Why Does Evil Exist? - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

If God is all powerful and if God is all love, then why does evil exist? Why does God permit evil and suffering? If He is willing but unable to stop suffering, then is He all powerful? If He is all-powerful but unwilling to stop evil, is He loving? The problem of evil is complex. There is no single theological theodicy that satisfies everyone concerning evil, either philosophically or existentially. But evil is real, not a mere construct of people. You can see it, feel it, and experience it. There are two types of evil, natural evil, such as natural disasters and sickness, and moral evil. Moral evil is the result of human choice. War, rape, murder, cruelty, racism, and injustice all result from moral evil. God endowed people with the choice to love Him or reject Him, to choose between loving Him or living for ourselves. This option is called free will. God knew that people would choose to reject Him. Therefore, God perceived evil but didn’t create evil.

God created everything good. Eden was paradise, and Adam and Eve would have lived forever, but they sinned, resulting in death. And that corruption tainted all their descendents. Humankind became abnormal. But God made a way. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In addition, because of the fall, God also cursed the earth, bringing forth thorns and thistles, pests, sickness and natural disasters (Genesis 3:17-19). The why of the particulars of these natural evils is still a mystery, however, the creation, too, will one day be free from death and decay.

So evil entered the world and now people are all doomed to die physically, eventually. In light of eternity, our lives are just a vapor. Second, through faith in Jesus Christ, we have forgiveness, a restored relationship with God, and eternal life. Third, God proved his love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die that horrific death on the cross, absorbing the punishment for the sins of the world. Fourth, God does cause all (ALL) things to work for good for his children, to develop eternal character, build God’s kingdom, and earn them eternal rewards. Fifth, at the end of the story, all things are restored and God wipes away every tear (Revelation 21:1-4).

1. When destructive evil has touched you, did it draw you closer to God or farther away? How and why?
   

2. How do you know that God loves you personally, and that God is good?
   

Consider This

Both St. Augustine and C. S. Lewis assert that evil isn’t actually a thing in and of itself. But rather, evil is good corrupted. Evil always leads to death—separation from God, the source of life. If God is all good and all powerful then why does evil exist?

“Evil exists because God allows it to.” - Pastor John

1. True love requires the freedom not to love. Free will then opens the door for evil. On the other hand, the Bible says evil is a mystery (2 Thes. 2:7). How would you explain evil in this life?
   

2. What are the three sources of moral evil according to the following verses?

   • Revelation12:9, Ephesians 6:16
   • James 1:14, Galatians 5:17
   • 1 John 2:15-16
     

3. Read Ezekiel 28:11-17. Was Satan perfect when created? What do you think caused him to fail at love—to rebel and become evil?
   

4. God hates evil and cares so much about our suffering that he became human, so people can be completely restored—forever. Read Ephesians 2:4-9, Colossians 1:13-14, and Rev 21:4, and discuss how God did and will accomplish that restoration.
   

5. What did Joseph say of the suffering and evil he endured (Genesis 50:20)? Sometimes time and perspective reveals evil and suffering, ultimately working for good in this life. Can you think of similar examples in your life or in the lives of those around you?
   

6. According to Romans 8:28-29, toward what goal does God cause, “all things to work together for good to those who love God” (NASB)? Could you share some bad experiences that seem to only hold eternal reward?
   

7. Consider Matt 13:37-43. Will evil be eradicated? When? Why the delay? (2 Peter 3:9)
   

8. How much did the prospect of the cross demoralize Jesus? (Mark 14:32-36) Yet what perspective did Jesus maintain when confronted with personal suffering? (Hebrews 12:2)
   

9. Paul said his, “present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18). How did he maintain that perspective? How can you? (see also Matt 5:11-12, 6:19-21)
   

10. Read Matthew 27:46. What else did Jesus suffer on the Cross? Why?
    

Moving Forward – Application

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15).

But remember, when it comes to specific evil, it’s okay to say “I don’t know,” because we usually don’t.

1. This week, spend some time pondering evil and its effect on you personally and those you care about and be prepared.
   

2. Formulate how you would answer some of the questions frequently asked by people about good and evil.
   

3. Are there any questions about evil that are “not allowed?” Write them down and try to formulate answers. Ask for help if you need it.
   

4. Write down what you think is the most important truth to hold on to when you are personally touched by evil.