Christ the Healer: An Analysis (part 12)

A study of the book, Christ the Healer, by F. F. Bosworth:

• Part 1 (Introduction)
• Part 2 (Interpreting the Scriptures)
• Part 3 (Where Sickness Comes From)
• Part 4 (Healing and the Will of God 1)
• Part 5 (Healing and the Will of God 2)
• Part 6 (Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh)
• Part 7 (Healing and the Atonement 1)
• Part 8 (Healing and the Atonement 2)
• Part 9 (Healing in the Present Age 1)
• Part 10 (Healing in the Present Age 2)
• Part 11 (Healing in the Present Age 3)

VII. God’s Purpose in Suffering 1

If – since – it is, in fact, biblical, to insist that God allows suffering to continue in this life for His own glory, we must ask finally, how such things can glorify God. The material presented below is an abbreviation of an extensive study on the subject of suffering.

Since this theme is a little broader than that of healing from sickness, there will be some things that do not necessarily apply. However, I offer the entire study in outline form, in the hope that it will suggest that God does many good things through the trials we are called upon to bear.

And keep in mind that every believer is healed eventually. Whether called upon to suffer for a day or a year or many years, each of us will be delivered, in glory. So, we are talking about God’s purpose in delaying restoration, in some cases, Why would He do that? Here is the Truth in Our Trials.

Some Basic Principles

1. All creation was corrupted as a result of man’s first sin (Gen. 1:31a, 3:13-19; Rom. 8:22)
2. Personal sin brings personal suffering (Prov. 11:19; Gal. 6:7-8; Jas. 1:14-15)
3. Sin can also be the indirect cause of suffering – i.e. apart from personal blame (Jn. 9:1-3)
4. Suffering can have a positive result (as will be shown as we continue)
5. God is not unfair or unjust (Deut. 32:4; Ps. 33:4-5)
6. God is not unfeeling or unloving (Ps. 103:13-14; Ezek. 18:32; Heb. 4:15; Jn. 11:35)
7. God allows trials, within the scope of His will, for our good and blessing (Gen. 50:20; Rom. 8:28; II Cor. 4:17)
8. God is glorified in all He does – even in allowing suffering (Ps. 76:10, 104:24,31; II Cor. 4:7-15; Rev. 7:9-14)
9. God is absolutely sovereign and will permit what He chooses (Ex. 4:11; Eph 1:11; Phil. 1:29; I Pet. 4:19)
10. God’s perspective is different from man’s. It is infinite and eternal (Isa. 40:12-28, 55:8-9, 57:15; Jer. 23:24)
11. Suffering is relative (II Cor. 4:17, 10:12)
12. The significance of our trials is not always clear (Isa. 40:13, 55:8-9; Job 26:14; Acts 15:18)
13. Suggested benefits may not satisfy the sufferer or relieve his pain (Job 12:1-3, 16:1-2)
14. Trials are inevitable this side of heaven (Job 5:7, 14:1; Ecc. 2:22-23; Phil. 1:29; Rev. 21:4)
15. In the final analysis, our trials can only be “understood” by faith (II Cor. 5:7; Jn. 20:29; Jas. 1:2; (c.f. Job 1:21; Heb. 12:1-2))

1. Truth About Sin and Satan

Trials can:

1. Be an evidence of personal sin (Num. 32:23b; Gal. 6:7)
2. Be an object lesson, teaching the destructiveness of sin (Prov. 6:27-29)
3. Be a foretaste of eternal torment, for unbelievers (II Pet. 3:3-9)
4. Be a chastening for sin – corrective discipline upon God’s children (I Cor. 11:28-32; Heb. 12:5-11; Prov. 15:31)
5. Show us that God hates sin and prompt us to hate it too (Josh. 7:11,15,19; Prov. 8:13)
6. Help to prevent sin (II Cor. 12:7)
7. Reveal the true character of Satan (Gen. 2:16-17, 3:4, 5:5; II Cor. 11:14; Jn. 8:44)
8. Demonstrate the rebellious spirit of this world (I Jn. 5:19; Jn. 15:18-21)
9. Remind us that we are engaged in a spiritual warfare and must be prepared for it (I Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:10-20)

2. Truth About Values and Priorities

Trials can:

1. Help us to appreciate present blessings (Ps. 90:14-15; Acts 3:2,7-8)
2. Keep us from growing satisfied with this present world (II Cor. 4:16-5:5; I Cor. 7:29-31)
3. Renew our interest in studying God’s Word (Ps. 119:71,92; Matt 13:22; Rom. 15:4)
4. Drive us to the place of prayer (Ps. 34:4,6, 107:17-19; Acts 12:5,7,11; I Tim. 2:1-4; Jas. 5:13a)
5. Prove who our real friends are and prompt us to sift our friendships (Prov. 17:17; Lk. 15:11-16)
6. Teach us the need to count the cost of following Christ (Acts 5:1-13; Heb. 11:24-27)
7. Stir in us a longing for God and His best (Ps. 42:1-3; Rev. 1:9, 22:20; Phil. 1:23)

(continued tomorrow)