The objective of this lesson: to affirm that the existence of evil in this physical world produces consequences.

Sometimes we become so focused on details that we fail to see the scene as a unit, a whole. For example, we can become so captivated by twenty-first century questions about origins of this world that we find ourselves engrossed in creation details as those details apply to our questions in this age.

If we focus on details as we begin our considerations, we may never "see" the comprehensive picture. (1) We can be so focused on the details that we never realize there is a larger picture to be seen. (2) Or, we apply scripture to views/purposes that the passage was not written to address.

The first three chapters of Genesis [the first book in the Bible] establish the core emphasis of the rest of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Briefly Genesis 1-3 affirms three things. (1) This world and life has its origin in the Creator God. (2) Evil successfully attacked the intent and purposes of the Creator God in this world by deceiving the pinnacle of creation. (3) Human hardship and tragedy are the consequence of evil's deceptiveness. In a brief order/ presentation, Genesis introduces the reader to the problem that lies at the core of the rest of the Bible: the profound impact of evil on the human condition. Evil's influence in human existence is so profound that only the Creator God can (1) create the solution for people and (2) provide people an opportunity to escape the final consequences of evil. Those two things were [are] addressed by the Creator God through Jesus Christ.

In relationship to the message of the Bible, Genesis does two basic things. (1) It introduces the reader to the problem. (2) It reveals how God began to address the problem.

This lesson seeks to focus attention on this biblical truth: evil produces consequences. In this world, a life without consequences produced by evil is impossible. We may seek to medicate ourselves so we ignore the existence of evil. We may pursue pleasure with such a passion that we are distracted from the existence of evil. We may dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of power in order to fashion the illusion of "being in control." We may seek to build a sense of security that permits us to think we are "bullet proof" in a dangerous world. We may seek to escape all identified dangers by altering our environment. Yet, sickness is always possible. Change constantly provides evil with incredible new tools. Accidents are always possible. Death is inevitable.

Evil produces consequences in our world and in our lives. We are powerless to eliminate all evil from our lives, from our society, from our culture, or from our world. While we can be forgiven, forgiveness is the result of grace and mercy available to people through Christ. Because a person is forgiven does not mean he/she has eliminated all evil from his/her life. Evil, even forgiven evil, will produce consequences. A woman who experiences an adulterous pregnancy and repents, or a man who deceives about a significant matter and repents, certainly will be forgiven. However, each will of necessity endure consequences that result from the pregnancy and the deception.

Devastating things happen to good and evil people. Accidents befall good and evil people. The ungodly decisions of others result in consequences in the lives of good and evil people. The consequence of living in an evil world is having your life touched by evil. The issue rarely is why do evil people who are unconcerned with good suffer. The issue commonly is why do good people who are concerned with righteousness and justice suffer. Or, why do innocent people suffer?

The consequences of evil occur in the lives of both the good and the evil. Though Jesus did not sin, he still endured the consequences of evil (see 1 Peter 2:21-24). Not even the sinless Jesus could live in this world where good and evil are at war and evade the consequences of evil.

There are numerous questions concerning human suffering that are never satisfactorily answered. As a society focused on details for generations, we are more prone to ask, "Why?" than to resign ourselves to a reality. Whereas people in many current societies resign themselves to accepting the reality of suffering as a fact of human existence, the American society seems to exist under the illusion that we will some day produce a society free from all forms of suffering.

Because we belong to God through Jesus Christ does not mean that we have all the answers to every situation. To pretend that we do, discredits us and does a disservice to God. Our culture too often focuses on "why," on blame, and on knowing the details.

