)
   
3. Who are some other examples? [Joni, Eliz. Elliot, martyrs.]

IV. Bad circumstances may be a form of chastening.

1. 1 Cor. 11:29-30 [show]1 Corinthians 11:29-30 [29]For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. [30]That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.(1) (ESV) Footnotes 1. [11:30] Greek 'have fallen asleep' (as in 15:6, 20)
   Sickness and death may be due to improper attitude toward God
2. Acts 5:1-5 [show]Acts 5:1-5 Ananias and Sapphira [5:1]But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, [2]and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. [3]But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? [4]While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." [5]When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. (ESV)
   Death may be due to lying to God. C.f., 1 Jn 5 [show]1 John 5 Overcoming the World [5:1]Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. [2]By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. [3]For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. [4]For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. [5]Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Testimony Concerning the Son of God [6]This is he who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. [7]For there are three that testify: [8]the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. [9]If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. [10]Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. [11]And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12]Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. That You May Know [13]I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. [14]And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. [15]And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. [16]If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God(1) will give him life--to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. [17]All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. [18]We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. [19]We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. [20]And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. [21]Little children, keep yourselves from idols. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:16] Greek 'he'
   
3. Heb. 12:7 [show]Hebrews 12:7 [7]It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (ESV)
   All errant believers receive chastening.

V. Bad circumstances may be due to the natural consequences of personal sin.

1. A. Gal. 6:7-8 [show]Galatians 6:7-8 [7]Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. [8]For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV)
   Problems are the natural result of sin. Rom 6:23 [show]Romans 6:23 [23]For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ESV)
   says that sin has wages or penalties. What are some examples? [AIDS, sexual disease, drinking, drugs, stealing, lying, etc.]
2. B. 1 Cor. 3:17 [show]1 Corinthians 3:17 [17]If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. (ESV)
   Problems may be the result of defiling the temple of God (your body). How does one defile (corrupt, ruin) his body? [Sex sins, drugs, alcohol, smoking, etc.]
3. There is often a direct connection between sinful behavior and negative circumstances. What do the following verses say about sin and its results?

• Psalm 1:6 [show]Psalm 1:6 [6]for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
  the way of the ungodly shall perish.
• Psalm 146:9 [show]Psalm 146:9 [9]The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
  the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
• Proverbs 4:19 [show]Proverbs 4:19 [19]The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
  The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
• Proverbs 11:6 [show]Proverbs 11:6 [6]The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.
  transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
• Proverbs 13:15 [show]Proverbs 13:15 [15]Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.(1) Footnotes 1. [13:15] Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew 'is rugged', or 'is an enduring rut'
  the way of transgressors is hard.

VI. Bad circumstances may be from Satan. Luke 13:11-16 [show]Luke 13:11-16 [11]And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. [12]When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." [13]And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. [14]But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day." [15]Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? [16]And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?" (ESV)
; Job 1:12 [show]Job 1:12 [12]And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. (ESV)

Conclusions:

Problems, evil, and bad circumstances may be due to original sin, may be used by God to test a person, may be a means to display God’s power and grace, may be a form of chastening, may be a result of sin, or may even come from Satan himself.

KEEPING A PURE MIND

(from MacArthur’s The Vanishing Conscience)

The Bible clearly teaches that sin goes beyond behavior. Sinful behavior always starts with sinful thinking in the mind. Someone may think that as long as his thoughts are not acted out he has not sinned, or that sins of the mind are not as bad as sins acted out. This is not true. Lust itself is sinful, as is greed, covetousness (note Commandment #10), pride and hatred. In fact, thoughts and fantasies can be just as sinful as sinful deeds.

Texts: Matt 5:21-22, 27-28 [show]Matthew 5:21-22 Anger [21]"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' [22]But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother(1) will be liable to judgment; whoever insults(2) his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell(3) of fire. (ESV) Matthew 5:27-28 Lust [27]"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' [28]But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [5:22] Some manuscripts insert 'without cause' 2. [5:22] Greek 'says Raca to' (a term of abuse) 3. [5:22] Greek 'Gehenna'; also verses 29, 30
; 15:18-19; 23:25-28

If you want to progress in sanctification, start by controlling your thought-life. Controlling your thoughts is extremely important; your thoughts are the frontlines of the battle for holiness. Remember that evil deeds are the offspring of evil thoughts.

