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)