7.3 The Skeptical Theist
Trusting in God’s Higher Ways Despite Unanswered Questions

God says in Isaiah 55:8–9 that His thoughts and ways are far higher than ours. This reminds us that we cannot expect to fully understand God’s actions in all their depth.

1. Why Can’t We Fully Comprehend God’s Plans?

   Our knowledge is limited, yet God’s plan encompasses the entire history of humanity. We see only a small slice of reality, while God knows the whole picture.

   An example:

   Just because we do not see an apparent reason for a difficult situation does not mean that there is none.

   Think of a child who does not understand why a doctor gives a painful injection—the child only sees the pain, not the healing.

2. Skeptical Theism as an Answer to the Problem of Evil

   A skeptical theist acknowledges that God has good reasons for His actions—or inactions—even if we do not understand them.

   Practical Application:

   Learn humility: Accept that we do not have to know everything.

   • Develop trust: God’s higher thoughts are reliable—even if they seem incomprehensible to us.

   • Be skeptical of hasty judgments: Just because we do not see meaning in suffering does not mean that it is meaningless.

3. Conclusion: Faith Means Trust, Not Complete Understanding

   We will not always have all the answers—but we can trust that God has good reasons, even if we do not see them.

Read Psalm 73. How does the psalmist deal with the evil and injustice surrounding him? What does he see that gives his understanding a different perspective?

Psalm 73 describes the inner struggle of a man confronted with evildoers who seemingly prosper while he, as a believer, suffers. The psalmist Asaph wrestles with this injustice and poses the same questions that many of us face:
Why do the wicked seem to succeed while the righteous suffer?

1. The Inner Conflict of the Psalmist (Verses 1–16)

   He sees that the wicked live rich, healthy, and carefree lives, while he himself experiences difficulties.

   • He begins to doubt and wonders whether it is even worthwhile to live righteously.

   • He feels frustrated and confused because he cannot find any sense in this injustice.

   This is an experience many of us share: sometimes it seems as if evil triumphs and God’s justice is not visible.

2. The Turning Point – A New Perspective (Verses 17–22)

   “Until I went into the sanctuary of God and considered all this, I was senseless and ignorant.” (Psalm 73:17)

   Here the psalmist’s perspective changes! He realizes that:

   The apparent security of the wicked is deceptive—their power and wealth are only short-lived.

   God will ultimately bring about justice—even if it does not seem so at the moment.

   The life of the righteous has a deeper value, even though it may sometimes be more difficult.

3. The Psalmist’s Realization (Verses 23–28)

   “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23)

   The psalmist recognizes that true happiness does not lie in material success, but in closeness to God. He understands that God’s presence and His eternal justice are the most important things.

Conclusion: What Can We Learn from Psalm 73?
1⃣ Our view of evil can be distorted. What now appears powerful is not permanent.
2⃣ True wealth is found in communion with God. Success and power without God are worthless.
3⃣ God’s justice will come—even if we do not immediately see it.
When we are frustrated by injustice, it helps to change our perspective—just as Asaph did when he entered the sanctuary of God. There, he understood that the final word does not belong to evil but to God alone.

How can the Adventist understanding of the judgment and the sanctuary doctrine shed light on the problem of evil? Is it helpful for you to know that although we have many questions now, the details of human history and God’s just judgments will eventually be revealed?

The Adventist understanding of the judgment and the sanctuary doctrine offers a deeper perspective on the problem of evil. It shows us that God not only allows evil but has a plan to ultimately defeat it and restore justice.

1. The Heavenly Sanctuary – God’s Plan to Overcome Evil

   According to the Adventist understanding, there is a universally visible ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 8–9). This ministry demonstrates that God is actively working to resolve the problem of sin.

   Jesus, as our High Priest, mediates between God and humanity and advocates for the salvation of believers.

   • The sanctuary makes clear that evil does not endure forever, but that God will ultimately eliminate sin and injustice.

2. The Investigative Judgment – God’s Just Plan

   The Adventist doctrine of the Investigative Judgment (Daniel 7:9–10; Revelation 14:6–7) emphasizes that God exercises transparent justice:

   God does not judge arbitrarily but with complete knowledge of all facts.

   All questions about God’s justice will be clarified so that the universe understands His character.

   Evil will not only be punished, but it will be exposed as unjust for all to see.

   This means that every deed will be revealed, and God’s judgment will be understandable to everyone.

3. The Ultimate Eradication of Evil

   At the end of human history, evil will not only be condemned but completely destroyed (Revelation 20:11–15).

   Satan and his works will be finally eliminated.

   • God will create a new earth where there will be no more suffering (Revelation 21:4).

   • The righteous will come to understand why God did not intervene at certain moments and will see that He was just in all things.

4. Is It Helpful to Know That God’s Judgment Will Clarify All Questions?

   Yes, because:

   It shows that God is just, even if we do not always see it now.

   It gives hope that evil will not endure forever.

   It assures us that our suffering is not in vain—God sees and will act.

   God’s judgment is not a threat but a promise: It will ultimately prove that God has always been just and that evil will never exist again.

