Sunday School Lesson October 29, 2023

Subject: Why Do We Suffer?

The Point: We may not know why we suffer, but God meets us in our suffering.

Scriptures: Job 30:26-31; 42:1-6

Study The Bible: Job 30:26-31

1). We all experience suffering, even those who seek after good.

26. But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came.
27. I am churning within and cannot rest; days of suffering confront me.
28. I walk about blackened, but not by the sun. I stood in the assembly and cried out for help.
29. I have become a brother to jackals and a companion of ostriches.
30. My skin blackens and flakes off, and my bones burn with fever.
31. My lyre is used for mourning and my flute for the sound of weeping.

Lasting truths from: Job 30:26-31

* Even those who purse good may suffer.

* Our suffering can affect all dimensions of our lives.

* Focusing only on our suffering or difficulties leads to despair.

* Suffering cannot always be explained away with simple answers of pious platitudes.

* Our response to suffering is critical even if we never know the reasons for suffering.

2). We may not understand why we are suffering, but we can trust that God is sovereign.

Job 42:1-3

1. Then Job replied to the Lord:
2. I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.
3. You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wondrous for me to know.

Lasting truths from: Job 42:1-3

*  With humility we are to confess the superiority of God, His plans, and His ways.

* We are to believe that God has the foresight and ability to do all things and to do them well.

* We are not capable of advising God on how to do His work.

3). We can experience the presence of God even in suffering.

Job 42:4-6

4. You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform me.”
5. I had heard reports about you, but now my eyes have seen you.
6. Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes.

Lasting truths from: Job 42:4-6

*  Our knowledge of the Lord and His ways needs to be based on personal experience with Him, not hearsay, tradition, or secondhand accounts.

* Our coming to know who the Lord is in wisdom and power should lead us to humble submission and repentance.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. Are you facing a life situation that is causing your pain, stress, and anxiety?
2. Did you ask the “why” question? How did you move past the need to understand to the point of trusting God in His sovereignty?
3. Have you had some fresh encounters with the Lord during this time that have given you a deeper awareness of His presence that sustains you?
4. What truth from this session helps you to gain a new perspective on your struggle?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”

“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”