The devil rejoices in this question: If there is a God, why does He allow so much evil and suffering?

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Scripture References
  • ...the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (Proverbs 11:3 KJV)
  • "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV)
  • Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. (Isaiah 59:7 NKJV)
  • A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. (Proverbs 18:6-7 KJV)
  • ...one sinner destroys much good. (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NKJV)
  • ...those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9-10 NKJV)
  • For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19 NKJV)
  • For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: they would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. (Proverbs 1:29-32 KJV)
  • ...the destruction of the poor is their poverty. (Proverbs 10:15 KJV)
  • Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (Proverbs 27:20 KJV)
Commentary
  • "All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
  • "I do not believe in immortality of the individual, and I consider ethics to be an exclusively human concern with no superhuman authority behind it." -- Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955) German-born U.S. physicist. Draft response to Baptist pastor.
  • "If you were to destroy in mankind the belief in immortality, not only love but every living force maintaining the life of the world would at once be dried up. Moreover, nothing then would be immoral, everything would be permissible, even cannibalism." -- Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821 - 1881) Russian novelist. The Brothers Karamazov

Utter Destruction of Creation and Humanity

In the spiritual realm, Satan and the world system employ various weapons to bring destruction upon creation and humanity. These weapons manifest in the form of perverse transgressions, the wide path of destruction, evil deeds, foolishness, love of money, earthly desires, rejection of wisdom, poverty, and insatiable greed.

  1. The Perverseness of Transgressors: Proverbs 11:3 warns that the perverseness of transgressors leads to their own destruction. When individuals choose to deviate from God's righteous path and embrace sinful ways, they bring harm upon themselves and others. This weapon highlights the importance of seeking wisdom, following God's commandments, and avoiding the allure of sinful desires that ultimately lead to ruin.
  2. The Wide Path of Destruction: Jesus, in Matthew 7:13-14, contrasts the wide gate and broad path that lead to destruction with the narrow gate and difficult path that lead to life. The world system offers enticing alternatives and indulgent lifestyles that lead to destruction, but Jesus calls His followers to choose the narrow path of righteousness, which requires self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of Him.
  3. Evil Deeds and Wasting: Isaiah 59:7 depicts a world consumed by evil deeds, shedding innocent blood, and thoughts of iniquity. This spiritual weapon represents the destructive path humanity can take when it rejects God's ways and embraces wickedness. It serves as a reminder to guard our thoughts and actions, actively choosing righteousness over the destructive allure of sin.
  4. Foolishness and Contentious Words: Proverbs 18:6-7 warns of the destructive power of foolishness and contentious speech. The foolish person invites conflict and strife, leading to their own destruction and the harm of those around them. This emphasizes the importance of wisdom, self-control, and choosing words that promote peace and edification rather than destruction.
  5. Love of Money and Earthly Desires: In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, the love of money is identified as a root of all kinds of evil. Those who chase after wealth and succumb to greed fall into temptation and harmful lusts, leading to their own destruction. This highlights the danger of placing earthly desires above godly values and the need to pursue contentment, generosity, and eternal treasures instead.
  6. Earthly Mindset and Idolatry: Philippians 3:18-19 speaks of those whose minds are set on earthly things, making them enemies of the cross of Christ. Their god becomes their belly, their glory in their shame. This spiritual weapon demonstrates the destructive power of idolatry and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. It challenges believers to prioritize a heavenly mindset, seeking Christ above all else and finding true fulfillment in Him.
  7. Rejection of Wisdom and Prosperity of Fools: Proverbs 1:29-32 warns of the destruction that comes upon those who reject knowledge, despise counsel, and turn away from wisdom. The prosperity of fools leads them further into ruin. This cautions against arrogance, complacency, and willful ignorance, emphasizing the importance of embracing wisdom and heeding godly guidance to avoid self-inflicted destruction.
  8. Poverty and Insatiable Greed: Proverbs 10:15 reveals that the destruction of the poor lies in their poverty. When individuals are trapped in a cycle of lack and desperation, they can become susceptible to destructive behaviors. Additionally, Proverbs 27:20 draws a parallel between the never-ending nature of hell and destruction and the insatiable eyes of mankind. This exposes the danger of greed and materialism, calling believers to pursue contentment, generosity, and compassionate stewardship.

In the face of the spiritual weapons of Satan and the world system aimed at the destruction of creation and humanity, it is essential for believers to stand firm in their faith and actively resist these destructive forces. We cannot afford to be complacent or ignorant of the tactics employed against us. Instead, we must be vigilant, prayerful, and grounded in God's Word.

By pursuing righteousness, choosing the narrow path that leads to life, we demonstrate our commitment to living according to God's will. This involves making intentional choices to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His truth and rejecting the alluring temptations of the world system. It requires discipline, self-control, and a willingness to swim against the current of popular culture.

Guarding our thoughts and speech is crucial in combating the destructive power of foolishness and contentiousness. By seeking wisdom, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words, and pursuing peace and edification, we can build up others and avoid the destructive consequences of harmful speech. Our goal should be to bring life, encouragement, and reconciliation wherever we go.

The love of money and the pursuit of earthly desires have ensnared many. Greed and materialism lead to a never-ending pursuit of wealth and possessions, leaving individuals empty and unsatisfied. As believers, we are called to find contentment in God, to be generous with what we have, and to prioritize the eternal treasures of the kingdom over temporary riches.

Rejecting the worldly mindset and embracing a heavenly perspective is crucial in the battle against destruction. Earthly pursuits, idolatry, and misplaced priorities lead to emptiness and the loss of the true glory found in Christ. By setting our minds on things above, seeking the kingdom of God, and finding our identity and worth in Him, we are shielded from the destructive forces that seek to entangle us.

In conclusion, the spiritual weapons of Satan and the world system are real and potent. They are aimed at the destruction of creation and humanity. However, as believers, we have been equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of God's Word, and the authority of Christ. By remaining steadfast in our faith, vigilant in prayer, and rooted in the love and grace of our Savior, we can effectively resist and overcome these weapons.

Let us be a people who stand firm, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we engage in spiritual warfare, let us remember that our ultimate victory has been secured through Christ's triumph over sin and death. Therefore, we fight from a position of strength, with the assurance that God is with us, guiding us, and empowering us to overcome every destructive force.

May we be a shining light in a darkened world, extending God's love, grace, and truth to those who are ensnared by the weapons of destruction. Through our unwavering commitment to Christ and our obedience to His Word, we can bring hope, healing, and restoration to a broken and hurting world. Let us press on, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that through Him, we are more than conquerors.

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