How does one sin with his mind?

1. Sins of remembering: remembering, cherishing, or mentally reliving past sins. Sin has a way of impressing itself on your memory. When you bring back and think about past sin, you repeat the sin. [This is one reason porn is so destructive: once you implant an image in you brain, it's easy to bring it back up and difficult to forget it. It's not just images, either. Sinful/explicit dialogue and stories are the same. Often our imaginations fill in more explicitly than a pix would. This is one reason we need to stay away from such material. If it never gets into your brain, you'll never remember it.]
2. Sins of scheming or plotting: planning sinful actions is sin. Ps 36:1-4 [show]Psalm 36:1-4 How Precious Is Your Steadfast Love To the choirmaster. Of David, the servant of the LORD. [36:1]Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart;(1) there is no fear of God before his eyes. [2]For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. [3]The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good. [4]He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil. Footnotes 1. [36:1] Some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Jerome (compare Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts 'in my heart'
   ; Prov 15:26, 24 [show]Proverbs 15:26 [26]The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure. Proverbs 15:24 [24]The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
   :8-9 Those who plot evil actions reveal the wickedness filling their hearts. Even if the plans never are acted out, God condemns the sinful thoughts.
3. Sins of imagining: fantasizing about sinful activity. This is what Jesus referred to in Mt 5:28. Even if you don’t plan on acting out the thoughts, if you imagine it, you’ve sinned and you’re guilty. [Imagination is usually far worse than that which we’d actually do. Eg., comments of guys at Patio when a good-looking woman comes in. ]

How to Deal with Evil Thoughts

1. Confess and forsake known sin (Isa 55:7 [show]Isaiah 55:7 [7]let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
   ). If you are guilty of mental sins, repent of it and ask forgiveness. Don’t downplay the sinfulness of evil thoughts. Remember that God knows your thoughts (Ps 139:2-4 [show]Psalm 139:2-4 [2]You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. [3]You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. [4]Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
   ). God hates this sin as much as any other.

2. Refuse to entertain sinful thoughts. Who controls what you think about? You do. Don’t let yourself dwell on sinful images or ideas. Don’t read books, look at images, or listen to music that generate sinful thoughts or tempt you to indulge in them (Job 31:1 [show]Job 31:1 Job's Final Appeal [31:1]"I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?
   ). Stay away from things that tempt you in this way. Guard your thoughts. This requires discernment: the ability to evaluate something before giving or withholding approval. E.g., lots of bad stuff on the internet, most easily accessible. If you can’t handle the temptation, stay away from it.]

3. Focus on the right kind of thoughts (Phil 4:8 [show]Philippians 4:8 [8]Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)
   ). Soak your mind with true, valuable, honorable, and pure information. Replace the bad with the good. [Many sources: Bible, classic novels, good magazines, some TV shows, etc. Unfortunately, replacement doesn’t get rid of the bad stuff.]

4. Feed on the Word (Ps 119:11 [show]Psalm 119:11 [11]I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
   ). The Word strengthens and insulates your mind. It also reveals your sin and shows you the right way to go.

5. Get accountable. If you find you have difficulty with this on your own, find someone you can check in with occasionally who will help you keep you mind on the right track.

Conclusion: Sin always starts in the mind. You are in control of what you think about. Determine to think about the right things. Don’t fill your mind with trash. When you do commit mental sins, repent of it and determine not to let it happen again.

Envy / Jealousy

How would you define envy? Write your definition here.

“a sense of discontentment or jealousy with regard to another’s success or possessions; an inordinate desire to have [something] possessed by another.”

Why do some people envy other people?

Do you ever envy other people? Why? Why not?

