Why Bad things happen to "Good" people

Think of some 'bad' things that have happened to 'good' people...Why is this such a problem? What kind of questions arise?

Initial Truths
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. (ref Isaiah 55:8-9)
2. Bad things happen equally between both the wicked and the good. There isn't 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. (ref Job 1:21)
3. Beware of "health & wealth" theology, which states that faithful believers will not experience problems. ref (Colossians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 3:12)

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. (Genesis 3:14-19)
2. Sin is an unfortunate part of life for ALL of us. (Romans 3:10, 23)
3. Even faithful believers may be afflicted. (Hebrews 11:36-37)

II. Bad circumstances may be a means of testing an individual.
1. Job 23:10
2. 2 Corinthians 12:7
3. 1 Peter 1:7

Who's benefit is the testing?

III. Bad circumstances may be used by God to display His power and grace.
1. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
2. John 9:3
3. Can you think of any other examples? (martyrs, etc.)

IV. Bad circumstances may be a form of chastening.
1. 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 (may be due to improper attitude toward God)
2. Acts 5:1-5 (death may be due to lying to God)
3. Hebrews 12:7 (All errant believers receive chastening)

V. Bad circumstances may be due to the natural consequences of personal sin.
1. Galatians 6:7-8 (problems are the natural result of sin). Romans 6:23 says sin has wages or penalties, and that is death.
2. 1 Corinthians 3:17
3. Usually there is a direct connection between sinful behavior and negative circumstances. What do these verses say about sin and its result? Psalm 1:6, 146:9, Proverbs 4:19, 11:6, 13:15)

VI. Bad circumstances may be from Satan.
Check out Luke 13:11-16 and Job 1:12


My charge to you is this. Anticipate. Accept. Advance. (Romans 5:3-5)

More than "good"

What makes a good athlete? Strength, speed, skill, performance, etc.

What makes a good doctor? Results of saved/healed people, knowledge of diseases/cures, steady hands, etc.

What makes a good friend? Them being there for you, plays with you, common ground, tells you the truth, etc.

What makes a good Christian? .....

i stayed up rather late last night, speaking with a good friend of mine. He's non-Christian. He brought up this point: Christians don't act like they believe.

Being Christian is more than the motions. You aren't saved by your actions, rather, your actions change as a result of being saved. (ref Acts 15:7b-8, Ephesians 2:8-9)

Mark of a Christian
 
1. Make time to be alone. (Matthew 14:13)
2. You'll speak the Truth (2 Timothy 4:2-5)
3. Prayer life/forgiveness (Matthew 6:9-15)
4. Repentance/Accountability (James 5:16)
5. Deny yourself (Matt 16:24)
6. Live accordingly (Romans 8:5-8, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 2:5, Colossians 3:1-4)
7. Consistent reading, speaking out of love (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Essentially, read through Romans 12:9-21. That's a pretty good section to make a rather detailed list of what actions will (should) result from being saved.

Do you believe in the Truth and Power of the Gospel? Does your life show it?