Evil: How can I resist evil?

Summary

This session takes the reality of evil seriously without becoming fixated on it. Much of the evil in the world comes from selfish human choices, but the Bible also speaks of evil spiritual forces — and of a personal enemy, the Devil, who hates God and his people. The good news is that the enemy has only a few techniques (he tempts, accuses, and lies), and that through the cross Jesus has disarmed him. We stand between two kingdoms, and we overcome evil with good.

Key Points

The Devil

• "For some people, believing in the Devil is easier than believing in God, because they can see so much radical evil all around us." — Jason
• "Take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil." — Ephesians 6:11-12

What does the Devil do?

• He tempts — and always with the intent to hurt. "Sin takes you further than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you want to pay."
• He accuses — but there's a difference between God's conviction (clear and specific) and the enemy's condemnation (a blanket of shame and hopelessness).
• He lies — Jesus calls him "the father of lies." The enemy wants us to believe God's love and promises are for other people, but not for us.

The power of Jesus

• "For God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." — Colossians 1:13
• How can we stand against the enemy? Remember truth in the Bible, be strengthened in prayer, hold firm in faith, and let the Holy Spirit lead.
• We live in the "now and not yet" kingdom of God — like the months between D-Day and VE Day — and we overcome evil with good.

Notable Quotes

"We stand in the doorway between two kingdoms." — Ben

"It is the small, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay — small acts of kindness and love." — Gandalf, The Hobbit

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." — Romans 12:21