2008-08-10_Why Does Evil Exist - Part 2_various_SL

Why Does Evil Exist? Part 2

Various   |   Shaun LePage   |   August 10, 2008

Why Does Evil Exist? Part 2

Various   |   Shaun LePage   |   August 10, 2008

I.       Introduction

A.    A few months ago—May 2008—Maria Sue, the 5-year-old adopted daughter of Contemporary Christian recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman, was tragically killed in the driveway of the Chapmans’ home. Her big brother, Will Franklin, was driving down the drive way and Maria Sue—excited to see him—ran into the path of the SUV and somehow Will never saw her until it was too late. The Chapmans are struggling through their grief and have bravely appeared on Good Morning America and the Larry King Live TV programs. Their message of hope in the midst of suffering is truly inspirational.

B.    As my family and I watched the Larry King interview I knew it was coming—the inevitable question from Larry King or a phone caller or an email: “How could a good God let this happen?” And—sure enough—it came…twice! It is one of the most common questions non-Christians ask of us and—to be quite honest—it is a legitimate one.

C.    It’s hard to see why this is not a great contradiction. It is a question I’ve asked and I can only assume it is one you have also asked. And I believe we not only need to understand the Biblical answers, but we need to be ready to help others understand.

D.    Peter told us, “…sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Peter 3:15).

E.     The Bible does answer the question of evil, but we must never be less than gentle or reverent when talking with people about this subject. The people around us who have witnessed the evil and suffering of this world need the truth—to be sure. But they need us to gently apply it like medicine. We need to step into their pain with sandals removed, walking reverently on sacred ground because many meet God there.

II.     After speaking of the sovereignty of God a couple times recently, I felt it would be helpful to deal with the inevitable question: “If God is sovereign, why does evil exist?” If God is the all-good and all-powerful Lord of the universe, why does the universe seem completely out of control and full of every kind of wickedness, evil, pain and suffering?

A.    The outline we started last week looks somewhat complex, but again, my hope is that when we are done you will be able to use it as a tool to walk others through a Biblical answer to the question. In fact, I hope you will be able to use this tool not just today or this week but any time in the future.

B.    I want to acknowledge the work of Ken Boa and Larry Moody—this outline was adapted from their book called I’m Glad You Asked. I encourage you to read the entire book.

C.    Review last week quickly—up to and including “God = evil”.

D.    [ If time, end with How to Suffer: 1) God doesn’t expect you to enjoy it—it’s okay to be honest; 2) Develop a Christian perspective—if God allows it, it will ultimately be good; 3) Remember Christ’s example, rejoice not in the pain, but in the privilege of sharing in Christ’s sufferings—He did not surrender to fear, but persevered in doing God’s will, knowing that suffering is temporary. ]