Lesson 5.The Wrath of Divine Love
When Love Demands Justice

Lesson 5 leads us into a deeper reflection on an often misunderstood aspect of God’s character: His wrath. Unlike human anger, which is frequently marked by pride, revenge, or impatience, God’s wrath stems from His perfect love and justice. This wrath is not directed against people but against evil that destroys His beloved creation. We discover that God’s wrath is never impulsive or arbitrary but always an expression of His patience, compassion, and ultimate goal to heal and redeem the world. Through the stories and texts covered in this lesson, we recognize how God’s wrath works in harmony with His mercy and how we can apply these principles in our daily lives to live out compassion, justice, and grace.

5.1 Grieved by Evil
God’s Holy Wrath as an Expression of His Love

Read Psalm 78. What does this passage say about God’s reaction to His people’s repeated rebellion?

Psalm 78 vividly portrays the repeated rebellion of the people of Israel and God’s response to it. The passage reveals that God’s wrath is never arbitrary or unjust but always a righteous and loving response to evil. This wrath springs from God’s love and justice because evil always causes suffering, especially among the people He loves. It is a painful but necessary reaction of a loving God who cannot be indifferent to sin.

Particularly noteworthy is how the Psalm emphasizes God’s patience and mercy. Despite the repeated unfaithfulness of His people, God does not respond immediately with punishment but shows unwavering patience and forgiveness. Psalm 78:38 highlights that God “showed mercy and forgave their iniquity” and often restrained His wrath. This underscores the unimaginable depth of God’s grace and long-suffering, which surpasses human understanding.

Thus, God’s wrath is not the opposite of His love but an expression of it. He is grieved by sin because it destroys the life He loves. His goal is not to punish but to heal and restore. Divine wrath is ultimately a call to repentance, an expression of God’s longing to save His people from the destructive consequences of sin. Psalm 78 shows us that God remains faithful even when His people disappoint Him and that His love and patience exceed human comprehension.

Have you ever been angry about the evil done to others? How does this feeling help you better understand God’s wrath over evil?

Your anger over the evil done to others is a strong indication of how much you care about justice and compassion—qualities that come from a loving heart. This feeling reflects, on a human level, what the Bible teaches about God’s wrath: it is not arbitrary or capricious but a just and loving reaction to evil.

When we see people being hurt or treated unjustly, we feel sorrow and anger because we know it is wrong and should not be that way. Similarly, God’s wrath is not contrary to His love but an expression of it. He responds angrily to evil because it destroys what He loves—His creation and His children.

Our anger over injustice can help us better understand God’s perspective: His wrath is not directed against people but against the evil that destroys them. While we may feel powerless, God’s wrath helps us realize that He is actively combating evil to ultimately overcome it and bring healing and justice.

This understanding can also motivate us to channel our feelings into prayer and acts of love. It reminds us that God’s wrath against evil stems not only from justice but also from His deep desire to restore everything and bring healing.

It helps us view evil and injustice in the world from a divine perspective and consciously shape our responses to them.

In daily life, we often encounter situations where we witness injustice, suffering, or sin—whether in the world around us or in our own relationships. When we view this through the lens of Psalm 78, we recognize that our anger about these things is an echo of God’s wrath, which springs from love and justice. This insight can lead us not to remain passive or despairing but to actively pursue justice and healing, inspired by God’s patience and mercy.

For our faith, this perspective is crucial. It shows us that God is not indifferent to suffering and that His love surrounds us even in our weakest moments. Knowing that God is patient and merciful encourages us to return to Him even in times of rebellion or failure. It reminds us that God does not abandon us but calls us to turn away from sin and trust in His healing process.

How We Can Follow God’s Example:

1. Maintain Prayer and Intercession:

   Just as God remains merciful and turns back, we can pray for others entangled in sin and ask for their healing.

2. Practice Patience and Forgiveness:

   Remembering God’s patience inspires us to be merciful and patient even in difficult relationships.

3. Act Against Injustice:

   Instead of merely being angry about evil, we can seek ways to actively bring love and justice into our surroundings.

Ultimately, the teaching of God’s wrath helps us to anchor our faith more deeply: It shows that we are part of a larger plan in which God will overcome all evil and restore justice and love. This truth gives us hope and the courage to live according to His example in our daily lives.

God’s wrath is not the opposite of His love but an expression of it—He fights against evil to protect what He loves.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-wrath-of-divine-love-5-1-grieved-by-evil-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

January 26, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Colossians Chapter 2

¹ For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

² That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

³ In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

⁵ For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

⁶ As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

⁹ For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

¹⁰ And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

¹¹ In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

¹² Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

¹⁶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

¹⁷ Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

¹⁸ Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

¹⁹ And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

²⁰ Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

²¹ (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

²² Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

²³ Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Colossians Chapter 2 contains a stern warning from the Apostle Paul against heresies and false teachings that could jeopardize the foundation of faith in Christ. He urges the believers to remain rooted in Christ and not to be deceived by human philosophies, traditions, or apparent religiosity. Paul emphasizes that in Christ lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and that the believers are complete in Him. This chapter serves as an appeal to hold firmly to the truth of the Gospel and to recognize life in Christ as a source of true freedom and redemption.

Commentary

This chapter demonstrates the Apostle Paul’s concern for the churches, particularly the Colossians and the Laodiceans. Paul describes his “struggle,” which consists of strengthening the believers in their faith and protecting them from deception. He makes it clear that true riches do not lie in human wisdom or tradition, but in Christ, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.

A central theme is the warning against false teachings that rely on human philosophy and worldly traditions. Paul shows that these teachings often appear seductive but ultimately distract faith from the true source—Christ. He emphasizes that in Christ dwells the fullness of deity and that believers are made complete through their faith in Him. This demonstrates that Christians are not justified by external rites or laws, but solely through Christ.

Baptism is presented as a symbol of union with Christ: through it, the old self is buried, and a new life emerges, characterized by faith in the resurrection of Jesus. This concept highlights the liberating power of the Gospel—sins are forgiven in Christ, and believers are freed from all human regulations and constraints.

Another important point is the emphasis that no one should cause believers to feel guilty through rules or false piety. Paul criticizes the observance of dietary laws, festivals, and human regulations, which are often portrayed as necessary conditions for life with God. However, these things are merely a “shadow” of what has become reality in Christ.

Paul also warns against false humility and the worship of angels, which are marked by a fleshly mindset and pride. Such practices lead away from the head—Christ—who is the true source of spiritual growth. Paul urges the believers to hold firmly to Christ alone, who holds the body—the church—together and enables it to grow to divine stature.

The chapter concludes with an exhortation not to be dominated by worldly regulations that ultimately have no lasting value. These rules often possess only the “appearance of wisdom” and do not lead to true holiness. Instead, believers are to live in the freedom and abundance that Christ grants.

Summary

In Colossians Chapter 2, Paul warns believers against heretics who might undermine their faith in Christ through human wisdom, traditions, and apparent piety. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ and that believers are made complete in Him. Paul reminds them that baptism symbolizes the new life in Christ, where sins are forgiven and worldly regulations are overcome. He criticizes rules that make believers feel guilty and urges them to hold firmly to Christ alone, who is the head of the church. This chapter is a call to remain rooted in faith in Christ and to enjoy the freedom that He provides through His sacrifice and resurrection.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.

Commentary

This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.

A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.

Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.

Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.

Summary

Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/26-01-2025-colossians-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/