Rooted in Faith: Understanding Evil and Christ's Victory
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of being "Rooted" in our faith, a series designed to deepen our understanding of God and our place in His creation. We began by inviting God's presence among us, seeking to know Him more intimately and to be firmly grounded in His love and truth. Our journey through this series has been structured in phases, starting with understanding who God is, who we are, and now moving into how we can take root in Him.
We delved into the age-old question of the problem of evil, a challenge that has perplexed theologians and believers alike. The world, created good by a good God, often seems marred by evil and suffering. This raises questions about God's nature and the existence of evil. We examined various perspectives, including the notion that evil is a proof of God's existence, as articulated by C.S. Lewis. The presence of evil, and our innate sense that the world should be better, points to a reality beyond our current experience.
The Bible offers a unique perspective on evil, identifying an enemy—Satan and spiritual forces—that has been at work since the beginning of humanity. However, the focus of Scripture is not on the enemy but on our relationship with God. We must avoid the extremes of denying the enemy's existence or attributing too much power to him. Instead, we are called to participate in the Gospel, recognizing that God has already won the victory through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Our task is not merely to be good or to protect our faith but to live out the victory that Christ has achieved. We are to die to ourselves and live in Him, demonstrating to the world that evil does not have the final say. As a church, we are empowered by Christ's victory to stand firm against evil, knowing that God's church is strong and that His ultimate victory is assured.
Key Takeaways:
1. Rooted in Faith: Being rooted in faith means drawing spiritual nourishment from God, which sustains us through life's challenges and enables us to support one another in spreading the Gospel. This rootedness is essential for a strong and enduring faith. [22:02]
2. The Problem of Evil: The presence of evil in the world is not evidence against God but rather a proof of our longing for a world as it should be. This longing points to a reality beyond our current experience, suggesting that we were created for something greater. [25:47]
3. The Enemy's Role: The Bible identifies an enemy, Satan, who has been at work since the beginning. However, the focus is on our relationship with God, not on the enemy. We must avoid the extremes of denying the enemy's existence or attributing too much power to him. [33:36]
4. Victory Through Christ: The answer to the problem of evil is found in participating in the Gospel. God has already won the victory through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and we are called to live out this victory in our daily lives. [42:04]
5. Living in Victory: As believers, we are empowered by Christ's victory to stand firm against evil. Our task is to live out the victory that Christ has achieved, demonstrating to the world that evil does not have the final say. [45:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:27] - Invitation to Worship
[20:37] - Testimony Through Song
[22:02] - Understanding Rootedness
[23:01] - Series Roadmap
[23:46] - The Problem of Evil
[25:47] - C.S. Lewis on Desire and Evil
[27:23] - Evidence of a Broken World
[28:26] - Modern Explanations of Evil
[30:01] - The Bible's Perspective on Evil
[31:42] - Genesis and the Enemy
[33:36] - The Role of Satan
[35:04] - Lies About the Enemy
[37:09] - Rootedness Beyond Doctrine
[39:19] - Responses to Evil
[41:29] - Participation in the Gospel
[42:46] - Living Out Christ's Victory
[45:01] - Empowered by Christ
[46:52] - Offering and Response
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Rooted in Faith
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 3:1 - "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden"?'"
2. Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "rooted" in faith according to the sermon? How does this concept relate to the idea of spiritual nourishment? [22:02]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of Satan and spiritual forces in the problem of evil? [33:36]
3. What is the significance of Jesus' victory on the cross in relation to the problem of evil, as discussed in the sermon? [42:04]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should live out the victory that Christ has achieved? [45:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the presence of evil in the world point to a reality beyond our current experience, as suggested by C.S. Lewis? [25:47]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Bible's focus is more on our relationship with God than on the enemy? [34:26]
3. How does the concept of being "rooted in faith" help believers stand firm against evil, according to the sermon? [22:02]
4. What does it mean to participate in the Gospel as a response to the problem of evil? [41:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways are you currently "rooted" in your faith? Are there areas where you feel you need deeper roots? [22:02]
2. How do you perceive the presence of evil in the world? Does it challenge your faith, or does it strengthen your belief in a greater reality? [25:47]
3. Consider your daily life: How can you actively participate in the victory that Christ has already achieved? What changes might you need to make? [42:04]
4. Think about a recent challenge you faced: How did your faith help you stand firm? What role did your understanding of Christ's victory play in that situation? [45:01]
5. Identify a specific way you can demonstrate to others that evil does not have the final say. How can you be a living testimony of Christ's victory? [43:58]
6. How can you avoid the extremes of denying the enemy's existence or attributing too much power to him in your spiritual journey? [35:04]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God and strengthen your spiritual roots? [22:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Rootedness in God's Nourishment
Being rooted in faith means drawing spiritual nourishment from God, which sustains us through life's challenges and enables us to support one another in spreading the Gospel. This rootedness is essential for a strong and enduring faith. To be rooted is to be deeply connected to the source of life, much like a tree that draws sustenance from the soil. In our spiritual journey, God is the soil that nourishes us, providing the strength and wisdom needed to navigate the complexities of life. This connection is not passive; it requires intentionality in seeking God's presence and allowing His love and truth to permeate every aspect of our lives. [22:02]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can deepen your connection with God this week to ensure you are spiritually nourished and able to support others in their faith journey?
