Psalm 119:67-71(71)

INTRODUCTION

Suffering. The endurance of pain or affliction

Affliction. Anything causing pain or distress; suffering; calamity.

From the biblical viewpoint, affliction began with the entrance of sin into the world. Both mankind and all creation were afflicted with “thorns and thistles,” sin, death, and decay (cf. Gn 3:16–19; Rom 8:18–21).

Because of sin, misery is a common human experience, and our short life is full of trouble (Jb 14:1–6). It is impossible for human beings to avoid natural calamity, physical injury, and interpersonal conflict (2 Chr 20:9).

“Suffering and Affliction are the illegitimate children of sin.” (Dr. Tim Brown)

The Bible acknowledges that it is difficult to understand the many afflictions of the righteous (Ps 34:19; 37:39; 138:7). Even the prophet and “Servant of the Lord” (Messiah) were not spared (Is 53:2–12; Jer 15:15). Jesus Christ bore the griefs and sorrows of humankind as the culmination of the affliction begun by Adam’s sin (Is 53:4, 5)

I. The Nature of Suffering

Significant growth occurs within the context of frustration, suffering, or challenge.

A. It is a PARADOX - meaning;- having seemingly contradictory qualities

II. The Purpose of Suffering

One major contribution educational psychology has made to the field of Christian education is a more objective understanding of observations about how people learn. Simple reflection on the history of Christianity shows that persecution has made the church stronger.

A. Suffering, then, is to be seen as an opportunity to learn obedience. (67-68)

Yet God uses affliction to instruct and discipline his people. This aspect of affliction is graphically portrayed by the oppression during the Israelites’ sojourn in Egypt (Ex 4:31), by their troubles during the period of the judges (Neh 9:26, 27), and by their exile in Babylon (Is 26:16). In Israel’s distress they cried out to God, who delivered them and led them into obedience (Jer 10:18; Hos 5:15–6:3).

B. God uses suffering and persecution in our lives to challenge us to higher levels of spiritual thinking and living. (69-70)

C. Suffering becomes an instrument of pruning in our growth process to help us change more directly into the likeness of Christ. (71a)

Suffering moves us closer to our goal of Christlikeness.

C. Suffering Challenges our Why

Suffering and persecution challenge the reasons why we follow the Lord. (71)

(71) - to be good (of qualities) v. — to be having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified.

Psalm 119:67 (ESV)

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

The Psalmist has an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE!

(71) learn-to learn (knowledge) v. — to gain knowledge or skills.

(71) decrees-statutes - regulation n. — an authoritative rule.