7.6 Summary
Freedom, Suffering, and God’s Ultimate Victory

The problem of evil is one of the greatest challenges to faith: If God is good and almighty, why then does evil and suffering exist? This lesson highlights biblical answers to this question and shows that love, freedom, and God’s justice are closely connected to this issue.

1. “Lord, How Long?” – The Question of Suffering (7.1)

   Job 30:26; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 10:1

   In the Bible, believers repeatedly ask: Why do the wicked seem to triumph? Why do the righteous feel abandoned?

   • God does not provide an immediate answer, but He shows that His plan is greater than our current understanding.

   • Hope: Evil will not last forever – God will ultimately defeat it.

2. There Is Much That We Do Not Know (7.2)

   Job 38:1–12; Job 42:3

   God shows Job that man sees only a small part of reality.

   • Our knowledge is limited, but God sees the whole picture and has everything under control.

   • Faith means trust, not complete understanding.

3. The Skeptical Theist – Trust Despite Unanswered Questions (7.3)

   Isaiah 55:8–9; Psalm 73

   God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. We cannot understand everything, but we can trust Him.

   • The skeptical theist acknowledges that God has good reasons for His actions—even if we do not see them.

   • Psalm 73 shows a change in perspective: The psalmist doubts God’s justice until he realizes that the apparent prosperity of the wicked is deceptive. Ultimately, God’s justice will prevail.

   • Our task: Hold fast to God in difficult times, even if we do not have all the answers.

4. The Apologetics of Free Will – Why Love Needs Freedom (7.4)

   Genesis 2:16–17; Joshua 24:15

   God gave man free will because love can only exist in freedom.

   • Adam and Eve chose disobedience – the abuse of free will brought sin and suffering into the world.

   • Every day, we make decisions that affect our lives and the lives of others.

   • Our responsibility: Use our free will to serve God and our neighbors in love.

5. Love and Evil – The Divine Risk (7.5)

   Romans 8:18; Revelation 21:3–4

   Why does God allow evil? Because He cannot force love without freedom.

   • Jesus knew that granting us freedom would lead Him to the cross – yet He still granted it to us.

   • God will not allow evil to endure forever. Revelation 21:4 promises a future without pain or suffering.

   • Evil is temporary, but God’s love is eternal.

6. Conclusion – Why Can We Trust in God’s Goodness Despite Evil?

   1⃣ God is just – even if we do not always see it immediately.

   2⃣ Free will is necessary for genuine love, but it also brings the risk of evil.

   3⃣ Suffering is real, but it is not the end – God’s glory will ultimately outshine it all.

   4⃣ Jesus Himself suffered to grant us freedom and eternal life.

   The problem of evil is challenging – but the Bible gives us hope: One day, God will defeat all evil and reveal His love and justice completely.

The problem of evil is not merely a philosophical or theological question—it affects our daily lives and our faith in very practical ways. We all experience suffering, injustice, and difficult decisions. Yet what we have learned in this lesson helps us gain a deeper perspective and live with trust.

1. Suffering and Injustice in Daily Life – “Lord, How Long?” (7.1)

   When confronted with suffering or injustice, we can ask, like Job or the psalmist:

   Why is this happening? Why does God sometimes seem distant?

   • Why do the wicked seem to succeed while the righteous suffer?

   What Can We Do?

   Bring our laments and doubts before God – the Bible shows that this is allowed!

   Remember that God has not forgotten us—even when we do not understand Him.

   Hold on to the hope that evil will not last forever.

   Practical Application:

   • Instead of despairing, we can pray and entrust our suffering to God.

   • When we experience injustice, we can stand up for God’s justice – with patience and courage.

2. Limited Knowledge – Trust Instead of Control (7.2 & 7.3)

   Sometimes we do not understand why something happens.

   Why do good people die young?

   • Why do some prayers seem unanswered?

   Isaiah 55:8–9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

   What Can We Do?

   Accept that we do not need to know everything – but we can trust God.

   Embrace “skeptical theism”: Just because we do not see the meaning doesn’t mean there isn’t one!

   Faith means trusting even when we do not understand everything.

   Practical Application:

   • In difficult situations, we can trust God instead of being overwhelmed by worry.

   • Rather than focusing on “why,” we can ask: “How can I draw closer to God in this situation?”

3. Free Will – Our Decisions Shape Our Lives (7.4)

   Every day, we make decisions:

   How do I treat other people?

   • Am I guided by fear or trust?

   • Do I use my free will for good or for evil?

   What Can We Do?

   Make conscious, good decisions—even when they are not always easy.

   Recognize that God gives us freedom – along with responsibility!

   Love can only exist in freedom – which is why our relationships (including with God) are so valuable.

   Practical Application:

   • Ask yourself daily: “What decision am I bringing before God today?”

   • When we make mistakes, remember that God always gives us a second chance.

4. Hope Despite Evil – The Best Is Yet to Come (7.5)

   Romans 8:18: “For I am convinced that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

   Even though life is hard, we know that:

   Evil does not have the final word – God will overcome it.

   • Every suffering and every injustice will ultimately be transformed by God’s justice.

   • Revelation 21:4 promises a future without pain or sorrow.

   What Can We Do?

   Preserve hope—even when the world seems dark.

   Encourage others with this hope.

   Do not give up – our faith is not in vain.

   Practical Application:

   • When you suffer, remember that God promises a future without pain.

   • Use your freedom to bring love and hope into the world.

Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Us?
We can honestly bring our suffering and doubts before God.
We do not need to understand everything—but we can trust God.
Our decisions matter – we have the freedom to do good.
Evil is temporary – but God’s love endures forever.
Our Task: Live each day with hope, despite all the questions. God is faithful, and He will turn everything to good.