Psalm 73 [show]Psalm 73 God Is My Strength and Portion Forever A Psalm of Asaph. [73:1]Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. [2]But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. [3]For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4]For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. [5]They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. [6]Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. [7]Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. [8]They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. [9]They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. [10]Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.(1) [11]And they say, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?" [12]Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. [13]All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. [14]For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. [15]If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed the generation of your children. [16]But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, [17]until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. [18]Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. [19]How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! [20]Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. [21]When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, [22]I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. [23]Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. [24]You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. [25]Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. [26]My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength(2) of my heart and my portion forever. [27]For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. [28]But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Footnotes 1. [73:10] Probable reading; Hebrew 'the waters of a full cup are drained by them' 2. [73:26] Hebrew 'rock'
tells us that envy is a process. It is the result of a series of events.

[Break into 3 groups and work on the following. Fill in the blanks first.]

1. Notice how well others are doing in comparison with yourself. List areas of which we could be envious of others from Psalm 73:1-5 [show]Psalm 73:1-5 God Is My Strength and Portion Forever A Psalm of Asaph. [73:1]Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. [2]But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. [3]For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4]For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. [5]They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
   
   .3 prosperity–wealth, house, car, boat, pool, things
   .4 strong–do what they want, power, control, respected
   .5 no trouble, no plague–everything going fine, easy, no problems
   [.12 carefree, wealthy]
2. Notice that other people are ungodly and it does not seem to affect them. What are some characteristics of the ungodly listed in Ps. 73:6-12 [show]Psalm 73:6-12 [6]Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. [7]Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. [8]They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. [9]They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. [10]Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.(1) [11]And they say, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?" [12]Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. Footnotes 1. [73:10] Probable reading; Hebrew 'the waters of a full cup are drained by them'
   
   .6 pride, violence
   .7 evil thoughts, callous (hard) hearts
   .8 speak wickedly (bad language, cursing), scoff, arrogant, make threats
   .9 boastful about their attitude.
   .11 question if God exists, live as though He does not
3. Complain about the requirements of your faith. Paraphrase what the psalmist says in verses 13-16.
   .13 I have lived a godly life for nothing. It is useless to be a Christian.
   .14 I am always punished for my sin
   .15 If I talk about this to others, the people will doubt God. I.e., I can’t even talk about this situation.
   .16 I cannot understand why the wicked do what they want and seem to prosper, while I try to do right and am punished for it.

Envy is a process. So is the cure to envy.

1. Change your point of view. .17a

Instead of looking at others from your viewpoint, try seeing people as God does. He is not interested or impressed by their wealth or prosperity. He sees the wicked as sinners on their way to Hell.

2. Understand the truth of the situation. .17b-20 List the future for ungodly people.

.18a slippery places

.18b destruction, ruin

.19 desolation, swept away by terrors

.20 despised by God. [“God is angry with the wicked every day.” Cf John 3.36 [show]John 3:36 [36]Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (ESV)
]

3. Realize that it is stupid to envy the wicked. .21-22 [There are lots of bad things that will happen to the wicked. They are in deep trouble. cf Prov 3:33 [show]Proverbs 3:33 [33]The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
]

4. Find contentment in God and what He provides. .23-28 List the blessings God has for those who trust Him. Can the ungodly count on these blessings?

.23 God is always with me and holds me up.

.24 God will guide me and receive me to glory.

.25 The only One who matters is God, and He is the One who takes care of me.

.26 God is my strength and portion forever even tho I may be weak.

.28 Good to draw near to God. Tell others what you found out so they won’t repeat your mistake.

Conclusion about envy:

1. It is unwise to compare yourself and your situation to others and their situations. 2 Cor. 10:12 [show]2 Corinthians 10:12 [12]Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. (ESV)
   
2. Envy is sin. 1 Cor. 3:3 [show]1 Corinthians 3:3 [3]for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? (ESV)
   , James 3:16 [show]James 3:16 [16]For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (ESV)
   
3. Be content with what you have. Heb. 13:5-6 [show]Hebrews 13:5-6 [5]Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." [6]So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
   
4. Psalm 73:25-28 [show]Psalm 73:25-28 [25]Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. [26]My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength(1) of my heart and my portion forever. [27]For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. [28]But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works. Footnotes 1. [73:26] Hebrew 'rock'
   [try to view things from God’s perspective.]