   The knowledge of the sanctuary and the judgment gives us assurance: God will not only defeat evil but also answer our questions—we will clearly recognize His justice.

The Adventist understanding of God’s justice, the judgment, and the sanctuary gives us a perspective that deeply influences our daily lives and our faith. It helps us live in trust and hope despite the many open questions we have.

1. Trusting in God’s Ways – Even When We Do Not Understand Them

   In everyday life, we often experience injustice and suffering. Sometimes it seems as if the “wicked” succeed and the righteous suffer—just as the psalmist describes in Psalm 73.

   Yet the sanctuary and the judgment remind us that:

   God has the full picture—even if we do not see it.

   Every deed will eventually be revealed—God’s judgment will show that He has always been just.

   Our questions will be answered—even if it has not happened yet.

   Practical Application:

   When we face injustice, we can remember that God has the final word.

   • Instead of despairing, we can trust in God’s timetable.

2. A Life of Hope – Evil Will Not Endure Forever

   Many people lose their faith because they cannot understand the existence of evil in the world. Yet the Adventist understanding of the judgment gives us a secure hope:

   God will not ignore evil—He will eliminate it!

   The righteous will not suffer forever—God will bring justice.

   There is a plan—the universe will recognize that God’s ways are perfect.

   Practical Application:

   When we face challenges, we can recall Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear… and death will be no more.”

   • Our task is to hold on to God’s promises and not fear evil.

3. A Lifestyle of Humility and Patience

   The skeptical theist teaches us that we do not have to have all the answers to trust God.

   A child does not always understand why his parents do something—but he can trust them.

   Similarly, we may trust that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9).

   Practical Application:

   Instead of getting upset over unanswered questions, we can ask God for patience and trust.

   • Cultivate humility—recognize that our knowledge is limited, but God sees the bigger picture.

Conclusion: Faith Means Trust, Not Complete Understanding
We do not know everything—but we know enough to trust.
God is just, even if we do not always see it.
Evil will not endure forever.
We may live with hope—because God’s plan will be fulfilled.
This perspective changes our lives: It gives us strength when we feel powerless, hope when we doubt, and courage even when we do not understand everything.

God’s ways are higher than ours—even if we do not understand everything, we can trust Him completely.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-the-problem-of-evil-7-3-the-skeptical-theist-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

February 11, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Timothy Chapter 6

¹ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

² And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

³ If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

⁴ He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

⁵ Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

⁷ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

⁸ And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

¹³ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

¹⁴ That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹⁵ Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

¹⁶ Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

¹⁷ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

¹⁸ That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

²⁰ O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹ Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The final chapter of the First Epistle to Timothy contains important admonitions for believers in various life situations. Paul speaks about the conduct of slaves toward their masters, warns against false teachers and the pursuit of wealth, and encourages Timothy to lead a life of righteousness and devotion. Notably, he emphasizes that true godliness must not be confused with financial gain and that the love of money is a root of many evils. At the same time, Paul stresses the necessity of focusing on eternal life and using wealth wisely. This chapter calls us to not let our hearts be attached to transient things but to lead a life marked by fidelity, love, and spiritual vigilance.

Commentary

1.Dealing with Authority and Responsibility (Verses 1-2):
Paul admonishes slaves to honor their masters so that God’s name is not disgraced. In particular, they should show respect and perform their duties with love when dealing with godly masters. Although the social order of that time no longer exists today, the principle remains: we should respect authority and carry out our work with dedication, especially when interacting with our fellow believers.

2.Warning Against False Teaching and Greed (Verses 3-10):
Paul condemns those who engage in useless discussions and disputes or who misuse godliness as a means for personal gain. Instead, he emphasizes contentment with what we have and warns against the temptation to become rich. Verse 10 is particularly forceful: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Those who are driven by greed risk falling away from the faith.

3.The Spiritual Battle and True Hope (Verses 11-16):
Timothy is called to be a “man of God” and to pursue virtues such as righteousness, faith, love, and patience. The “good fight of faith” (verse 12) shows that the Christian life requires discipline and commitment. Paul reminds Timothy of the coming reappearance of Christ and emphasizes that God alone is the true King.

4.The Right Attitude Toward Wealth (Verses 17-19):
Instead of relying on wealth, the wealthy should place their trust in God and be willing to use their resources for good works. True treasures are not material possessions but a life that is oriented toward God.

5.Preserving the Faith (Verses 20-21):
Paul concludes with a personal admonition to Timothy to safeguard the entrusted gospel and to avoid empty, speculative debates. He warns against false doctrines that can lead people away from the faith and ends the letter with a blessing.

Summary

1.Respect and loyalty in dealings with authorities, even in professional relationships.

2.A warning against false teachings and selfish pursuits of profit.

3.Contentment and spiritual values are more important than wealth.

4.Faith is a battle that requires endurance and dedication.

5.Wealth should be used for good, not for one’s own honor.

6.The faith must be preserved, free from speculative debates and false wisdom.

This chapter encourages us to set our priorities in life correctly: instead of striving for fleeting riches, we should focus on eternal values, safeguard our faith, and lead a life of reverence for God and love.

 

 

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/11-02-2025-1-timothy-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/