Even if we do not have all the answers, we can trust that God’s love is greater than any suffering—and that one day He will overcome all evil.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-the-problem-of-evil-7-6-summary-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

February 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Timothy Chapter 3

¹ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

⁹ But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s also was.

¹⁰ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

¹¹ Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

¹² Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

¹³ But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

¹⁴ But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

¹⁵ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

In 2 Timothy 3, Paul describes the spiritual and moral development of people in the end times. He warns that difficult times will come, during which godlessness, selfishness, and deception will increase. People will drift away from true piety, maintaining only an outward appearance of godliness while denying its true power. Despite these dark prospects, Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to the truth and to rely on God’s Word as a secure foundation for his faith. This chapter calls us to recognize the signs of the times, remain steadfast in faith, and trust in the transforming power of the Holy Scriptures.

Commentary

1.The Decline of Godliness in the End Times (Verses 1-9):
Paul gives a solemn warning about the moral decline in the last days. People will become selfish, proud, unforgiving, and more focused on pleasure than on God. Particularly alarming is that many will have a form of godliness but deny its true power. These words serve as a reminder to stay vigilant and not be deceived by false teachings or worldly temptations.

2.The Example of the Suffering Apostle (Verses 10-13):
Paul reminds Timothy of his own example and his faithfulness to God despite numerous sufferings and persecutions. He makes it clear that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will face opposition. At the same time, he reassures that God protects and strengthens His faithful servants.

3.The Importance of the Holy Scriptures (Verses 14-17):
In these verses, Paul emphasizes the central role of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible is not only a guide for life but also a tool for teaching, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Since all Scripture is inspired by God, it is able to make believers complete and equipped for every good work. This highlights that those who want to remain steadfast in their faith must firmly hold on to God’s Word.

Summary

2 Timothy 3 provides a serious warning about the increasing godlessness in the end times and encourages believers to remain faithful despite opposition and persecution. Paul makes it clear that the true power of godliness is not found in outward appearances but in a living relationship with God. He calls on Timothy and all believers to remain steadfast in sound doctrine and to rely on the God-inspired Scriptures. Only through the truth of God’s Word can we stand firm in a deceived world and be fully equipped for every good work.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 4—Confession
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

The confession of sins is a fundamental component of the Christian faith. Without genuine repentance and humility, man remains separated from God. Proverbs 28:13 makes it clear that only those who confess their transgressions and forsake them will experience mercy. But what does true confession of sin really mean?

In this chapter, it is explained that genuine repentance is not achieved through external rituals or acts of penance, but through a sincere heart that humbles itself before God. It is not enough to confess our sins superficially or to make excuses—we must take responsibility for our actions. The Holy Scriptures show us that God is ready to forgive when our confession is accompanied by honesty and a commitment to change.

Commentary

The Conditions for Forgiveness (Proverbs 28:13):
God sets clear conditions for the forgiveness of sins: a sincere confession and a real turning away from sin. There are no shortcuts through human works or rituals—forgiveness comes solely from God’s grace when we are willing to submit to Him completely.

Confession before God and Men (James 5:16):
While sins must always be confessed before God, there are also instances where we should apologize to others. Whoever has wronged another should offer a direct apology before asking God for forgiveness. This demonstrates that confession is not only a spiritual matter but also has an interpersonal dimension.

The Problem of False Repentance:
Often, people try to justify or downplay their guilt. Even Adam and Eve shifted their blame onto others (Genesis 3:12-13). True repentance, however, requires that we openly and honestly acknowledge our sins without making excuses or engaging in self-justification.

Biblical Examples of Genuine Confession:
Paul serves as an example of sincere repentance. He did not hide his past misdeeds; instead, he openly confessed how he had persecuted Christians (Acts 26:10-11). This shows that true confession of sin is not just lip service, but a profound awareness of one’s own wrongdoing and a desire for transformation.

The Power of Forgiveness (1 John 1:9):
God is faithful and just. When we confess our sins, He forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This assures us that no one has fallen so far that they cannot be restored through God’s grace.

Summary

The confession of sins is the key to forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship with God. Those who hide or justify their guilt remain in spiritual darkness. But those who come to God with a sincere heart will receive mercy.

This chapter shows us that true repentance is not about empty words or superficial confessions, but about a deep awareness of our own guilt and a desire for a transformed life. It encourages us not only to confess our sins to God but—if necessary—to also acknowledge them to our fellow human beings.

The Bible gives us a firm promise: God will forgive us when we come to Him honestly. This is the great hope and comfort for all who seek genuine reconciliation with God.

 *  *  *  *  *

Five Essential Principles for a Sincere Confession and the Acceptance of Divine Forgiveness:

1.Forgiveness Through Sincere Confession
Whoever sincerely confesses their sins and forsakes them receives God’s mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

2.Confession Before God and Men
Sins should be confessed before God, while interpersonal faults must also be acknowledged to those affected (James 5:16).

3.No Room for Excuses
True repentance means taking responsibility for one’s guilt without making excuses or shifting blame onto others (Genesis 3:12-13).

4.The Example of the Israelites and Paul
The Israelites acknowledged their sin and confessed it publicly (1 Samuel 12:19). Paul did not hide his past but spoke openly about his transgressions (Acts 26:10-11).

5.God’s Promise of Forgiveness
Whoever comes with a sincere heart will receive forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). God is faithful and just, and He forgives all who honestly confess their guilt.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/14-02-2025-2-timothy-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/