Death

Death is a normal part of life. Each day thousands of people die. What are some theories about what happens after death? [heaven or hell, reincarnation, cease to exist, purgatory, ghosts/poltergeists, limbo, etc]

THE BIBLE MENTIONS AT LEAST

FOUR TYPES OF DEATH:

I. PHYSICAL DEATH: The end of physical life.

1. Caused by sin . Rom. 5:12 [show]Romans 5:12 Death in Adam, Life in Christ [12]Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned-- (ESV)
   

2. Controlled by God. 1 Sam 2:6 [show]1 Samuel 2:6 [6]The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
   “The Lord kills and makes alive.”

3. Does not end one’s existence. Mt 22:32 “[God] is not the God of the dead but of the living.” [The intermediate state: conscious, corporal, rest or torment.]

4. Is inevitable. Ecc. 9:5 [show]Ecclesiastes 9:5 [5]For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. (ESV)
   “For the living know that they will die.”

5. Happens only once, followed by judgment . Heb 9:27-28 [show]Hebrews 9:27-28 [27]And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, [28]so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (ESV)
   [no 2^nd chance, no reincarnation]

6. Is an enemy. 1 Cor 15:26 [show]1 Corinthians 15:26 [26]The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (ESV)
   “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”

7. Expressions:

8. Departed from this world 2 Tim 4.6 [show]2 Timothy 4:6 [6]For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. (ESV)
   

9. Going the way of all the earth Jos 23:14 [show]Joshua 23:14 [14]"And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things(1) that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [23:14] Or 'words'; also twice in verse 15
   

10. Gathered to one’s fathers or people Jud 2:10 [show]Judges 2:10 [10]And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel. (ESV)
    ; Deut 32:50 [show]Deuteronomy 32:50 [50]And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, (ESV)
    

11. Dissolving the earthly house of this tabernacle 2 Cor 5:1 [show]2 Corinthians 5:1 Our Heavenly Dwelling [5:1]For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (ESV)
    

12. Kicked the bucket Hezekiah 1:23-4:56 [just kidding]

II. SPIRITUAL DEATH: Lack of spiritual life. Gen. 2:17 [show]Genesis 2:17 [17]but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat(1) of it you shall surely die." (ESV) Footnotes 1. [2:17] Or 'when you eat'
; Eph 2:1 [show]Ephesians 2:1 By Grace Through Faith [2:1]And you were dead in the trespasses and sins (ESV)

1. The Cause: lack of regeneration . This is the natural state for mankind. [The Bible refers to those in this condition as “natural” men. 1 Cor 2:14 [show]1 Corinthians 2:14 [14]The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (ESV)
   ]

2. The Cure: regeneration: the impartation of spiritual life. Eph 2:4 [show]Ephesians 2:4 [4]But(1) God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, (ESV) Footnotes 1. [2:4] Or 'And'
   But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions– it is by grace you have been saved.”

III. THE SECOND DEATH: The eternal state of the unsaved. Rev. 21:8 [show]Revelation 21:8 [8]But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (ESV)

1. After the GREAT WHITE THRONE judgment. Rev. 20:11, 15 [show]Revelation 20:11 Judgment Before the Great White Throne [11]Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. (ESV) Revelation 20:15 [15]And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (ESV)
   

2. For all the unsaved. Rev. 21:8 [show]Revelation 21:8 [8]But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (ESV)
   “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars– their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

3. Other terms for this: eternal fire, outer darkness, eternal punishment or destruction, the lake of fire and brimstone.

IV. FIGURATIVE DEATH: Using death as a descriptive term.

1. Death to self . 1 Cor. 15:31 [show]1 Corinthians 15:31 [31]I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! (ESV)
   “I die daily.”

2. Death to sin . Rom. 6:11 [show]Romans 6:11 [11]So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
   “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

3. Being “dead” to something implies being unresponsive to it, or that the thing has lost its power.

Conclusion:

Death will overtake all of us (unless the rapture happens first). We must be ready when the time comes by making sure that we are saved and by making our lives count while we are still alive.

