SICKNESS AND DISEASE:

IS GOD PUNISHING US?

Heb. 12:9; II Sam. 7:14

          Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why do Christians suffer?  Is God the source of our pain, disease and suffering?

1. The fact of His punishment.

          A. The Bible says he punishes.  Heb. 12:9; II Sam. 7:14

                    1. In eternity.

                    2. In this life.

          B. God could be A source.  He is not THE source.

          C. The reason He punishes us is because we are His children and He is our Father.

2. Some sources of sickness in the Bible.

          A. Disobey God.  Ex. 15:26

          B. Break natural law.  Phil. 2:25-30

                    (Lack - rest, exercise; Too much - food, stress)

          C. Spiritual law broken       Ex. 23:25

                    (Keep commandments = no sickness)

                    (Worry, Matt. 6;  Guilt, Ps. 32:1-4)

                    (Drinking-liver disease, Drugs - addiction, Fornication - veneral disease, Smoking - heart attack)

          D. Lord's Supper abused   I Cor. 11:27-30

          E. Sin of parents     II Sam. 12:13-23

                    (esp. v. 14 - parents sin, child dies)

                    (durg addicted mother, child is born addicted)

          F. Aging, deterioration

                    Ps. 90:10                Ecc. 12

          G. To praise God

                    John 9:1-3              II Cor. 12:7-11

                    Alan Bryan - "Climb Happiness Hill"

                    Prayer - "Thanks for the Thorns", George Matheson

          My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorns. I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for the thorns. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my crosses: but I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory. Teach me the glory of my cross:  teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow."

          H. Satan

                    II Cor. 12:7             Job 2:7

          I. Natural Causes    Luke 13:1-5

                    Things wear out.  Accidents happen.  People suffer and die.  It is not a time to blame God.  Be ready.

3. God deals with:

          A. Individuals

          B. Nations

                    1. Jer. 1:10; 18:1-6, 7-12

          C. Cities - Sodom