God always gives His best to His children. But sometimes His will includes something we might not choose for ourselves. How do we reconcile God's generous love with the difficulties He allows? Dr. Stanley responds to this intricate question in part two of this four-sermon set.
Sermon Outline
It’s hard to understand why a good God would permit evil to exist. In today’s message, Dr. Stanley shows not only that there is an answer but also that our faith grows when we resolve this question for ourselves.
Key Passage: Psalm 103:19-22
Supporting Passages: Genesis 1:31; Genesis 2:15-17; Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 14:12-15; Isaiah 45:6-7; Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 20:10
Thousands of books have been written in an attempt to answer this question: “If God is in control and He is a good God, then why does He allow pain and suffering?”
Where did evil come from?
The passage often cited to claim God created evil—Isaiah 45:6-7—is misunderstood. The word translated “evil” in the KJV can also be translated as “calamity” or “disaster.” God does create calamity at times, but that is different from evil.
Evil is the absence of righteousness, goodness, and holiness, and God allows us to choose it.
The garden of Eden was a perfect place, filled with good things God created. When Adam and Eve disobeyed His command, sin entered the world (Gen. 2:15-17).
Why does God allow evil?
We won’t always understand why (Isa. 55:8-9). But He doesn’t do anything without a reason. His divine purpose is always sure.
► “God does not commit evil acts, but He indeed allows evil to happen.”
It’s important to know that Satan …
Considered himself equal to God and was cast down to earth (Isa. 14:12-15).
Will eventually be consigned to the lake of fire with the fallen angels (2 Pet. 2:4; Rev. 20:10).
God created the world …
Even though He foresaw all this happening.
To love and to be loved.
To express what a great, powerful, and caring God He is.
To give mankind the opportunity—through limited free will—to choose to love and follow Him.
► “God is in control of everything in believers’ lives, and He will turn it all to good.”
We must remember that …
When we respond correctly to evil, pain, and suffering, we will begin to see God’s good purposes.
Partial obedience is disobedience.
God is not required to give us understanding of all His ways (Isa. 55:8-9).
After Watching
What did you learn from today’s message that might help you better understand why God allows evil to exist?
How easy or difficult is it for you to accept that some things remain hidden from us?