Capital Punishment

The issue of capital punishment has recently been a topic of discussion because of the trial of Timothy McVeigh, the convicted bomber of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Some say that McVeigh should be put to death for his crime; others suggest that he should spend the rest of his life in prison so he can think about and agonize over what he has done. Some see capital punishment as barbaric and even anti-Christian. Others see it as the only way to preserve justice and social order. What does the Bible have to say about the issue?

The Biblical Basis for Capital Punishment

1. OT passages clearly command it.

1. Gen 9:6 [show]Genesis 9:6 [6]"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
   “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” Murder is wrong because it is destroying one made in God’s image. Capital punishment is based on the Genesis account of creation. Note that this verse is pre-Law. It is a universal principle, not part of the Mosaic legislation. Thus it still applies.
2. Ex 21:24 [show]Exodus 21:24 [24]eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, (ESV)
   f “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” Under the Mosaic Law, many offenses besides murder were to be punished by death of the criminal: rape, adultery, fornication, disrespecting one’s parents, witchcraft, cursing God, leading others to worship false gods, and giving false testimony, to name a few. Note that in a capital case, two or three eye witnesses of the crime were required for conviction (Deut 19:15 [show]Deuteronomy 19:15 Laws Concerning Witnesses [15]"A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. (ESV)
   ). Circumstantial evidence was not sufficient grounds for death.

2. NT passages clearly expect it. NT authors presuppose the same basic view on capital punishment as the OT presents.

1. Rom 13:1 [show]Romans 13:1 Submission to the Authorities [13:1]Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (ESV)
   f: “He is a servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrong doer.” Rulers are ordained by God to carry out justice. At the time Paul wrote this, capital punishment was a common practice.

2. Jesus reaffirmed the principle in the Sermon on the Mount. Matt 5:21 [show]Matthew 5:21 Anger [21]"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' (ESV)
   f: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” The judgment he refers to is capital punishment. Jesus also recognized the power of governmental authorities over the lives of citizens. John 19:10-11 [show]John 19:10-11 [10]So Pilate said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?" [11]Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin." (ESV)
   : “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”

3. The ruling Jews believed they had the authority to implement capital punishment. They killed Stephen (Acts 7:59 [show]Acts 7:59 [59]And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (ESV)
   ), James (Acts 12:1-2 [show]Acts 12:1-2 James Killed and Peter Imprisoned [12:1]About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. [2]He killed James the brother of John with the sword, (ESV)
   ) and Jesus because they had the authority to carry out capital punishment.

Thus we see that God’s system of moral justice is the same in both testaments. While the Mosaic Law is no longer in force, the mandate given to Noah is, and requires capital punishment for murder. The NT, including the teaching of Jesus, does not overturn this mandate, but presupposes its continuing validity for all societies.

Note: Justice is the primary reason for capital punishment. A just order is disturbed by murder and only the death of the murderer can restore that justice. Restitution is not possible for murder, and reformation can at best only guarantee that the same act by the same man will not occur again. But nothing can satisfy justice in regard to murder except the death of the murderer (Gen 9:6 [show]Genesis 9:6 [6]"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.
). Whether or not capital punishment deters crime is really not the issue.

Some Objections to Capital Punishment

1. Jesus and the case of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:11 [show]John 8:11 [11]She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."]] (ESV)
   f): The OT stipulations for adultery is death for both parties involved. Yet it seems that in this case Jesus did not enforce the punishment that was proper. Hence, some argue that Christians should be more interested in forgiveness and mercy than in a just punishment for crime. [See example #1] But note the following facts:

1. According to the Law, the death sentence could be carried out only if two or three witnesses testified to the crime. In this case, no one brought any charge against the woman (.10-11). Jesus said in Matt 5:17 [show]Matthew 5:17 Christ Came to Fulfill the Law [17]"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. (ESV)
   that he did not come to abolish the Law of Moses but to fulfill it. He followed it quite strictly. If the witnesses would have testified against the woman, the people would have had every right to stone her (and her partner).