Day 2: Longing for a Better World
The presence of evil in the world is not evidence against God but rather a proof of our longing for a world as it should be. This longing points to a reality beyond our current experience, suggesting that we were created for something greater. Our innate sense that the world should be better is a reflection of the divine image within us, a reminder that we are made for more than the brokenness we see around us. This longing is a call to action, urging us to participate in God's redemptive work and to live in hope of the new creation He promises. [25:47]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: In what ways do you see the longing for a better world manifesting in your life, and how can you channel this longing into positive action today?
Day 3: Understanding the Enemy's Influence
The Bible identifies an enemy, Satan, who has been at work since the beginning. However, the focus is on our relationship with God, not on the enemy. We must avoid the extremes of denying the enemy's existence or attributing too much power to him. Recognizing the enemy's influence is crucial, but it should not overshadow the centrality of our relationship with God. Our focus should remain on nurturing our connection with God, trusting in His power and sovereignty over all things. By doing so, we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes without fear or distraction. [33:36]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Reflection: How can you maintain a balanced perspective on the enemy's influence while keeping your primary focus on strengthening your relationship with God?
Day 4: Living Out Christ's Victory
The answer to the problem of evil is found in participating in the Gospel. God has already won the victory through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and we are called to live out this victory in our daily lives. This means embracing the reality of Christ's triumph over sin and death and allowing it to transform our actions, attitudes, and relationships. Living out this victory involves a daily commitment to die to ourselves and to live in Christ, demonstrating to the world that evil does not have the final say. [42:04]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live out the victory of Christ in your life, especially in areas where you feel defeated or discouraged?
Day 5: Empowered to Stand Firm
As believers, we are empowered by Christ's victory to stand firm against evil. Our task is to live out the victory that Christ has achieved, demonstrating to the world that evil does not have the final say. This empowerment comes from the Holy Spirit, who equips us with the strength and courage needed to face the challenges of life. By standing firm in our faith, we become beacons of hope and agents of change, showing others the transformative power of God's love and grace. [45:01]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to stand firm against evil, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to do so effectively?
Quotes
1) "Well, we're in a series called Rooted, that it's our goal and dream and desire and prayer from God that He would use this fall to root us in Him. And just as a reminder, what does it mean to have roots? If you have roots, it means your faith is giving you the nutrients you need to have a sustained and strong faith. It also is one that holds you steady if you're experiencing something that is hard. But also a reminder that the type of roots that God has called His church to is one in which the nutrients are spread across, where we are building each other up and we're spreading the gospel, that new plants sprout up." [22:02] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If you have this amazing God, this good God who created a good world and filled it with humanity, all of humanity being in the image of this good God, then why isn't the world so great? At times, right? This is the classic, you know, the theologians have talked about this as the problem of evil. Have you guys heard this? The problem of evil? And a lot of times you will hear people say, you know, here's why I don't believe in a God. How can a good God let me go through this thing? Or how can a good God allow this tragedy?" [24:47] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "But when we look at ourselves, when we look at humanity, when we think about what the world is supposed to be, and when we see humans do really bad things, something inside of us says that's not the way it's supposed to be. It's not supposed to be like that. That's an evidence that we're not living in the world as it's supposed to be, that there's something more for why we live. We think the world should be different than it is. It's actually a proof for God." [27:23] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The Bible makes the claim that it's not just us and the good God, but that there are spiritual powers and forces that are arrayed, that have caused from the beginning of humanity temptation and a desire for sin. For things to not be good like God made them to be. That is the Bible's answer to the problem of evil. That there isn't the evil one. We give it a lot of names. Satan, Lucifer, the devil. Right? And there are demons. And there are spiritual forces. You cannot take the Bible seriously without understanding that this is what the Bible says. It why evil is in the world." [33:36] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The answer to the problem of evil is participation in the Gospel. You see, because there is an enemy that is finite. That means there's an enemy that is not everywhere, but is. That is here to seek and destroy. That's prowling. There is real evil out there and forces in the spiritual realm that are desiring, that are desiring to pull us away from God, to pull the world away from the way it's supposed to be. But the Bible says that God is winning. Christians believe that even though there is a powerful enemy, God is already winning." [42:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And what we're supposed to do is not be good people. We're not supposed to just make people aware of the good things we're supposed to do. We're not just supposed to take care of ourselves or protect the faith. We're supposed to participate with what Jesus did on the cross. That we are to die to ourselves so that we may live in Him and bring about God's, God's victory that He has already won. That's what we're supposed to do. That's what we're rooted in is the belief that there is evil and that evil is real but evil is not going to win." [43:26] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And then when we go, we show out. We live in victory. We live in the fact that God is bringing about the ultimate victory. He is already defeated. Made a public show of evil. Made a public show of the evil one. There's this, behind that quote is actually a picture of a snake and Jesus stepping on the snake's head and biting of the snake. That's what we experience in the right now is that all Satan can do is bite your heel. And it hurts. The evil one can do a lot of painful things. But you know what? The church has his head in a vice grip." [44:30] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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