The Bible makes no comprehensive effort to provide a detailed explanation of the "whys" of suffering. Only in a basic, general manner does the Bible address this reality. "Why does suffering exist?" "God's intent in creation was perverted by evil. As a consequence of that perversion, the physical world exists as a primary battle ground in the war between good and evil." Abraham suffered. Lot suffered. Jacob suffered. Joseph suffered. The people who were pre-Israelites suffered. In the Bible, the nation of Israel suffered. Peter suffered. Jesus suffered. Paul suffered. In fact, the New Testament states that men and women who belong to God must have this basic understanding: those who belong to God do not "fit in" or "belong to" this world (see Psalm 39; Hebrews 11; 1 Peter 2:4-11). Can those who belong to God continue to belonging to God? Can God sustain the godly? Surely! However, can the godly escape the consequences of evil in this physical world? Surely not! (1) At times they will suffer as a result of the consequences of those who do not follow God. (2) Sometimes they will suffer as a result of personal deception by evil. (3) Sometimes they will suffer as a consequence of personal rebellion against God. (4) Sometimes they will suffer because they are a casualty in the war between good and evil.

Christians need to be careful not to claim things for God through scripture that scripture does not claim. Though Job wanted a debate with God because he was certain he was correct, God quickly revealed to Job that there were matters that were beyond his comprehension and understanding.

Please note there are numerous reasons for enduring evil's consequences. The fact that a godly person endures evil's consequences does not necessarily prove his/her actions or motives are to blame.

It often is difficult to determine the "why" of a specific suffering. Yet, there is one awareness the godly person must never forget. While this world of conflict between good and evil is the site of our pilgrimage, it is never the site of our habitation. When a Christian "puts down roots" in this world as though this world is "my home," he or she "opens the door" to increased hardships and decreased godliness.

It is more important that a Christian understand that he or she does not belong to this physical world than it is for him or her to be able to answer all the "whys." Remember James 4:1-10.

To conclude that we can eliminate all suffering and difficulty by existing in Christ as a godly person is to be self-deceived. In Christ, we are forgiven. Daily! Continually! Read 1 John 1:5-10. We are allowed to come before God, not because we have recognized and eliminated all evil from our lives, but because of what God did and does for us in Christ. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. The evil in each Christian, though forgiven, still produces consequences. Certainly, we must be responsible in our pursuit of holiness as people who belong to God! Read I Peter 1:13-21. However, to approach the holy God as if there is no evil to be forgiven in us is the ultimate expression of human arrogance! Consider Jeremiah 10:23, Isaiah 6:1-7, and Romans 11:33-36.

We need to understand the God's forgiveness does not mean that we recognize and eliminate all forms of evil from our lives. As the Christian becomes aware of evil, he or she seeks to eliminate the recognized evil. Scripture stresses repentance, not perfection. If we will confess the sins we recognize, we will be forgiven of all unrighteousness--that includes sins we fail to recognize as sins or realize we commit (1 John 1:9). There never will be a time when we are exposed to the wondrous holiness of God and fail to be impressed with our unworthiness and lack of holiness.

As long as we exist in this physical world, we will experience the consequences evil produces.

Physical existence in an evil world means we cannot evade the consequences of evil in our physical world.

Thought and Discussion Questions

1. The first three chapters of Genesis set forth the Bible's core emphasis. What three things do those chapters emphasize?
   1. The Creator God is the source of the world and of life.

   2. Evil attacked the intent and purpose of the Creator God's physical creation and successfully perverted it by deceiving people made in God's image and likeness.

   3. Human hardship and tragedy are the consequence of evil's deceptiveness.

2. Evil's influence in human existence is so profound that there are two things only God could do. What are those two things?
   1. Only God could create the solution to evil.

   2. Only God could provide people an opportunity to escape the final consequences of evil.

3. What are some ways people commonly seek to escape evil's consequences?

   Through "getting high," through pleasure, through power, through seeking security, etc.

4. Does the Bible seek to provide a detailed answer to why good people suffer? Explain your answer.

   No. The explanation should include the fact that godly people always have suffered.

5. What basic understanding must Christians never forget?

   Christians should never forget that we do not belong to this world.

6. Are conscientious Christians ever completely successful in eliminating all evil from their lives? Explain your answer.

   No. The explanation should include an understanding of the fact that we will never identify all forms of evil in our lives.

7. As long as we exist in this physical world, what will we experience?

   We always will experience the consequences of evil.

Link to Student Guide Lesson 1

Copyright © 2005
David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ

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