Many wonder: Does evil exist in our world? Is there a devil? How should I react to evil?
The Nature of Evil
- Evil is not the opposite of good
- Evil is the corruption of a good thing
- Evil must have a good thing to corrupt in order to exist
- Evil is like a spot if mold on a good piece of bread. The existence of even a small amount causes the whole to be useless.
The Cause of Evil
- Man’s desire to sin is what created and allows evil to exist.
- Did God cause or create evil?
- God is absolutely perfect
- God cannot create anything imperfect
- Therefore God cannot produce evil
- Sin and evil as far apart from God’s nature as the East is to the West
- God created Satan as an angel. Satan rebelled against God through his own free will.
The Nature of the Devil
- Evil personified is the Devil.
- The Devil does exist, he is a real personal force of evil who is active in the world today.
- Once we have come to believe in a transcendent God, it is logical to believe in a devil.
- Many western society find it harder to believe in the devil than God
- Much of this comes from our society stereotype of a red-horned devil with a pitch-fork.
- God and the Devil are not two equal and opposite beings. God is the Creatorof the universe, the Devil is a part of creation - a fallen part.
- This only works in the devil’s favor:
”Like any general who can persuade the opposition to underestimate him,Satan… must be enchanted at the present state of affairs which leaveshim free to operate with the maximum of ease and efficiency, confidentthat nobody takes him seriously. The more he can blind people’s mindsto the true state of affairs, the better his aims are furthered.” –Michael Green
- The devil’s goal is to entice every human to follow a path of evil that leads to destruction.
The Christian Position
- First and foremost we must realize the devil is a conqueredenemy by the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The war is notover, but the outcome is decided. We are in the ‘mop up’ stage of thebattle.
Scripture:
”And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a publicspectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15
- Defend: The apostle Paul gives us guidance in the area of defending ourselvesin the book of Ephesians, Chapter 6. He uses the analogy of a warrior’stools:
- The Belt of Truth (vs. 14): We should learn and study the knowledge and lessons found in the Bible
- Breastplateof Righteousness (vs. 14): Righteousness is what is produced from ourrelationship with God. This helps us to resist the Devil.
Scripture:
”Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7,8
- Shoesof the Gospel of Peace (vs. 15): This comes from spreading the GoodNews to family and friends. It is much easier to resist an enemy if youare not standing still.
o Shield of Faith (vs. 16): Faith is what gives us the strength to resist the doubt that the devil aims at us.
- Helmetof Salvation (vs. 17): The helmet of salvation protects the mostimportant part if a person, the mind. We must be confident in oursalvation even if we lose a spiritual battle or two. Realize that yoursalvation does not come and go with your success or failures in thebattle field; your salvation is your eternal possession.
- Swordof the Spirit (vs. 17): The sword that Paul talks about is the word ofGod found in the Bible. It is important to study and memorize theBible. This knowledge can be used at times when temptation isattempting to lead you astray.
- Attack: We can also attack evil through:
- Prayer: Just as the hymn states “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees.”
- Action: Our good work helps to thwart the influence evil has in this world.