Why does God allow sickness?

Suffering with a Purpose: Understanding the Reasons for Sickness

Summary: In Reading the word of God. We find 3 main reasons for sickness in the world. And that we can not expect the same outcomes with all sickness, like many would like to. Although we should apply the same principle.

Pre-Application: How do we react to sickness. When we ask ourselves, why am I sick. What is the purpose. What should I do about it? Does my faith effect the outcome of my sickness?

3 Reasons for Sickness

1. Sickness from sin unto repentance or death

While reading the Bible, we find that God the origion of sickness is sin.

King James Version Psalm 38

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger;

Neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

4  For mine iniquities are gone over mine head:

As an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

5  My wounds stink and are corrupt

Because of my foolishness.

6  I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly;

I go mourning all the day long.

7  For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease:

And there is no soundness in my flesh.

8  I am feeble and sore broken:

I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.

You will see here that the author God for his problems. He understands that the root of all his problems is his own sin and shortcomings.

“For mine iniquities”, “my foolishness”.

We need to understand that we have no position to blame God for our own sickness.

We all deserve the pit of hell, and its only by God’s grace that we can receive anything better than that. We know that not only does he offer us better. But he offers us the best, by inviing us to take part of his banquest table in heaven.

In Genesis we can read the account of how man’s dissobediance to God caused our fall which in turn allowed sickness to come upon us.

And we all know to well how that it is still the primary cause of death and loss in the world today.

And we continue in our foolishness to help in our own destruction by sin.

a. Elisha’s sickness to death

King James Version Chapter 6

Galatians 6:7

We know that if we partake in certain activities, it will increase our chances of sickness and shorten our lives. Generally anything that is called sin is known to do this.

Excessive alcohol, drugs, being sexually immoral. God even says that by honouring our parents, this will extend our lives.

The sin we commit has a direct connection to our quality and length of life.

God also uses sickness in our lives to cause us to change our attitudes and hearts.

We know that at times through repentance, God shows us mercy and will allow us to not pay for these consequenses as we deserve.

We can find this in the scripture

2. Sickness to grow our faith

3. Sickness to the Glory of God

a. God can be Glorified through healing us by miracle

b. God may be showing His strength through our weakness

What role does faith play in overcoming sickness

What is faith?

Did Christ die for my sickness?

Should I expect healing?

How should I apply the word of God regarding this to my life?

Teaching: The sermon will teach that not all sickness is a direct result of sin, but can be a means of growth, a consequence of a fallen world, or a test of faith. Believers are called to seek God in both their health and their ailments.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of the Bible, Christ embodies the suffering servant who took upon Himself our weaknesses and diseases (Isaiah 53:4-5). Through His suffering, He provides hope and redemption, offering healing to all who believe in Him.

Big Idea: The big idea is that sickness and suffering serve a greater purpose in God's sovereign plan, calling us to trust in Him and seek His strength in our weaknesses.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the theological implications of suffering and sickness throughout the biblical narrative using your Logos library. Look into the various reasons for suffering presented in Scripture, such as teaching, discipline, or Satan's influence, and how they connect with the life of Christ. Additionally, examine commentaries on key passages that address suffering to gain insights into their theological significance.

1. Sight Beyond Sickness

John 9:1-3

Perhaps you can emphasize that sometimes sickness is not about punishment but rather a platform for God's glory. This passage challenges the assumption that illness is always a result of sin and instead presents the opportunity for God to reveal Himself in unexpected ways. Encourage those suffering to see their trials as moments where God's power may be demonstrated, invoking hope and trust in His divine purposes.

2. Strength in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

You could focus on how weaknesses, such as sickness, lead us to rely on God's grace and strength. The apostle Paul speaks about his thorn in the flesh, which showcases how God's power is made perfect in our frailty. Encourage believers to understand that their sickness can draw them closer to God, growing in dependence on His all-sufficient grace. This can transform their perspective from despair to gratitude.

3. Faith Through Trials

Job 1:20-22

Maybe you can discuss how suffering, including sickness, can be a test of faith. Job's initial response reveals faith and worship despite unexplained illness and loss. Help your audience see how recounting Job's story encourages facing sickness with a resilient faith, trusting in God's sovereignty even when His purpose is unclear. Faith in trials can deepen one's relationship with God and showcase enduring hope.