2. This scenario was a trap the Jews set up, hoping that Jesus would upset either the Romans or the Jewish people. If he insisted on the death penalty as required by the Law, he would be ignoring Rome’s authority, which reserved the right of execution for itself. If he waived the death penalty, he would be breaking the Mosaic requirements. Jesus’ actions in this case avoided both potential problems.
2. Forgiveness and Grace: Some argue that capital punishment is unchristian because it ignores God’s forgiveness through Christ’s death. Christ fulfilled the Law for all men, and He died on the cross for all sin. Thus, men are no longer punishable for their sins or crimes. [See examples #2-6] This objection is evidence of a misunderstanding of grace and forgiveness. Forgiveness does remove the penalty of sin, but not always the consequences of sin. God may forgive a drunk driver for his sin, but He won’t necessarily give him back his driver’s license or heal an injury that resulted from his drunkenness. Thus God may forgive a murderer (as He did in David’s case), but the consequences of the sin remain (as they did in that case).

3. Capital punishment is prone to abuse: Some say that it’s inevitable that innocent people will be put to death. While the above argument is true, the fact that mistakes will be made is not a good argument for doing away with it completely. Doctors, airline pilots, army generals, and presidents all make mistakes, often with fatal results. Yet no one suggests getting rid of these professions. Fallible judgment does not eliminate the need for men to exercise good judgment in applying moral and social justice.

4. Capital punishment is barbaric, inhuman, and has no place in civilized society. We should be more interested in rehabilitation than in vengeance. Such a sentiment is simply a rejection of biblical morality and justice. The person who committed the crime was inhuman, not the society that makes the criminal pay for his crime. In fact, the death of the criminal is good for society. If nothing else, at least the criminal won’t commit any more crimes.

Conclusion: Capital punishment implies a very high regard for individual human life. Man is so valuable as an individual that anyone who tampers with his sacred right to live must face the consequences of losing his own life.

The death penalty protects society from the hardened murderer and is an appropriate and fitting punishment for the most heinous of crimes. As we’ve seen, the Bible as a whole supports the practice. Any argument brought forward to end capital punishment either rejects or ignores biblical truth.

Be Angry and Do Not Sin Eph. 4:26 [show]Ephesians 4:26 [26]Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (ESV)

Describe below the worst trouble anger ever got you into.

What does the Bible say about ANGER ?

• Anger itself is not sinful. Like any emotion, anger can become destructive if we do not express it biblically.
• God gets angry. Ex 22:24 [show]Exodus 22:24 [24]and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. (ESV)
  ; Ps 7:11 [show]Psalm 7:11 [11]God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.
  
• Jesus got angry. Mt 21:12; Mk 3:5 [show]Mark 3:5 [5]And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. (ESV)
  ; Jn 2:13-17 [show]John 2:13-17 Jesus Cleanses the Temple [13]The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [14]In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. [15]And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. [16]And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." [17]His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." (ESV)
  
• Believers may get angry. Eph 4:26 [show]Ephesians 4:26 [26]Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (ESV)
  [righteous indignation: anger against sin, evil, immorality, injustice, blasphemy, etc.]
• The energy of anger can be beneficial. 1 Sam 11:6 7, 17 [show]1 Samuel 11:6 [6]And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled. (ESV) 1 Samuel 11:7 [7]He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen!" Then the dread of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out as one man. (ESV)
  :26, 50
• Anger becomes sinful in two ways: [sinful anger is self-centered, concerned with what happened to me. Based on pride and self-pity. ]
• By venting it    “blowing up,” rage, tantrum. The energies of anger are vented on others. [This is how murder happens. Mt 5:21-22 ]
• By keeping it – holding on to the emotion, allowing it to linger, not dealing with it correctly. Anger kept inside leads to bitterness, hatred and a negative attitude.
• Common results of Anger:
• Hatred and Murder Gen. 4:5 8 [show]Genesis 4:5 [5]but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. (ESV) Genesis 4:8 [8]Cain spoke to Abel his brother.(1) And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. (ESV) Footnotes 1. [4:8] Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add 'Let us go out to the field'
  
• Bad attitude “
• Assault Num 22:27 [show]Numbers 22:27 [27]When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. (ESV)
  
• Pouting 1 Kings 21:4 [show]1 Kings 21:4 [4]And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food. (ESV)
  
• Stupidity Prov 14:17 [show]Proverbs 14:17 [17]A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.
  ;