Main Scripture Reference - Proverbs 1:29-30
Other Scripture References: Romans 8:21-22, 28; Deuteronomy 5:28-29; John 3:16

INTRO–‘We All Have Choice’

How can a loving and all powerful God allow evil to take place in the world and especially to good people? That might be a question you have asked in the past as unexplainable things happen at times. Another question that needs to be discussed is how can good people, those who are connected to God and the Church, all of a sudden participate in evil actions? There is an answer and the Bible is not silent on this subject. The answer is you and all of humanity have been given the power of choice.

• What are some of the ways that we as humans have taken God's perfect creation and messed it up with our selfish desires?


• What are some of the daily choices you make? What are the choices you make that affect the lives of other people? Have you ever thought about it in those terms?

THE ISSUE –‘The Power of Free Will’Read Proverbs 1:29-30

The book of Genesis begins with the creation of God which was created in perfection and balance. But because of God's great love for humanity, God gave you the power of free will. The very nature of love demands the freedom of choice because true love is not forced but chosen. But in allowing the freedom for you to love God, you also are free to choose not to love God and to follow your own path away from the perfection and balance that God created. And all have stepped out of God's order to create their own order and in doing so have brought pain, destruction, insanity, and death to this earth.

• Why do you think you sometimes choose to do what you know is wrong instead of God's plan or desire for your life?


• God's immense love for us means giving us free will. Have you ever brought unintentional pain to someone you love because of a choice you made? Explain if you can.

THE PROBLEM –‘The Virus of Evil’Read Romans 8:21-22 & Deuteronomy 5:28-29

Since you have stepped out of God's perfect intention and chosen to do your will, you have been infected with evil and are bound to decay. So when you ask God the why question, what you are really asking is why doesn't God rescue me and others from our own insanity and evil. Essentially though you are only asking God to rescue you not to change you. Without change evil will continue to reside in your life and actions. All the evil and pain happening in the world is actually only the symptoms of the issue. The real problem is evil in the heart and you are really a dangerous weapon outside of God's power and love.

• Have you ever asked God to "rescue you" from a situation or problem and discovered it was your poor choices that led you to that place? Can you explain?


• How do you stay focused on God and your walk with God so that you are not lead astray or make poor choices that can do great harm?

THE SOLUTION –‘God Intervenes’Read John 3:16 & Romans 8:28

The good news is that God doesn't just leave you to your own evil devices. No matter how much sin happens in the world grace abounds more. God never leaves you alone, but will meet you even at the edge, even when evil takes its best shot. Even in death when evil says good night, Jesus is there to say good morning. This life is short and you are not promised tomorrow, so take your daily life, walk in the power that God offers, and do something that matters bringing meaning instead of pain to this world.

• Describe a time that you were at a really low place in your life and God met you there with love and grace.


• Has God ever taken a bad situation or circumstance in your life and worked it for good? Explain.


• What will you do this day that will bring love and meaning to those around you?