Evil
Define evil.
Morally bad, cruel, or very unpleasant.
Define subjective.
Influenced by or based on personal beliefs or feelings.
Who was Job?
Job was a man who was known for his unwavering faith in God, despite enduring immense suffering and loss.
Fill in the blank:
Psalm 100:5: "For the Lord is ____ and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
good
Suffering is inevitable.
True.
Define suffering.
Physical or mental pain that a person or animal is feeling.
Define objective.
Based on real facts and NOT influenced by personal beliefs or feelings.
What did Satan claim about Job's faith?
Satan claimed that Job only followed God because he had a good life and many blessings.
Fill in the blank:
James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the _____ of the heavenly lights, who does not _____ like shifting shadows."
Father; change
Which book of the Bible do these verses come from?
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (____ 5:3-5).
Romans
What is moral evil?
Suffering caused by human actions, such as murder or war.
What is objective morality?
Moral truths that are true for everyone, no matter what people think or feel.
Example: Imagine someone steals money from a friend.
Objective View: "Stealing is wrong because God commanded us not to steal." (It's wrong no matter what the situation or culture says).
What happened to Job to test his faith?
Job lost his wealth and children.
Fill in the blank:
Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil ____ and good ____, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for ____ and sweet for ____.”
good; evil; sweet; bitter
According to the Bible, how did evil first enter the world?
Evil entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). This act of sin brought suffering and separation from God.
What is natural evil?
Suffering caused by natural events, such as earthquakes or diseases.
What is subjective morality?
Moral beliefs that depend on personal opinions or culture - what you think is right or wrong.
Example: Imagine someone steals money from a friend.
Subjective View - "It's fine if I needed the money more than they did." (Right and wrong depend on how I feel).
How did Job’s friends respond when they first saw his suffering?
They sat silently with him for seven days and nights to show their sympathy and support.
Fill in the blank:
Psalm 34:8: "Taste and see that the Lord is ____; ____ is the one who takes ____ in him."
good; blessed; refuge
In the story of Job, how did God respond at the end of Job’s suffering?
God restored Job’s health, family, and possessions, and Job’s faith was strengthened.
In the analogy of the "beautiful painting", what do the black smears represent?
Evil and suffering.
Does the Bible provide a subjective or objective standard for good and evil?
Objective standard. This means that what is right or wrong does not depend on people's opinions or feelings, but on God.
Based on the story of Job, describe two ways Christians can support someone who is suffering.
Christians can support others by (1) being present and listening, just like Job’s friends at first, and (2) encouraging faith and hope in God, reminding them that God is still good even during suffering.
Fill in the blank:
Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the ____ of those who ____ him, who have been called according to his ____."
good; love; purpose
What do Christians believe is God’s ultimate answer to suffering and evil?
Jesus’ death and resurrection — He defeated sin and promised eternal life where there will be no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:4).