After two weeks discussing the presence and the role of evil in our world, it’s time to wrap up. This week I’m going to conclude with a discussion of what God has given us to combat the evil that is present.
Despite the evil that exists in our world, the Bible says that God keeps it from unraveling.
So, for now, God allows evil to be unleashed while keeping it in check so He can fulfill the plan He has for all ages— and until He establishes His eternal reign after the defeat of evil and all evildoers.
Even now, even with free will, God is actively doing something about evil.
He’s given us the church. The presence of believers and churches restrain evil. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus commissions Peter to be the ‘rock’ of the church, a church that will not be overcome by the influence of sin and evil.
We’ve also been given the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:1-6). The Holy Spirit guides us and acts within Christians. We also have our consciences and our concern for our reputation and friendships. We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:23-25 to seek the good of others and not only ourselves. God has given us a conscience and a community to restrain the influence of evil in our lives.
We’ve also been given external structures and influences to act against evil. First, God has given us the governmental structures to create laws and regulate people’s actions. God tells us to submit to our governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7). He has also established our family units to bring stability into our communities. Parents discipline their children and promote Godly influences in their lives (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13).
Finally, God has given us His Word (Psalm 119). Studying and learning God’s Word is a shield against the influence of evil and the work of Satan.
Over thee past three weeks, we’ve discussed the influence and spread of evil, how evil exists under the sovereignty of a good and powerful God, and how God works to restrain evil. I hope you have grown in an understanding of evil and its role in our world.
